George James

Vigilance Against Scams Needed When Investing in Crypto

Investing in cryptocurrency is growing in popularity. As opportunities to make money grow, the potential for scamming or for misunderstanding the complicated world of digital currency is also on the rise.

The Michigan Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have issued a joint consumer alert regarding cryptocurrency. The value of the total cryptocurrency market is $2 trillion worldwide.

The state agencies suggest that potential investors research before using a company. Add the word “scam” or “complaint” to your search and see what comes up. Be very cautious when giving personal credit card or bank information or when using Venmo or other payment apps. Also, celebrity endorsements do not mean that a company is legit. It could still be a scam.

Anita Fox of DIFS said, “It pays to do your homework with reputable sources before initiating a transfer or giving out any personal information, and remember that if an offer seems too good to be true – it could be a scam.”   

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Worked Through the Pandemic? One-time Payment Could Be Coming your Way

With legislation in the works to temporarily pay Michigan unemployment recipients to get back to work, those who have faithfully worked throughout the pandemic are saying, “What about us?”

The “Hero Pay” proposal is part of a resolution that would provide one-time payments to essential employees who worked through the pandemic. The resolution is supported by Governor Whitmer and would be paid with federal money.

Resolutions were introduced by Democratic Senator Marshall Bullock of Detroit and Democratic Representative Cynthia Neeley of Flint.

Whitmer said, “The hundreds of thousands of folks who worked through the pandemic to keep the rest of us going embody what being a Michigander is all about: you care for your neighbors, you work hard, you get it done no matter the odds. We must ensure they have the support they need to thrive as we emerge from the pandemic together.”

The specifics as to who would get the money, how much they would get, and when they would get it have yet to be figured out by the legislature and the Governor’s Office. A one-time $1000 stipend and a $2 per hour raise were given out to some front-line workers earlier in the pandemic.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Jurassic Quest Gives a Fun Science Lesson with Drive-Thru Experience

Don’t know the difference between an Allosaurus and an Iguanodon? You will after spending forty minutes or so at the Jurassic Quest drive-through dinosaur exhibit in the parking area of the DTE Energy Music Theater (Pine Knob). Families drive through the route and listen to an audio program full of facts about the automated dinosaur replicas, with a suspenseful and humorous storyline woven into the science lessons.

The exhibit is worth the drive for young minds who have an interest in paleontology or older minds who are impressed by the mixture of large-scale robotics, scientific research, drama, and archaeology.

One of the “Dinosaur Handlers”, Prehistoric Nick, told us that the exhibit is based on real science and constructed in consultation with paleontologists. He said that it has been shown that kids who have an interest in dinosaurs end up pursuing a further interest in science, technology, and even the arts.

Jurassic Quest is based in Texas and sets up the giant exhibits throughout the country. The exhibit at the DTE runs through July 4th, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets cost $49 per vehicle.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Warns of Statewide Fire Danger

Be incredibly careful burning things outside. That’s the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After an unusually dry spring, summer rains look to be few and far between. Most areas of Michigan are at risk of extreme fire danger.

Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR, said “Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there. People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”

With the state opening back up and people celebrating summer holidays with fireworks, camping trips, and outdoor activities, simple precautions are in order.

Throwing cigarettes out a car window or onto the ground at any time is a bad habit, but a common one. Don’t do it. Many forest fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.

If pulling a trailer or camper, be aware of dragging chains that can cause sparks and set off a brush fire. Also, if riding off-road-vehicles, stick to the trails, as hot engines can also cause brush fires.

Finally, be especially careful with fireworks. Never shoot them into woods, dry grass, or shrubs, and put used sparklers into a bucket of water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Race Series Gets Started this Weekend

The Blue Water Race Series kicks off its second season this weekend with the Artful Dodger Race in St. Clair. The Race Series consists of six running races that span June to December of this year. Those who participate in all six events not only have a major athletic accomplishment to be proud of but can earn a commemorative jacket.

The races in this year’s series include summer, fall, and winter runs. The summer races start with the St. Clair Artful Dodger this weekend and the Algonac Pickerel Run on the 4th of July. The fall races are the P.S. You’re My Hero run in Port Huron on September 19th and the Run for Recovery in Port Huron on October 9th.

November brings the Friendsgiving Tyler Kreitler Memorial Run in Marine City, and the Jingle Bell Run in Port Huron.

Runners get to choose between 5k and 10k options for most races. There are usually one-mile walks as well.

To get more information about the Blue Water Race Series, visit the following link to the website or check out Blue Water Race Series Facebook page.

https://bwrs.enmotive.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland