George James

New Laws Put Newspaper Legal Notices Online for Free

Two new laws will require newspapers to publish legal notices, such as foreclosures, estate notices, public notices, advertisements to bid, public meeting notices, and others, online for free public access. Earlier this week, Lisa McGraw, Public Affairs Manager for the Michigan Press Association, said that the Association was thrilled that the bills were signed.

Newspapers will be prohibited from placing legal notices behind a pay wall. The bills are hoped to improve access to public information while maintain records that newspapers provide.

The sponsors of the Senate bills, Democrat Sylvia Santana of Detroit and Republican Curtis VanderWall of Ludington, called the legislation “overdue” and “meant to increase public transparency”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Sherriff Awards Wade and Krzywiecki as Employees of the Year

And the Employee of the Year awards go to…Detective Kelsey Wade and Corrections Deputy Keith Krzywiecki.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office presented its inaugural Employee of the Year Awards last week during a ceremony at the Sheriff’s Office.

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King said, “I am extremely proud to be able to recognize Kelsey and Keith as our first recipients of the Employee of the Year Award. They were both nominated by several of their peers and have exemplified what it means to be an outstanding employee.”

The award recognizes Detective Kelsey Wade and Corrections Deputy Keith Krzywiecki for their daily commitment to quality work, willingness to carry out additional responsibilities beyond regular job assignments, and encouraging attitudes that contribute to positive morale.

Wade has been working at the Sheriff’s Department since 2006 and Krzywiecki has been with the department since 2007.

Both deputies received a certificate and a voucher for a night at a hotel and a gift card for dinner.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

More Foster Care Families Needed in Michigan

It’s Foster Care Month. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is in dire need of new foster families.

There are about 10,500 children in foster care in Michigan with 4,928 foster families. The highest need area is for older children, sibling groups, and kids with special needs. The goal is generally biological family reunification, but permanent adoption is an option when reunification is not possible.

Demetrius Starling, executive director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Agency said, “We are facing an increased need for foster families to provide stable and safe care for children due to the department’s commitment to provide family homes for children and reduce the use of congregate care settings, as well as a significant loss of foster homes during the pandemic.”

Experienced foster parents can answer questions for prospective foster parents with the Foster Care Navigator program at Michigan.gov/hopeforahome. Further contact information can be found at WGRT.com.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS or visit www.fcnp.org. Navigators are experienced foster care parents who can answer questions and guide prospective foster parents on their journey. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bird Flu Found in Local Fox Kits

Bird flu is making its way into local wild mammals. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus was found in young red foxes, or kits, from Lapeer, Macomb, and St. Clair counties. The virus mainly affects poultry, waterfowl, raptors, and scavengers.

The fox kits were reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources because of signs of illness they were exhibiting. Two foxes died within hours of collection, one at a later time, and one survived, but it developed blindness and is now housed at a nature center.

Megan Moriarty, the state wildlife veterinarian with the DNR, said, “HPAI H5N1 viruses may occasionally transmit from birds to mammals, as occurred in these cases, and there may be additional detections in other mammals during this outbreak, but they likely will be isolated cases. At this point, it is unclear how the fox kits became infected, but it’s possible that they were exposed by consuming infected birds, such as waterfowl.”

How to Report Suspected HPAI:

Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.

Calling a local DNR field office to speak to a field biologist.

Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “diseased wildlife” reporting option.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sergeant Todd Leveille’s Name Added to MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial

It’s National Police Week and to honor it, the Michigan State Police added Sergeant Todd Leveille’s name to the Fallen Trooper Memorial at the MSP Training Academy.

Leveille, who resided in Port Huron Township at the time of his passing, died on December 9th, 2021, after a duty-related exposure to COVID-19, according to the State Police.

Leveille was a 25-year veteran of the State Police and won the “Trooper of Year” award in 2005. He served at the Lapeer post. Leveille left behind a daughter and many family members and friends.

Leveille is one of 55 Michigan State Troopers who have been lost in the line of duty.

The Michigan State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial is located near Lansing. It is funded entirely with private donations. The memorial was constructed in 2001.

National Police Week occurs every year in May to honor the law enforcement community and pay respect to those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Go to WGRT.com for information on donating to the MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial.

https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/training/academy-news/fallen-trooper-memorial

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland