George James

New License Plate Features Kirtland’s Warbler

Michigan auto-owners have a new way to support local wildlife conservation efforts. There is a new license plate option that features the Kirtland’s Warbler, a bird that was once in danger of extinction but has now been removed from the endangered species list.

Bird lovers helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the availability of the nesting habitat for the little yellow and gray songbird. The Kirtland’s warbler only nests on the ground in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. They winter in the Caribbean.

Once down to just an estimated 400 birds, the count is now at about 4500, with ongoing habitat protection and careful management of the delicate nesting areas.

Those who purchase the special designation on their license plate will be supporting the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust. The license plate program has generated over $3.9 million since starting in 2006 with the Loon icon.

The license plate will cost $35 with $25 of the price going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Seeks Public Input on Algonac State Park

If Algonac State Park is your go-to camping spot, you might want to get involved in making the 1,550-acre scenic St. Clair County park even better. Algonac State Park is the topic of an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is gathering public feedback on a new management plan for the popular state park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20th, from 6-7 p.m.

Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “Public input is a critical part of the planning process. We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

The DNR reports that the meeting will feature a review of the draft management plan, proposed improvements, and planning process, and will give the public an opportunity to share feedback and questions.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterward. There will also be an opportunity for additional public input after the meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Rep. Phil Green Announces Candidacy for New 67th District

The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Committee has completed their work and Michigan’s politicians are quickly aligning themselves with the new districts.

State Representative Phil Green, a Republican from Tuscola County, currently represents the 84th district. Green has announced his candidacy for the newly created 67th District.

The new district includes portions of Tuscola, Lapeer, and Genesee Counties, including the city of Lapeer.

Representative Green said, “I would be an honor to represent the people of the new 67th district. As a region, many of the same issues that I have fought to resolve over the past three years are the same issues the new district also faces.”

Green continued, saying, “I look forward to continue to advocate great jobs, increasing the availability of training in the skilled trades, access to high speed internet for our rural residents, and effective health care including mental health services.” 

Green worked as a youth pastor and chaplain for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office before being elected to the Michigan House in 2018.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Need Help Paying for College? Scholarships and Grants Available

Paying for college takes planning and preparation. Both the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and The Athletic Factory in Port Huron could be able to help.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has opened its 2022/2023 Scholarship Application portal on its website. Applications are due March 13th.

One application is all that is needed to apply for most of the Community Foundation Scholarships. The scholarships are for high school or GED graduates and current college students, as well as non-traditional and returning students.

The Athletic Factory is hosting a series of workshops to explain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and the Tuition Incentive Program, or TIP. TIP money is available to students who received Medicaid benefits for two years within a three-year period between age 9 and graduation. Completing the FAFSA is mandatory for receiving any kind of aid at most colleges. 

The workshops are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athletic Factory’s location at Trinity Lutheran Church on 10th Street in Port Huron.

Visit the following links for more information on both the Community Foundation Scholarships and the FAFSA and TIP Workshops.

https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2165604/schools/86647

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/scholarships/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State AG Reinforces Stiff Penalties for School Threats

Making a threat against a school to get a day off could end with a lot of days off – in jail. Michigan Attorney General released a video explaining the consequences of making threats, whether real or fake.

Nessel said, “Local law enforcement agencies have reported threats on social media that number in the hundreds within their own communities. As a result, kids in our state have missed valuable days of instruction as school administrators are forced to close buildings to keep kids safe.”

Explaining the penalties that can be levied when the perpetrators get caught, Nessel said, “Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences.” 

According to state law, communicating a threat of terrorism is a 20-year felony. Calling in a bomb threat is a 4-year felony and using a phone to make a threat is a 6-month misdemeanor, with more possible charges for each threat against a school employee or student.

The video can be viewed on the Department of Attorney General’s YouTube page. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Office of Rural Development Charged with Reaching Out to Rural Michigan

Rural Michigan could be getting some help with the establishment of the Office of Rural Development within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

On issuing the executive directive to establish the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned the “unique challenges and opportunities in our rural communities.”

The responsibilities of the new Office of Rural Development will include collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others to develop economies of rural areas. Affordable housing is also on the radar for the new Office.

Along with promoting sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy development, the Office will study population and demographic trends and provide guidance on education-related issues.

Bolstering high-speed internet access in rural communities is a goal for the new Office, as is a collaboration with tribal leaders.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “We are committed to investing in our rural communities and businesses through job creation, broadband and infrastructure expansion.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland