George James

Options Available for Missed Tax Deadline

State income taxes were due July 15, but there is help for those who may have missed it. The deadline was extended this year due to the pandemic.

If taxpayers have a tax bill, and they don’t have the money, they should pay as much as they can, according to a message from the State Treasury. Taxpayers will likely still have to pay the rest, but the Treasury says they will work out a plan for payment. A penalty waiver can be requested if reasonable cause can be proven. A monthly payment plan can also be arranged. There is also an Offer in Compromise option where an agreement can be reached to settle a final tax bill. Applications for all of the options can be found at Michigan.gov.

The Michigan State Treasury warns that refunds are only available for four years, so returns should be filed promptly to claim any outstanding refunds. 

According to State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, “If you have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment, we will work with you on payment options. Our goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Rules Hope to Increase Deer Harvest This Year

Deer hunting is a few months away, but the Michigan Natural Resources Commission has announced some new regulations that take effect for the 2020 season. The changes are intended to provide additional opportunities and cost savings for hunters, as well as offer flexibility for the pursuit of deer.

Statewide, the new regulations qualify deaf hunters for the Liberty and Independence hunts, which are hunt periods generally reserved for disabled veterans and youth. The statewide limit has been increased to ten per hunter for private land where property owners are trying to manage a deer overpopulation. Additionally, there are changes to quotas and licenses in the Lower Peninsula.

Chad Stewart, the DNR’s deer, elk, and moose program leader, said, “These recommendations are aimed at making it easier for hunters of all ages and experience levels to enjoy a Michigan outdoor tradition, while at the same time facing the present and future challenges of managing the state’s abundant deer population.”

The full list of changes in regulations can be found at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grants Available to Small Farms to Secure Food Industry

Local farms with less than ten employees can sign up for grants to help protect their hired help from COVID-19 and keep the food supply chain running smoothly. The Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant program is now accepting applications.

The program is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), who is using federal CARES Act funding. There is $1.25 million in grant money available, with $1000 available for each employee.

Farmers can use the money to pay for testing costs, PPE, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training, and upgraded safety procedures. Mark A. Burton, CEO of MEDC said, “The MEDC Small Farm Safety Grant will allow us additional security in our food industry and provide much-needed relief to farmers across Michigan.” 

Michigan agriculture employs over 800,000 people, exports $1.8 billion of food and agriculture products, and contributes $104.7 billion to Michigan’s economy each year. Applications for the MEDC grants are available at michiganbusiness.org/agsafety and are processed by GreenStone Farm Credit Services.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MHSAA Decides to Maintain Fall Schedule

The Michigan High School Athletic Association plans to keep the traditional schedule for fall sports, with the awareness that a contingency plan may need to come into play.

Acknowledging that the future is unknown, the MHSAA said “That contingency plan could mean that higher-risk sports would be postponed to later in the school year. If all Fall sports must be suspended, they will be rescheduled during a reconfigured calendar that would see Winter sports begin in November followed by the conclusion of Fall and Spring seasons potentially extending into July 2021.”

High-risk sports include football, girls’ volleyball, girls’ swimming & diving, and boys soccer because they include athletes in close contact or are played indoors. According to MHSAA, “Moving only selected Spring sports, like all low-risk to Fall, was not considered sound because it would force student-athletes to pick between sports they’ve previously played.”

The MHSAA Representative Council will meet again on July 29th. Football practices are scheduled to begin August 10th, with other sports following on August 12th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Back to School Plans Released by Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools’ “Return to School Advisory Committee” has released three plans. The use of each plan depends on which economic reopening phase the region is in, as determined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Right now, the region is in Phase Four. If that remains, school buildings will be open and students will have face-to-face instruction with maximum precautions taken. Those precautions include spacing, restrictions on visitors to the school, and face coverings required for all staff and for students in grades 6-12. Specials and electives will be offered.

If the region moves into Phase Five, precautionary safety practices will be used, but face coverings will not be required.

If the region slips back into Phase Three, buildings will be closed and virtual instruction will be implemented. The meal distribution program will be restarted while extracurriculars and athletics will be suspended.

In all three phases, each student will receive a Chromebook and all students will use the Learning Management System to access course material. Families may choose free online instruction no matter what Plan is in effect for grades pre-K through grade 12. The first day of school is scheduled for August 24th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Commission on Aging Teams Up with Hunter Hospitality House

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Commission on Aging has announced a partnership with Hunter Hospitality House. The Council voted to provide funds for the non-profit to provide free lodging, transportation, and amenities to seniors who may need to stay away from home while receiving medical care for themselves or loved ones.

The Commission on Aging is tasked with recommending appropriate spending of the Senior Citizen’s Millage. The vote was unanimous to provide up to $3,150 dollars to Hunter Hospitality House. The Port Huron non-profit has bed and breakfast style homes near both McLaren Port Huron Hospital and Lake Huron Medical Center. The allocation equates to 75 days of lodging, according to Executive Director Tracy Willard.

The Commission collaborates with eleven different agencies with 25 different programs. Hunter Hospitality House is now one of the providers. The Commission provides St. Clair County seniors 60 years of age and older with programs and services that promote their well-being and quality of life.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland