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Local News

New Senior Lunch Program Offers Socialization And Camaraderie

The Council on Aging has a new program that seeks to provide a place for seniors to meet new ppl and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The senior meal program began last week on February 6th, it’s located at the Elger Harvey Reinvestment Center at 3012 24th Street, Port Huron. Hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Lunch will be served at 11:30 with an optional donation of $2.50, but is not required to participate in the program. What is required is that you be aged 60 and up, as well as making registrations at least 24 hours in advance.

 Transportation is available for those who may need it as well.  

To make reservations, call (810) 982-4400, for transportation call (810) 984-4200 at least 24 hrs in advance. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beware Of Text Message Scams Concerning SNAP EBT Benefits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are warning Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messaging scams claiming that their EBT benefit cards are locked. 

Scammers are attempting this new tactic to gain access to your card’s funds. Responding to it may put you at risk of having your benefits stolen. 

Those who receive government food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rely on these benefits to feed their families. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Don’t share your passwords or pin number.
  • Check your account regularly.
  • Change your pin if you suspect suspicious activity.
  • Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages. 
  • Don’t respond to suspicious or spam text messages.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Reps Disagree With Gov Whitmer’s Plans For Cyber Schooling

When it comes to education and the ways things are taught in today’s world, a vast amount of information is shared and taught via the internet or digital online courses. Our public education also utilizes digital means to accommodate certain students under particular circumstances, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Michigan Reps. Jaime Greene and Kathy Schmaltz are urging  Gov. Whitmer to withdraw her budget proposal that would drastically cut funding for students in Michigan who attend online or cyber schools. There are currently more than 20,000 students who attend cyber schools. 

Gov. Whitmer is calling for a 20% per-pupil reduction for online schools. These schools help educate those who are unable to attend in person due to a variety of reasons. Some are medical reasons that prevent them from being educated in person.

Rep. Schmaltz says, “Many students excel in this environment and they deserve to reach their fullest potential.”   

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Popular Cleaning Brand Fabuloso Due To Bacteria Exposure Risk

The popular multi-purpose cleaner Fabuloso is being recalled due to a possible bacteria that may harm individuals with a weakened immune system according to the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC).

Fabuloso is manufactured by the Colgate-Palmolive Company of New York. On February 8th, news was released about the recall affecting approximately 5 million products in the U.S. and around 56,000 products in Canada.

The reason there is a recall is due to the product containing Pseudomonas species bacteria. Pseudomonas bacteria are found widely in soil and water. 

Individuals with weakened immune systems, external medical devices, or underlying lung conditions face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can be inhaled, or enter through a break in the skin, or through the eyes. Those with a healthy immune system are not usually affected by the bacteria. 

For more information on what products are affected, visit: cpsc.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Environmental Cleanup Funding To Support New Housing Space In Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids has been approved to receive funding that will cover the cost of environmental cleanup for the redevelopment of a contaminated site.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) provided $20.7 million in brownfield funding in 2022 which has been used to fund 67 projects statewide. 

Brownfields are vacant or abandoned properties with known or suspected contamination. When these sites are cleaned and developed, it increases property values at the site, as well as those of other nearby properties. “The Lofts on Grove” project is expected to generate $24.3 million in investment.

The project will see new apartments and commercial space in the city. When finished, the Lofts on Grove will be a four-story building with 110 apartments and more than 3,200 feet of commercial space. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marysville Cheer Team Claim Third Consecutive League Title

The Marysville Vikings competitive cheer team is performing extremely well this season. The Vikings are currently ranked in the top ten in the state in Division 2.

This week the team entered the final MAC meet tied for first place with Chippewa Valley. The competition was held at Grosse Pointe North where the Vikings walked away with the first place victory with a final score of 757.32. Second and third place went to Lamphere with a score of 751.8 and Chippewa Valley with a score of 740.06. 

The competition saw Marysville set school records for Round 1, Round 3, and total scores. 

If you would like to check out the Marysville Vikings competitive cheer team in person, their next competition will be Monday, February 13th starting at 6 p.m. at Richmond for their last regular season meet. Districts begin February 18th in Fenton.

More details on Vikings 1st place victory at: thesportsreportmi.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell