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Local News

Free Rides Offered To New Years Eve Partygoers

The Blue Water Area Transit (BWAT) and Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) will both be offering residents a free ride service beginning on New Year’s Eve for those who are interested. The Blue Water Area Transit will be offering free rides beginning at 6PM until 11PM for their regular bus service. 

There will also be five “Safe Ride” vehicles available Saturday, December 31st, from 6PM until Sunday, January 1st at 2AM. Individuals should make sure to schedule their rides as early as possible to avoid delays as phone lines will be shut off at 1:30AM on New Years Day. 

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center will also be providing residents with free rides within a five mile radius of downtown Port Huron beginning Saturday, December 31st, at 11PM until 2AM. Calls are not accepted after 2AM, so it’s best to schedule in advance to avoid delays. To schedule or reserve your free ride, call (888) 68-BWROC.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Popular Blood Pressure Medicine Quinapril Being Recalled

For many individuals, regulating their blood pressure with medication is a daily routine that allows them to live a normal functioning life. What happens when that same medication may be doing you just as much harm as it is good?

Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is recalling four lots of their blood pressure medication Quinapril, due to the presence of a nitrosamine impurity, N-Nitroso-Quinapril, observed to be above the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level. 

Quinapril Tablets USP 20mg, and 40mg, packaged in 90 count bottles has been distributed nationwide in the U.S. The recalled lot numbers are G102929 for the 20mg tablets, and G100533, G100534, and G203071. The recall is due to the impurity being known to increase the risk of cancer.

For more information, visit: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Clean Slate Laws” Makes Better Future For Those With Prior Convictions

We’ve all heard the saying, “New year new me,” and with the recent legislation in Michigan, some of those with prior criminal convictions will have the opportunity to a new shot at life.

As of April 2023, there will be an automatic system in place that will expunge certain convictions without having to fill out an application. Many who have been convicted of old crimes have served their time and turned over a new leaf, but those past convictions often come back to haunt them when applying for jobs, renting a home, or other aspects of life that can greatly affect quality of life. 

Up to two felony convictions can be expunged after 10 years of the person’s sentencing or release from custody. Up to four misdemeanors will automatically be expunged after 7 years.

For more information and details on what specific convictions are covered, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Consumers Energy Helping To Keep Veterans Warm This Winter

With more than 550,000 veterans living in the state of Michigan, over 50% of them are over the age of 65, and living on a fixed income. Consumers Energy recognizes, and understands that many are unable to pay their increasing energy bills, and have recently announced it will donate $300,000 to help veterans pay their heating bill through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF).

This donation would be the largest single donation by Consumers Energy in 76 years, and could help hundreds of veterans in need this winter. So far this winter they have provided over $7 million to help Michigan residents, including the donation made to the MVTF. 

Consumers Energy’s CEO Garrick Rochow says, “Natural gas prices have climbed across the Midwest and the nation, and we are committed to helping customers manage their bills and help those in need immediately.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Signs 45 Bills Before First Term Ends

As Gov. Whitmer’s first term in office winds down, she has signed 45 bills that will hopefully improve the State of Michigan and the lives of its residents.

Let’s take a look at a small portion of those bills, and how they affect Michigan residents. One of the bills signed is looking to raise the state’s recycling rates. An overhaul in how we handle waste will set new goals and standards for waste management.

Another package, the Michigan Reconnect grant, will offer those aged 25 and up tuition funds at a community college, so that they may pursue an associates degree or other professional certificate. The goal is to get more adults into higher education, to further improve the workforce.

Last but not least, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill that will collectively support the development of affordable housing units across Michigan.

For more details, visit: michigan.gov/whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Insignia Hotel New Years Eve Celebration In Sarnia

If you don’t have any plans for New Years Eve this year, you may want to check out one of the most luxurious and spectacular New Years parties in Sarnia. 

The Insignia Hotel, located at 283 Christina Street, will be hosting its New Years Eve 2023 Party on Saturday, December 31st. The party begins at 9PM and ends at 1AM. They will be featuring the ultimate party band Planet Express live, as well as party and dance music from the DJ for the night. The Legacy VIP Room will be offering the Raw Oyster Bar VIP Sushi Table, VIP Charcuterie Table, as well as a dessert table and complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.  

General admission will also come with the late night buffet, which will feature a variety of foods such as: tea smoked duck, vodka cured and applewood smoked salmon, gourmet pizzas, and much more. Tickets are $95 for general admission and $145 for VIP Legacy Room tickets.

For more information, visit: theinsigniahotel.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell