Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Port Huron Police Dept Receives Funding For Community Engagement

In any community there must be a competent and trustworthy police force to maintain law and order. To better gain the community’s trust and respect, officers are expected to conduct themselves as servants to those in the community.

The Port Huron Police Department (PHPD) is looking to have more community involvement, build a better relationship with residents, and to also receive their support as well. Through a generous gift from the James C. Acheson Fund, a new Port Huron Police Fund has been created to help do just that.

The new Port Huron Police Fund will help the department focus on community outreach through programs such as a summer reading program, community cupboards that offer free essential everyday items at their two outreach centers, and a new community outreach trailer loaded with games, sports equipment, TVs, and toys.

Police Chief Joe Platzer says, “It’s a win-win for our whole community and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the residents of Port Huron.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Be Prepared For Winter Safety Hazards

Here in Michigan we just experienced our first winter blizzard of the year, and hopefully our last. Not only does it make traveling a nightmare, but the winter cold and winds have a devastating effect on other aspects of our lives as well.

With the winds reaching speeds up to 40 – 50mph, it can cause trees and branches to topple, as well as electric wires. Make sure to cut your tree branches around your property to prevent any unnecessary accidents. In case of power outages be sure to stock up on candles, and purchase a generator if possible. 

Those leaving their home for extended periods, should be sure to keep the temperature of your home to at least 65 degrees, shut off water and drain pipes as well, to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Child Support Changes May Increase Payments Received

Policy changes enabled by the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget may mean bigger child support payments received for some Michigan families.

Through a continuation of efforts on behalf of Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Human Health and Services (MDHHS), the budget allows low-income families that receive cash assistance and child support, to receive an additional $1.1 million this year. 

Currently, MDHHS keeps a portion of all child support payments that are above what a parent would be paid, if that parent receives cash assistance. The money collected is used by the federal and state government to offset expenses used to fund the Family Independence Program. 

With the new change coming in January 2023, the law permits states to “pass through” child support payments directly to the families instead of it being recouped for government expenses.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

What To Do With Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us once again, we can all get back to our regularly scheduled lives. Time to sit back, and enjoy all of the gifts we have received from family and friends, but what do you do if you didn’t enjoy the gift you received this holiday season?

Seven in ten Americans say they have felt disappointed with gifts they have received, according to foxbusiness.com. So what do you do with those unwanted socks that you got from grandma for the fifth Christmas in a row? Instead of throwing them in the trash or setting them on fire, you can try one of these more thoughtful ideas:

  • Re-gift it.
  • Return or Exchange it.
  • Sell it. 
  • Or donate it to charity.

There’s no need to throw away your unwanted gifts or let them collect dust when there may be other uses for it, unless it’s fruitcake.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flint Mobile Food Pantries Available Throughout January

Food resources are always important to the community, but during winter months that need is even more critical. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide the residents of Flint with truckloads of food throughout the month of January. 

The MDHHS, in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, began the service of mobile food pantries back in February, 2016. The pantries allow agencies the ability to reach those communities in need, even if they are not physically located in that area. 

There will be four local churches distributing food throughout the month of January including: 

  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davidson Rd.
  • Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
  • Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy.
  • St. Mark Baptist Church, 3020 Dupont St.

For more information on food distribution schedules, visit: FBEM.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Currency Readers Now Available For The Blind Or Visually Impaired

For those Michiganders in the population who suffer from blindness or are visually impaired, there is a new currency reader available to assist you in counting your cash.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced the introduction of the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier. The iBill is a small handheld device that will identify the value of specific denominations of cash. It accomplishes this in one of three ways: a pattern of tones, a pattern of vibrations for privacy, or a clear natural voice. The iBill can identify all U.S. currency in circulation from the single dollar bill, up to the $100 bill.

Those who are blind or visually impaired can apply to receive the audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library. After the application process, the currency reader will be shipped out to the individual the next business day.

For more information on how to apply, contact the library by calling 1-800-992-9012, or by emailing: turnerb9@michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell