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Local News

Tax Credit Program Opening Soon for Historic Building Owners

Applications for Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program will be open on June 15th at 9 AM. Those who own commercial or residential properties in a local historic district or that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic sites can apply for tax credit to offset the cost of maintaining or rehabilitating their buildings.

This tax credit program is new as of December 30, 2020, and the rules and details are different from a past program that was in place until 2012. The credits are available as either Michigan Personal Income Tax Credits, Michigan Business Income Tax Credits, or both, and the credits can’t exceed 25% of the total qualified rehabilitation expenses.

Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer Mark A Rodman said, “Throughout Michigan, we are fortunate to have many historic buildings that provide a sense of community history and opportunity for growth and investment. However, unused buildings often contribute to blight and further disinvestment. In many cases, a stimulus can often ensure that these important structures are maintained and rehabilitated.”

Rodman also said, “The new State Historic Tax Credit Program will assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s historic resources, resulting in vibrant, unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play. We are excited to be able to offer this additional source for investment for both commercial and residential properties across the state.”

According to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the “State Historic Tax Credit Program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources.”

To learn more visit:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Millage Proposal to Support EMS on Aug 2 Ballot

A group called Citizens Supporting and Protecting Our Local First Responders is asking for the community’s support in the August 2nd primary. The millage proposal on the ballot called the Ambulance Service proposal will provide funding for EMS services in St. Clair County.

According to the group, demand for EMS services in St. Clair County has increased by 31% over the last 10 years, and funding for services hasn’t kept pace with the increase.

If the proposal passes, it would cost each household in St. Clair County around $50 per year (based on the $100,000 taxable value of a home), and that revenue will prevent EMS services from being reduced.

Ken Cummings, CEO of Tri-Hospital EMS, said, “EMS service is essential. It is a matter of life and death. We proudly answer the call anytime someone needs us, and now we are asking for help so that we can continue serving local residents. While call volumes and costs have risen, our funding has remained stagnant and that’s why we’re seeking community support on Aug. 2nd.”

To learn more about Citizens Supporting and Protecting Our Local First Responders visit their website at:

https://www.sayyestoems.com/

 

 

Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports Makes Recommendations

Note to reader- Title IX : “Title 9”

The Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports has made its first recommendations after three years of research and development. The Task Force has been looking at ways to support and promote opportunities for women and girls in sports in Michigan.

Task Force Chair, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, made the announcement at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week. Benson said that “it’s critical that women and girls in Michigan are provided what they deserve – high quality and equitable opportunities to participate in sports as athletes, coaches, and administrators.”

The Task Force recommends that Federal Title IX laws be expanded and modernized, as the landmark law is now 50 years old. They also recommended that investment in talent and leadership pathways be made to explicitly support the growth of women and girls in and through sports. Another recommendation was to engage the public, youth sports, and business communities to support solutions for equitable opportunities.

A link to the full report can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/35lawens/WIS-Task-Force-Exec-Summary-Web.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Magna Sponsors St. Clair’s Blue Water Offshore Powerboat Races July 29-31

The Blue Water Offshore Racing Association has announced that the St. Clair River Classic Offshore Powerboat Race will be returning to the St. Clair River this summer thanks to a second year of sponsorship from Magna.

Steve Brunner, the president of the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association said, “Partnerships with the local community are critical to the continued success of our event, as we have reshaped how the event looks and is produced. We are extremely excited about this continued partnership with Magna.”

The auto supplier, Magna, which has recently completed construction on a new plant in St. Clair, is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the mobility sector. It is currently supplying battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer electric vehicle.

Chris Hinman, the general manager of Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan said, “We are thrilled to be able to sponsor such an exciting event that’s within two miles of Magna’s newest manufacturing operation. It’s a great opportunity for us to support the community and potentially attract new and future employees.”

The races will be held July 29th through 31st in St. Clair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Fishing, Kid’s Fishing Clinic, Kid’s Fishing Derby June 11th

June 11th and 12th are part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “Three Free” Weekend that offers free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry for both Michigan residents and those visiting from out of state.

DNR Director Dan Eichinger said, “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ Weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

A pair of local events are geared toward kids who might want to give fishing a try.

The City of St. Clair is holding its River Activity Day with the Cargill Kid’s Fishing Derby from 7:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at Pine Shores Golf Course.

Port Huron Township is hosting the 30th Annual Free Fishing Clinic for Kids at the William P. Thompson Pond on 40th Street from 11:00 to 2:00 with free fishing poles and bait available, free food, and fun informational booths.

More information about the local events and the statewide “Three Free” Weekend can be found at the links below.

https://porthurontownship.org/news/kids-free-fishing-clinic

https://www.stclairrec.com/events/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/31a44b6

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DTE Does Not Anticipate Any Brownouts This Summer

If you’ve heard reports that there could be blackouts or brownouts during the days of highest demand on the electrical grid this summer, DTE says not to worry.

In a statement to customers, DTE Electric President and Chief Operating Officer Trevor Lauer said that there is plenty of power for the region that DTE covers and that the report from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator actually refers to the whole power grid that contains fifteen states and one Canadian province.

That grid as a whole could have issues, and in response, DTE might have to ask for voluntarily reduced consumption so that DTE can supply for the gaps in the region, but they do not anticipate any forced power outages.

In the letter, Lauer said, “As the largest energy producer in the state of Michigan, DTE has the energy needed to serve our customers – plus reserves – even during the hottest days of summer. We do not expect rolling brownouts or any issues with generating the electricity you need to live your life all summer long.”

Lauer also mentioned that the Blue Water Energy Center power plant in East China will launch in June and will be the cleanest, most efficient natural gas power plant in the United States.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland