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Local News

Prep Now to Support Letter Carriers Food Drive

The National Association of Letter Carriers is planning its first Food Drive after being on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Letter Carrier’s Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Those who want to support this national effort to Stamp Out Hunger can donate nonperishable food items by leaving them in a bag next to their mailbox on May 14th so their letter carriers can pick them up.

No special bags are needed for donations, and some of the top-requested food items to donate are cereal, pasta, canned goods, peanut butter, and 100% juice. Healthy, low-sodium, or low-sugar items are needed as well along with canola and olive oils.

The Letter Carriers Food Drive has been running for 30 years and reaches 1,500 post offices in all 50 states. Local donations will benefit the Blue Water Community Food Depot.

More information is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Putting Away Bird Feeders Could Slow the Spread of Bird Flu

Filling up the birdfeeders is a spring ritual for many people, but this year is different. Michigan residents are asked to consider putting away bird feeders out of an abundance of caution to stop the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or “Bird Flu”.

The deadly disease is making its way through both domestic and wild birds throughout the state. Waterfowl, raptors, and scavenger birds are highly susceptible and have been particularly affected by the disease, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

There is not a widespread recommendation yet, but those who generally get a lot of blue jays, crows, or ravens at their feeders, or who have poultry, raptors, or waterfowl in the area, should exercise caution when feeding birds. The birdfeeders could contribute to disease spread.

For those who choose to keep bird feeders up, the DNR recommends cleaning them with a diluted bleach solution once per week, cleaning up any fallen birdseed, and not feeding wild birds near domestic flocks, like backyard chickens.

The DNR also wants to know about any unusual bird deaths so they can closely monitor the spread of Avian Influenza.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Working with National Park Service to Pilot Accessibility Innovations

The State of Michigan and the National Park Service are working together to increase the accessibility of electric vehicles in Michigan’s five national parks as well as find innovative ways to make parks available to everyone, from families with babies to elderly visitors. Michigan will pilot emerging mobility technology as well as innovative accessibility measures.

The collaboration includes a commitment to research and implement environmental sustainability and visitor access projects, identify potential electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects, advance innovative mobility and electrification initiatives, engage the community in pilot projects, and share knowledge leading toward the Lake Michigan Circuit to enable electric vehicle tourism at state and national parks around the Great Lakes.

Michigan’s five National Parks are Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Aven Campau photos taken by Jennifer Knightstep, Jen Knightstep Photography

Aven Campau, Port Huron Northern Student, Nominated for Detroit Filmmaker Award

The 2nd Annual Detroit Filmmaker Awards Ceremony will take place at the Charles H. Wright Museum on May 22, 2022, and Aven Campau, a Port Huron Northern sophomore, has been nominated for best actor in a short film.

Aven played the role of the son in the short film, Mr. Seek, which was filmed in Detroit and released in late 2019. The film shares the story of a son who cares for his father during his frequent mental health episodes. Mr Seek was selected for awards at the New York Lift-Off Film Festival in 2020, the WILDsound Feedback Film Festival in 2021, and the Dark Story Film Festival also in 2021.

Mr Seek was also nominated for Best Editing, Matt Holloway;  Best Cinematography, Brandon Roberts; and Best Director, Brianna Celestina.

When asked how he felt about the nomination, Campau said, ‘“I thought it was really cool! Brianna and the entire crew were amazing and I’m so happy to see them all get nominations too.”

Campau’s mother, Missy Campau, said, “I was completely caught off guard by this nomination. He works very hard and I’m incredibly proud of him. This industry  is as difficult as it is rewarding so recognition goes a long way.”

Aven Campau started acting in 2017 and has participated in over 30 projects since then in Detroit, Chicago, Connecticut, and New York. He’s also a visual artist with work available for sale on Etsy at his shop, Art by Aven.

 

 

To learn more about Aven Campau and his career, visit: https://avencampau.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Convention of States Holding Town Hall in May

A group of citizens are holding a Town Hall meeting in May to provide information about calling a Convention of States. Their purpose is to debunk myths and answer questions about self governance, the role of state and local government, and the solutions they believe a Convention of States can offer.

The Town Hall event is May 10, 2022 from 7 – 8:30 PM at the St. Clair Lions Club in East China.

A Convention of States provides an alternative to amending the Constitution through proposals by Congress. It can be initiated by two-thirds of the legislatures of several states who would pass a resolution calling for all 50 states to hold a Convention of States. At the Convention of States, the Constitution could be amended by selected delegates.

According to a press release from the Michigan Convention of States Action team, Michigan House of Representatives candidate, Jay DeBoyer, current St. Clair County Clerk, will participate in the town hall. DeBoyer is running for State Representative of the 63rd District which covers Clay, China, Cottrellville, East China, Ira, and part of Casco Townships, as well as the cities of Algonac, Marine City, and St. Clair.

In a list of frequently asked questions provided by the Convention of States Action Project, the reason for calling a Convention of States is because “[t]he federal government is spending this county to the ground, seizing power from the states, and taking liberty from the people.”

More information is available by visiting

https://conventionofstates.com/michigan-home

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Special Open Enrollment Period In Effect for Health Insurance Marketplace

Michigan residents can enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period. The enrollment period is in effect from now until November 30th with coverage starting on the first day of the month after enrollment.

Department of Insurance and Financial Director Anita Fox explained, “Many Michiganders now have free or low-cost health insurance thanks to increased enrollment opportunities and the American Rescue Plan, but many thousands more remain uninsured despite being eligible for significant out of pocket savings.” 

The Special Enrollment Period is for those who have a household income that falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The level is around $19,000 for an individual and $40,000 for a family of four. Those who qualify will also be eligible for an Advance Premium Tax Credit that could make the Marketplace plan available at no cost. 

Free local enrollment help is available to help you take advantage of this new opportunity at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. You can also contact DIFS, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 877-999-6442 for information about getting started. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland