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Local News

New Laws Prevent Crime Victims from Having to Appear at Parole Hearings

Two new bills have been signed into law to protect public safety. Both bills amend the Michigan Corrections Code. The new laws allow the Michigan Parole Board to deny parole for up to five years, and in certain circumstances, to prevent victims from having to appear every year at parole hearings. The bills pertain to violent crimes only.

The bills come as a relief to victims of violent crime who now don’t have to relive the traumatizing experiences at parole hearings. The bills reform the reviewing and reporting requirements and generally require a majority vote of the Parole Board.

After the bills were signed last week, Randy Gilbert, a survivor of violent crime, said, “Today, I am breathing a sigh of relief knowing that my family and many others across Michigan are safer. This legislation ensures that survivors of horrific crimes are not retraumatized year after year by being forced to relive the worst thing that happened to them.”

House Bills 4562 and 4563 will have little effect on prisoners, but have a huge impact on families who are living with the trauma of being crime victims, according to the bill’s advocates.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanilac County Parents Can Attend Parent University

Sanilac County parents of young children can participate in a free program to help them prepare their kids for learning and give them a great start for the future. Sanilac Great Start Collaborative is hosting Parent University on Saturday, April 23 from 8 AM – 2 PM.

Parent University is a hands-on opportunity for parents to learn what to expect at each developmental stage of a child’s life and be equipped as their child’s first teacher. The seminar will cover a variety of topics including, managing screen time, developing reading skills, and dealing with the stress of parenting.

Sanilac County parents can attend the event for free, and out-of-county parents can join in for $10. Pre-registration is required b y contacting Sanilac County Great Start at (810) 404-4739 or emailing Kim Hurlburt at khurlburt@sanilacisd.org.

Limited free onsite childcare is provided, and the first 20 registrants will receive a gas card.

Learn more at Great Start Collaborative Sanilac’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/greatstartcollaborativesanilac/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Watch Out for Pedestrians, Bikes on Dark Mornings

By now, you have already noticed the annual jolt to the system that Daylight Savings brings. The darker morning, especially during the busy morning commute, has prompted a warning from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

Drivers are reminded to watch out for pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists and to maintain at least a three-foot distance between bikes and vehicles.

MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “As the weather gets warmer, we anticipate more people getting out for some exercise and fresh air. Pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving.”

Drivers are required to share roads with cyclists. Bike riders are asked to ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Crashes with bikes are increasing, according to federal data. Drivers are asked to maintain vigilance when passing pedestrians and cyclists, especially during those dark mornings.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program Informational Meeting March 16th

The cost of childcare can be a deal-breaker for parents contemplating entering the workforce. That could change for workers in the Blue Water area thanks to the MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program. A state grant has provided $300,000 for St. Clair County’s Tri-Share Program.

The MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program shares the cost of childcare between the state, the employer, and the parent. Participating employers could see their employees’ childcare costs decreased by two-thirds, giving them more incentive to get back into the workforce and stay employed.

Business owners and Human Resources Professionals are asked to attend a short informational virtual meeting on Wednesday, March 16th to learn more about the innovative new program and how it can impact their business.

The meeting is hosted by the St. Clair County RESA and the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. A link to sign up for the Zoom meeting can be found <HERE>. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Operation Transformation Plans Open House to “Spring Ahead” with Fundraising Goals

Operation Transformation is hoping to “Spring Ahead” by raising $25,000. They will be hosting an Open House where donors and interested community members can see what the Port Huron non-profit does in the area.

The Open House is Thursday, March 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their headquarters at 1904 Poplar Street in Port Huron. Donations can be made at the Open House, or by phone or mail. They have a $6,000 matching fund that could be doubled at the fundraiser.

Those who attend the Open House will get to see what OT has been up to over the past year and get a look at their ongoing projects.

Operation Transformation works with civic and service organizations to reach out to the community. Projects include the Seek God for the City Lenten program, the Compass Christian Business Alliance, Foster Care Assistance, and other initiatives like food giveaways.

OT is also the organizer of the popular Family Night activities during the annual Blue Water Fest in the summer.  

Go to optrans.org for more information.

https://www.optrans.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLain Protests Russian Animal Research and COVID Vaccine Databases

Congresswoman Lisa McLain, who represents the 10th Congressional District, which includes the Blue Water Area, has taken action on two issues recently: animal research in Russia and the potential for a national database of federal employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 due to religious exemption.

Regarding animal research, McLain demanded that the National Institutes of Health end their funding of animal research at Russian state-run labs. There are currently four labs in Russia that receive some form of funding from the United States. The proposed act would prevent funding in several countries that are considered foreign adversaries.

McLain also cosponsored the Preventing Abusive Government Efforts (PAGE) Act which would “prohibit the federal government from compiling or maintaining a database of federal employees who received a religious exemption or accommodation for the COVID vaccine.”

McLain said, “The PAGE Act will not only prevent the government from tracking those who got a religious exemption, but it’ll also ensure any existing database is destroyed.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland