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Local News

“Wyatt’s Law” Makes Child Abuse and Neglect Information Accessible

“Wyatt’s Law” has been signed as part of a package of legislation that establishes a statewide child abuse registry and a statewide electronic case management system to track confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect.

The registry will be accessible to parents and guardians of Michigan children and would modify the procedure to amend or expunge inaccurate reports.

Wyatt’s law is named after Wyatt Hammel who was abused by someone who had a previous history of child abuse. The legislation was introduced by State Representative Kevin Hertel who acted on behalf of Wyatt’s mother, Erica Hammel, who has been advocating for the legislation for 7 ½ years.

Hertel said, “While Erica and Wyatt will always feel the impacts of child abuse, this law will bring justice for countless other families by helping prevent abuse before it can happen.” 

Erica Hammel said, “What happened to Wyatt could have been prevented had pertinent information been easily accessible. Starting today, countless children’s lives in Michigan will be saved because that information is NOW easily accessible.” 

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nessel and Coalition Request Immediate Student Loan Cancellation

Financial Aid 101 teaches that student loans are not “free money”. You have to pay it back. But the rules might be rewritten if a coalition of Democratic Attorneys General can persuade President Biden to sign off on forgiving the $1.7 trillion debt. The coalition, which includes Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel, described the burden of student debt as “unmanageable”.

The coalition argues that the debt needs to be fully forgiven for every borrower because the repayment system is “systemically flawed”. The unilateral cancellation of student debt would “reduce stress and mental fatigue”, according to the letter, and enable borrowers with forgiven loans to save for retirement and purchase new homes.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Hardships created by the pandemic – and the subsequent hold on loan payments – prove we are equipped to cancel student debt once and for all.”

The status of repayment for future borrowers is not addressed in the request, nor is there a plan to reform the student loan system that is characterized as “systemically flawed”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Food, Personal Care Items at Community Resource Fair May 13th at SC4

The St. Clair County Community Resource Fair is scheduled for May 13th at St. Clair County Community College.

The one-day, one-stop fair is meant to provide services and supports for those who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless or experiencing extreme financial difficulty. The event is drive-thru with a mobile food pantry, personal care items, and resource bags.

Resource bags will contain print materials from local agencies that offer assistance. Onsite COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available.

Bonnie Dinardo, Executive Director of Community and Public Relations at St. Clair County Community College, said, “We understand that many in our community are struggling to make ends meet. Due to the strains of COVID-19 and the overall increase in the price of goods, more people are seeking help.”

Dinardo said that the “goal with the Community Resource Fair is to provide essentials like food and hygiene items while also connecting folks with local resources that can provide more long-term solutions.”

SC4 is located at 323 Erie Street in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lesser, Marsh, Smith Chosen as Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and Port Huron Schools singled out three employees who have excelled in their professions with the Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year Awards.

This year’s winners are Chuck Lesser, Tammy Marsh, and Susie Smith.

Chuck Lesser is the Principal of Keewahdin Elementary. He was chosen as the Advocator of the year for his work as principal at the district elementary school since 2016.

Tammy Marsh has worked for Port Huron Schools for 44 years. She serves as Executive Secretary at Port Huron High School. Marsh received the Innovator of the Year Award.

Susie Smith is a Kindergarten Teacher at Garfield Elementary. She has been a teacher in the district for fifteen years and has been at Garfield for twelve years.

The trio was presented with prizes from local businesses that were delivered by Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas, who said, “This is an exciting way for our district to celebrate our exceptional staff and show our commitment to their success. Making this announcement in the midst of national Teacher Appreciation Week makes this tradition even more special for Port Huron Schools.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Turbo Tax Free Edition Users Could Get $30 Settlement

Turbo Tax offers a fast way to complete taxes without going to an accountant. But the online filing service has lost a lawsuit accusing the company of deceiving consumers into paying for tax services that should have been free.

The owner of Turbo Tax, Intuit, will pay millions of consumers who used Turbo Tax Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file despite being eligible to file for free through the IRS Free File Program.

Affected taxpayers will receive a direct payment of about $30 for each year that they were duped into paying for the “free” tax preparation. Those who are impacted will automatically receive notices with an explanation of the reimbursement process.

Affected Michigan taxpayers are eligible to get about $3.5 million spread across 115,000 tax filers. The nationwide settlement equals $14 million. Intuit has agreed to adopt more transparent business practices.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron’s March 2022 Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Donna Schoenberg has been named the Employee of the Month for March. Schoenberg has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 12 years and is currently a nurse assistant in the observation unit.

Schoenberg was nominated by her coworkers because she lives the hospital values. She is an amazing nurse assistant, always doing what’s best for the patient. She is a remarkable team player, going above and beyond her duties daily. Schoenberg is flexible, always willing to help and a pleasure to work with.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.