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Local News

SOAR Bill Signed to Attract Investments in Michigan

The Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve package, or SOAR, has been signed into law. The plan is described as a “historic economic development toolkit” meant to help Michigan attract businesses.

The bipartisan legislation has been praised by both Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and Republicans House Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

Whitmer praised the collaboration saying, “Because both parties in the legislature came together, our state will be able to win huge, transformational projects and compete effectively for every dollar and every job for decades to come.”

Shirkey said, “With the actions we are affirming today, we are not just demonstrating Michigan is ‘in the game,’ we are establishing our seat at the table, side by side with investors who recognize the value of Michigan and its unique assets.”

The $1 billion economic development fund will keep Michigan in the running to attract investment from job-creating industries. An additional $500 million fund will pay for technological changes, support small businesses, and create or retain competitive jobs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sherman Woods Neighborhood Raises $5,888 for Red Kettle Fund

The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron goes all out with their outdoor holiday decorations, and they’ve figured out how to leverage the popularity of their displays to help the community.

The Sherman Woods Homeowners Association just reported they raised $5,888 while bell-ringing in their neighborhood during the holiday season to support the Salvation Army.

They managed one of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles, and accepted donations from visitors for six weekend evenings in December. They also had a special bell ringing event on Christmas Eve which raised more that $1,500.

Fred Kemp, President of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, said, “Once again this year, our residents and the visitors to our neighborhood stepped up and supported the Red Kettle Campaign in a big way.”

This is the neighborhood’s 6th year running the campaign and they have raised more than $27,000 for the Salvation Army.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Big Money Headed to Port Huron and St. Clair County From American Rescue Plan

The City of Port Huron and St. Clair County will be getting big checks from the federal American Rescue Plan. Port Huron has been allocated $17,959,874 and St. Clair County is receiving $30,908,749 total with first payments being distributed this week.  

The money is for mitigating the effects of the pandemic and the shutdowns. It is to be used to bring back lost jobs, provide premium pay to essential workers, make up for lost revenue, and invest in infrastructure.

The race is on to identify projects and obligate funds by the 2024 deadline. The spending rules are enforced by the U.S. Treasury with fund distributed through the state treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “Local units of government should take their time to plan to use these dollars in a viable and sustainable manner that will have a lasting impact. The Michigan Department of Treasury continues to be a resource for helping local officials navigate through the ARPA process.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the money “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Schools and NAACP Collaborate for MLK Day

Students and staff at Port Huron Area Schools will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with activities and service projects.

Students in district elementary schools will host members of the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP. The volunteers will read selected books and engage in discussions with the students.

Secondary students will be engaging in a service project to benefit the local community. Students will be collecting and delivering both canned goods and basic toiletries to Blue Water Rescue Mission, New Life Women’s Mission, Carolyn’s Place, Pathways Homeless Shelter, and Harbor for Youth.

The partnership with the NAACP has been a yearly tradition. Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said, “I am so proud that Port Huron Schools partners with our local NAACP each year to engage our students.”

Kerhoulas said that the students “are not only learning about Dr. King and his remarkable work, but also participating in a collective project that provides something of value and care to people in our community. Seeing our students exhibit the values of peace, love and equality on Dr. King’s holiday each year is truly something special.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Open Enrollment Deadline January 15th

Michiganders only have until January 15th to enroll in health care from the Health Insurance Marketplace which provides low or no-cost health insurance for individuals and families.

Governor Whitmer said, “We know that having comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes and this Open Enrollment is an important opportunity for Michiganders to protect their health and financial wellness while saving money.”

More Michiganders are eligible for low to no-cost health insurance because of subsidies provided in the American Rescue Plan.

Those who want to explore their options in the Marketplace can visit HeathCare.gov/lower-costs to use the estimator tool before they fill out the application. For example, a 25 year-old single adult with no dependents who makes between $17,744 – $32,200 per year might qualify for a Marketplace plan with monthly premiums between  $259 to $608 per month depending on the level of coverage.

Those who miss the Open Enrollment deadline will have to wait until November 2022 to enroll for coverage that wouldn’t begin until January 2023 unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for unusual circumstances.

More information is available at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Heart of a Hero Nominations Open

Calling all heroes…The 2022 Heart of a Hero Nominations are open and it’s your chance to recognize someone who makes a difference in the community.

The Heart of a Hero project is a fundraiser for The Arc of St. Clair County. It is sponsored by Woman’s Life Chapter 820 “Archangels”.

Heart of a Hero recognizes nominees at a banquet to be held this summer, on August 11th, at Alexander’s in Marysville. The nomination period goes from now until the end of April.

Jo Ann Wilton, President of Woman’s Life Chapter #820 said that the group is its third year of recognizing those who never get the recognition they deserve for all they do for the community.

Nominations can include those in the categories of law enforcement, military, first responders, and faith leaders, as well as anyone who makes St. Clair County a better place. It can include anyone to whom one goes for assistance including those who are retired, as well as those who volunteer.

The Arc of St. Clair County, who benefits from the fundraising banquet, advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please email your nominations ASAP to Jo Ann Wilton at misspotter@comcast.net  or call 810-385-9040.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland