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Local News

MiABLE Helps Those with Disabilities Save Money

The Michigan Department of Treasury has announced Michigan’s participation in the National ABLE Alliance. ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience and works to create the most cost-effective and user-friendly ABLE programs for people with disabilities.

The MiABLE programs are financial accounts that allow users to save money, up to $100,000, that is not considered when applying for other federal or state benefits, like Social Security Disability Income, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.

As one of the first states to launch an ABLE plan, MiABLE has more than $31.2 million in assets in over 6,300 accounts.

Eligible participants have to have been disabled before the age of 26. The money can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, transportation, medical costs, assistive technology, and others.

Participation in the national ABLE program transfers the management of the funds to a new servicer and current participants will be notified.

MiABLE.org or 844-656-7225

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Arrested in Pair of Drug Raids

Port Huron, MI — Three people were arrested following a pair of drug raids by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force last week.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the DTF conducted investigations into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  On September 8th, at about 8:30 p.m., a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 900 block of 10th Avenue in Port Huron.  Inside the home, members of the Drug Task Force located and seized a dealer quantity of methamphetamine, along with prescription medication, drug packaging and scales.  A 38 year old man was arrested at the scene of the investigation.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of analogs, and maintaining a drug house.  

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and Port Huron Police Department assisted at the scene of the search warrant.

In September 9th, a raid was conducted at a residence in the 1300 block of Nelson Street in Port Huron at about 10:00 p.m.  During a search of the home, a dealer quantity of methamphetamine was seized, along with dealer quantities of heroin and cocaine, drug packaging materials and a scale.  Two people, a 34 year old woman and 29 year old man, both of Port Huron were arrested at the residence.  They are expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and maintaining a drug house.

The U.S. Border Patrol K-9 Unit and Port Huron Police Department assisted at the scene of the search warrant.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff

Blue Water League of the Blind Hosting 5K to Fund Braille Machine

The Blue Water League of the Blind is raising funds to purchase a new Braille embosser to be used at the St. Clair County Library System for the benefit of the community. The League is hosting a 5K Fun Run on Saturday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Gratiot Pond Park.

The machine that the League of the Blind wants to purchase is a HumanWare 120 Juliet Braille embosser. It will be used for the Library Assistive Media and Talking Books service at the St. Clair County Library System.

The machine has a lot of practical uses for the visually impaired community’s everyday lives. It can be used to print text in braille for hospitals, schools, places of worship, businesses, and non-profits. Various institutions and businesses need to provide braille material for clients, students, and visitors, and this machine makes it possible.

The Fun Run will help raise money for the valuable machine. The entry fee for Saturday’s 5K is only $10 and all ages and abilities are welcome.

To register or volunteer for this event, please contact Bob Furtado, VP of Blue Water League of the Blind at bobthebrailler@yahoo.com or (810) 334-0512

bwlblind.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Many Jobs Available at Two Job Fairs

Jobs are plentiful in the Blue Water Area right now. Many local businesses have positions to fill. The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works! are hosting two “mini” job fairs featuring companies that have immediate needs.

The first mini job fair will be held Wednesday, September 15th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Harvey Reinvestment Center, located at 3013 24th Street in Port Huron.

Tomorrow’s job fair features Aludyne, Lake Huron Medical Center, Marwood Nursing and Rehab, Martina’s Grill, P.J. Wallbank Springs, Port Huron Area School District, Port Huron Country Style Marketplace, and US Farathane.

The second mini job fair is scheduled for Wednesday, September 29th from 11:00 a.mm to 2:00 p.m. at the Marysville Community Center, located at 867 East Huron Boulevard.

The Marysville job fair features Campbell & Shaw Steel, St. Clair County Community Mental Health, SMR Automotive Systems USA, Super 8 Motel, and ZF Axel Drives Marysville.

Those attending should bring their resumes and be ready for an onsite interview. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron’s Municipal Office Center and Brass Rail Both For Sale

Two downtown Port Huron landmarks are for sale. The Municipal Office Center and the Brass Rail are both available for new ownership.

The Municipal Office Center is currently home to the Port Huron Police Department and many departments of City government. The State of Michigan and Michigan Works! also have offices in the Municipal Office Center.

The riverfront office complex is listed for $5 million with Kramer Realty.

The Brass Rail, a downtown fixture since the 1930s, is also for sale. The bar has been closed since the start of the pandemic. The Brass Rail is best known as a destination during the holiday season with festive lighting and the signature “Tom and Jerry” drink. The entire business is for sale for $750,000.

Tremendous potential exists with both properties. The Municipal Office Center Property’s future would have to be approved by City Council. According to City Manager James Freed, any sale would be contingent upon a defined redevelopment agreement which will be placed on the City Council agenda for the second September meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lost Your Vaccine Record? Print it From Home with New Portal

Lost your COVID-19 Vaccine Record? No worries. Immunization records can now be accessed by individual citizens. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched the Michigan Immunization Portal.

Michigan adults over the age of 18 can access their immunization records online. This includes COVID-19 vaccine records.

The Michigan Care Improvement Registry, or MCIR, was previously only available to authorized users. Now, anyone can access their own personal records if they create a MILogin account and upload a valid ID. There is no cost to use the portal.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “We want to make sure Michiganders are able to access their vaccination records as easily as possible as this is important health information. The Michigan Immunization Portal allows them to find their record from their computer or smart phone and save a copy for their records. This will also allow anyone who has misplaced their COVID-19 vaccination card to print a record of their vaccination.”

The portal is funded by CDC grant money.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland