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Local News

Lelito’s Legacy Gives Out Grants for “Pay to Play” Fees

The Lelito’s Legacy Foundation has granted $9,000 to student athletes who need a helping hand. The Foundation’s mission is to support low income student athletes who may have trouble paying the “Pay to Play” fees. School teams are not actually playing right now, but the Foundation is looking with hope to youth sports starting back up at some point. 

Foundation founder Tim Lelito, former NFL player and standout football player at St. Clair High School, said, “It has been a tough year for all athletes. I’m happy that as a foundation we were able to grant these funds and take the financial stresses off their plate, so when sports safely return, they’re ready to play!” 

The grants have stayed in St. Clair county, spread out among 15 public middle and high schools. Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, said, “It’s a blessing to have Lelito’s Legacy Foundation envision a safe and inclusive sports community for all, and no child should be left out of a game due to costs. Their donor advised fund has allowed our local schools to help more than 200 kids cover their pay to play fees.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Josh Chapman Named New CEO of YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Port Huron, MI — The YMCA of the Blue Water Area announces the selection of Josh Chapman as the new CEO. Current CEO, Denise Brooks is retiring after eleven years with the Y.

YMCA Board Chair, Geof Kusch, spoke of Chapman, saying, “He has shown an ability to build relationships and create partnerships and to manage effectively during the difficult times in which we find ourselves. This experience and Josh’s passion for our YMCA will help us move the YMCA of the Blue Water Area forward in service to our community.”

Chapman will be leaving his role as CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County in Gainesville, Texas. He has extensive experience at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area prior to his move to Texas. Chapman is credited with starting the Corporate Experience program and forming partnerships with local schools and other organizations.

Chapman said, “It’s both a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to rejoin the organization that has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional life every step of the way. I look forward to continuing the game changing efforts the Y provides to all in the Blue Water Area.” 

Chapman begins his new role on January 12, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nam Knights Donate $2000 to Sheriff’s Dive Team

A local motorcycle club that is dedicated to honoring military and law enforcement has donated $2000 to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. 

The Wolverine Chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club raised the money at a poker run that took place last October. The club’s President, Tony Caron, along with several members, delivered the check to the Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. 

Sheriff Mat King said, “I am thankful the Nam Knights made the decision that our Dive Team would be the recipient of proceeds from the poker run. This generous donation will be used to help continue the team’s function of rescue, recovery and education on the waterways of St. Clair County.”

The motorcycle club chapter, founded in 2016, has members from throughout Southeast Michigan and mainly raises funds for veterans, first responders, and their families. The national organization was started by VietNam combat veterans who ride Harleys and have a heart for philanthropy. 

According to their Facebook page, the Wolverine Chapter of the Nam Knights has sent packages to service members stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, donated to Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial, along with other charities. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Protests at Secretary of State Benson’s Home

In a year of protests and calls for justice, peaceful assembly and waiting for the legal process to play out are generally the norm. But a group of protestors may have gone too far when making an uninvited visit to the Detroit home of Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson.

The protestors are concerned with the legitimacy of the outcome of the November election. Both the Wayne County Prosecutor, Kym Worthy, and Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, have spoken out against the protest saying that the activists crossed the line when they went after Benson and her family. Worthy and Nessel have called on citizens and public officials to join them in condemning the “disturbing behavior masquerading as protest”, according to a press release.

Benson was quick to fire back at the bold protestors, saying, “As my four-year-old son and I were finishing up decorating the house for Christmas on Saturday night, and he was about to sit down to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, dozens of armed individuals stood outside my home shouting obscenities and chanting into bullhorns in the dark of night.”

Benson has vigorously defended the integrity of the election.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan National Guard Remains on Duty Through March 2021

The use of the Michigan National Guard in the battle against COVID-19 has been extended into 2021. Title 32 authority allows Guardsmen and women to receive federal pay and benefits and was set to expire at the end of the year. The authority has been extended to March 31st.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The Michigan National Guard continues to be a crucial part of our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank our men and women in uniform for their dedication and round-the-clock work to protect the people of our state by expanding testing in our communities and ensuring they have what they need to get through this crisis.”

Whitmer went on to ask President Trump to “listen to public health experts and work with Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi on a bipartisan recovery package that protects American families, frontline workers, and small business owners.”

The National Guard is to be part of the logistical framework that will be helping to get Michiganders vaccinated against COVID-19. The Michigan National Guard has helped distribute more than 14 million pounds of food at food banks, delivered tests and protective equipment across the state, and assisted with testing more than 200 thousand Michiganders for COVID-19 since being “called up” earlier this year.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Help is Available for Paying Utility Bills

The Michigan Public Service Commission and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have awarded $54.5 million in Michigan Energy Assistance Program grants. The grants are to help those who fall behind on home energy bills.

The grants will go to nine community service agencies statewide, including Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of Detroit, The Heat and Warmth Fund, The Salvation Army, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Funding for the assistance grants comes from a 91-cent monthly surcharge assessed by utility providers and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. More than 55,000 households received assistance last year in Michigan.

Customers are asked to contact their utility company or propane supplier as soon as they know they can’t pay the bill. Don’t wait for the shutoff notice. Taking steps to reduce consumption and keep bills manageable are also encouraged by MPSC and MDHHS.

Here are ways to seek assistance:

Call 211 or go to mi211.org to learn about agencies that may assist with your energy bill.

State Emergency Relief may help low-income households pay part of their heating or electric bills, assist in keeping utilities in service, or have service restored, assistance that’s available year round. Apply on MI Bridges or call your local MDHHS office for information. You’ll be required to verify your income, so you may want to work with your utility or 211 first on tips to navigate this process. Households must apply for SER assistance prior to receiving any MEAP services.

Michiganders can take a number of steps to cut home energy costs by reducing energy waste and smarter use of energy.

Check furnace filters and change them monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean filters allow furnaces to run more efficiently.

Install a programmable thermostat and save on heating costs by lowering temperatures during daytime hours. Dressing for cold weather and turning down the thermostat another degree or two helps save money.

Seal air leaks around windows, doors, or utility access points.

Schedule a home energy assessment to identify ways to cut energy waste. Rebates on heating, ventilation and air conditioning, appliances, lighting, insulation and other improvements are available through utilities.

Go to the MPSC’s Be Winterwise page for more information, or check out additional recommendations on reducing energy bills from the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information about MEAP, visit the MPSC’s MEAP page. For information about the MPSC, visit www.Michigan.gov/MPSC, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs, or follow the Commission on Twitter.   

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland