Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

National Guard Extended Through December 31st

Lansing, MI — President Trump granted a request by Governor Whitmer to extend the use of Michigan National Guard forces for COVID-19 response through December 31, 2020. This Title 32 authority allows Guard members to receive federal pay and benefits until its expiration.

Whitmer said the Michigan National Guard has been a “crucial part of our emergency response, from conducting testing and screening, distributing personal protective equipment, and assisting at food banks across the state.”

Title 32 has been funded at 100% as a federal expense, but Trump imposed a 25% state cost share from August 21st to December 31, 2020. States who use Title 32 will have to fund the other 25% of the cost of the National Guard from their state budgets.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Puppy Scams on the Rise

With people staying home more than usual, the idea of having a cute, cuddly puppy has become popular. But those looking to add a furry member to the family are warned to be on the lookout for puppy scams.

Who would dare? According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United States, plenty of scammers are out there ready to prey on unsuspecting families, and reports of puppy scams are increasing. 

Consumers are sometimes unwittingly supporting criminal and cruel illegal operations. Puppy mill operators can hide behind social distancing and complete all transactions online and deliver the animal offsite.

Molly Tamulevich, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, said, “Taking advantage of Michiganders by exploiting our love of animals is as cruel to the people as it is to the dogs.”

Americans spend over $1 billion per year buying puppies. Nessel’s office suggests that consumers research the breed and the breeder, as well as the specific advertised puppy. Do not buy sight-unseen. Buyers should use a credit card and retain all documents and communication from the breeder, or better yet, go puppy shopping at your local shelter.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Sewer Separation Work to Partially Close Hancock Street

Port Huron, MI — The south lanes of Hancock Street will be closed from the I-94/Pine Grove Connector to Pine Grove Avenue until late September 2020. Traffic shifts will be in place to maintain two-way traffic on the north side of Hancock Street.

Access to local businesses will be maintained, but the public is encouraged to use alternate routes.

This partial closure of Hancock Street is necessary to facilitate work on the City of Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge Plaza Sewer Separation project, which includes sewer construction in the areas of Scott Avenue to Hancock Street and Riverside Drive to 12th Avenue.

The project is expected to be completed by December of 2020.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

McLaren Port Huron Awarded for Partnership with Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — McLaren Port Huron Hospital recently received the Ludwig Community Benefits Award from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA). The award recognizes collaborative programs that improve the health and well-being of area residents.

McLaren Port Huron was recognized for their involvement in the Biomedical Science Partnership with Port Huron Schools. The program was praised for “reinforcing the importance of healthy lifestyles and strengthening the potential for high school students to choose healthcare careers”, according to the MHA. The partnership began in 2018 with 128 students and grew to 240 students last year.

Students volunteered with the hospital, along with taking tours of the St. Clair County Community College Health Sciences Building and listening to presentations from health professionals. The MHA said that “short-term results show nearly 72% of the students plan to pursue healthcare careers and more than 92% report an increased interest in the healthcare profession.”

The $5000 award is given in memory of Patric E. Ludwig, a former MHA president who championed investing in the community’s overall health.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Community Action Agency Household Needs Closet

Blue Water Community Action Agency Creates Household Needs Closet

Port Huron, MI — Blue Water Community Action Agency is using CARES funds to provide a Household Needs Closet to the community. The Household Needs Closet is open to all St. Clair County residents who need hygiene and cleaning supplies they may find it difficult to purchase due to a loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents who would like to receive items from the Household Needs Closet can contact Blue Water Community Action Agency directly. They will be asked to provide general information on all household members including birth dates, social security numbers, and the last 30 days of household income. State identification and income documentation may be sent via email or copied when the items are picked up.

Blue Water Community Action Agency is open by appointment only, and eligibility and appointments for the Household Needs Closet are determined by calling their main phone number at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Local Young Adults Can Explore a Career in the Trades or Manufacturing for Free

Opportunities are available for young adults ages 18-25 looking for a career in the trades and manufacturing. The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Young Professionals have received a grant to fund 25 participants in the MAP+ pre-apprenticeship for the fall 2020 semester at Macomb Community College.

The apprenticeship is a series of four online classes that explore career pathways in fields that are in high demand. The classes are Shop Math, Drafting/Blueprint Reading, Industrial Safety, and Trade Related Prep. Those who complete the semester will get an Industrial-Readiness Certificate and earn nine credits at Macomb Community College.

Tuition, fees, and book costs will be covered by The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Young Professionals. They will also pay for a laptop if needed, as well as tutoring. There is a participation stipend available as well. A high school diploma or GED are NOT required for enrollment, and there are no set times for the classes, which are self-paced modules.

Enrollment information can be found at https://www.macomb-stclairworks.org/map-pre-apprenticeship/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland