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Local News

Clear Snow from Chimneys, Vents, Meters

As the snow piles continue to grow, and even though Michiganders are used to heavy snow and cold temperatures, the Michigan Public Service Commission has sent out a reminder. They want to be sure that snow is cleared around chimneys, vents, and utility meters.

The MPSC says clearing snow is a life-or-death issue. If carbon monoxide comes back into the house, occupants could become victims of CO poisoning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness and nausea. If poisoning is suspected, victims need to get into fresh air immediately and call 911.

To prevent problems, residents should make sure chimneys and air intake valves are not blocked by snow or ice. High-efficiency furnace users should make sure white plastic intake valves are not blocked. Mobile home residents and residents of homes with flat roofs are asked to be especially aware of rooftop drifting that can block chimneys.

Finally, attention needs to be paid to utility meters. Snow or ice buildup can alter the readings and functioning. They need to be carefully cleared to avoid breakage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online

The Michigan Secretary of State has been developing its online platforms to increase accessibility of their services. Now, there are more ways to get your Secretary of State business done at home or at a self-service station.

To get a jump on boating season, watercraft users can renew their registrations before the March 31st deadline. Boat owners should be receiving notices of renewal in the mail this spring, and they have two options for performing the transaction: online express for quick renewals and an online authenticated renewal process which allows them to access their customer record and conduct other transactions along with the renewal.

All watercraft must be registered with the State of Michigan unless it is a nonmotorized canoe, kayak, or small (less than 16ft) paddle boat that isn’t used for rental or commercial purposes.

For a link to online services offered by the Secretary of State and to find a self-service station near you, visit Michigan.gov/SOS.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Rep. Beeler Fights for Private Property Rights

State Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) announced last week that he co-sponsored legislation which requires Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers to obtain a warrant before entering private land.

Beeler said the bill protects Fourth Amendment rights and aligns the requirements of DNR officers with other law enforcement officers in the state who must acquire a warrant in such situations.

“I was shocked that this wasn’t already covered in state law,” Beeler said. “The Fourth Amendment is clear. It guarantees freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. This proposal puts that clarity into Michigan law and states that these protections apply not only in instances with traditional law enforcement agencies who are working hard to protect us and our communities, but for all government authorities.”

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, offers practical exceptions for entrance onto private property, such as when probable cause exists, when an officer is in pursuit of a suspect, when there is a reasonable belief evidence will be destroyed, when someone is in danger, or if there is consent to search. Several states, such as Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon and Vermont, have extended protections to private land through their constitutions in recent years.

“I want to thank Representative LaFave for bringing this issue to the forefront,” Beeler continued, “I am optimistic that this bill will receive strong bipartisan support.”

House Bill 4315 was introduced on the House floor February 18th and will soon be formally read into the record.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Cedar Point Announces Summer Plans

Sometimes the only thing that gets one through a snowy February day is knowing that summer is coming and a trip to Cedar Point is on the calendar. Just in time for summer dreaming, Cedar Point, a popular amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, has released its 2021 season highlights. They include the 150th anniversary celebration with parades and nighttime parties daily from June 26th through August 15th.

Even better than a trip to Cedar Point is a free trip to Cedar Point. This summer is the last chance for visitors to win a “Ticket of a Lifetime”. The winner and three guests get free admission to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark for the rest of their lives.

Addressing safety concerns, Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point said, “Safety is always our top priority. In the current environment, our team will continue to carry out our mission of not only safety, but the very reason we’ve been here for more than 150 years – to make people happy.”

The season is starting off with the Frontier Festival, opening on May 14th. That’s just three months away.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Share Results of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

The Michigan State Police have released the results from the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown that took place from December 11th, 2020 to January 1st, 2021.

The increased patrols netted 159 drunk drivers and 39 drugged drivers out of 7,529 traffic stops. The enforcement was meant to get those who did too much holiday celebrating off the roads and decrease crashes and lives lost.

Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning said, “If you are impaired by any substance you shouldn’t drive. Motorists were asked to make responsible decisions as they celebrated the holidays and to have a plan in place to get home safely. Unfortunately, the holidays were not a merry occasion for everyone.”

The 2019 Drunk Driving Audit found that 41.9% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol, drugs, or both. A blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher will get drivers arrested, but the State Police remind drivers that they can be arrested at any blood alcohol level if the officer thinks they are impaired.

Driving while under the influence of drugs has the same penalty as drunk driving and there is no acceptable “blood alcohol level” for illegal drugs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Poverty Task Force Makes Recommendations

The Michigan Poverty Task Force has released a new report with 35 policy recommendations. The task force was created to help lift Michigan residents out of poverty and build better lives. Forty-three percent of Michiganders live below the “basic cost of living” measure, which is $61,000 for a family of four.

The Task Force has broken the recommendations down into five categories: benefits; economics; criminal justice; health, safety, and housing; and education.

According to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, “I look forward to working across the aisle and with our many stakeholders to implement the recommendations that have the biggest impact across our state.” Whitmer has authorized a $1 million appropriation for research and planning of state programs in her budget proposal.

Kim Trent, LEO deputy director for prosperity and key staffer to the Poverty Task Force, remarked, “Creating conditions that give every Michigander access to economic opportunity and prosperity is one of the most sacred duties of state government.” 

A link to the full report:

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97193—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland