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Local News

Effort Underway to Put U.S. Space Force Headquarters in Michigan

Those that were once thought to be storylines in science fiction novels continue to be real headlines in the year 2020. The United States has developed a “Space Force” and there’s a chance it could be headquartered in the Southeastern Michigan region.

A resolution has been introduced in the Michigan Senate urging the United States Congress, Trump Administration, and the U.S. Air Force to locate the headquarters of the new U.S. Space Force in Macomb County’s Sterling Heights.

The Space Force is a newly created branch of the armed services that is affiliated with the Air Force. Plans are underway for it to secure its own headquarters and local proponents argue that Southeastern Michigan is a natural fit.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Michael D. MacDonald of Macomb Township said, “Space is the final frontier, and Macomb County is uniquely positioned to lead the way in developing and protecting our national interests in space. It would boost our economy, offer exciting new opportunities for Michigan and provide the Space Force with everything it needs to be successful in accomplishing their mission.”

The Bill has been referred to committee for consideration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Pure Michigan Pledge Gives Peace of Mind to Tourists

Port Huron, MI — Tourism is a vital industry in the Blue Water area and throughout the state of Michigan. COVID-19 fears can lead to cancelled travel plans which then lead to lost revenue. The Pure Michigan Pledge has been developed to give tourists peace of mind while keeping revenue flowing into Michigan destinations.

The guidelines of the pledge are safety measures thought to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. Businesses who take the pledge promise to have their staff wear face masks, practice social distancing, clean high traffic areas regularly, keep sick employees home, wash hands frequently, and encourage use of cards instead of cash. Businesses that make the pledge can receive an official logo to display on their property and can be added to the map of locations that have made the promise.

The program was just rolled out and so far, major attractions like The Henry Ford, The Bavarian Inn, and others have gotten on board. No Blue Water area businesses are on the list yet. Businesses can sign up to take the pledge, request the logo, and get on the map at https://www.michigan.org/puremichiganpledge.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lapeer Woman Loses $17,000 in Scam

Lapeer, MI — A 60-year-old Lapeer woman received phone calls and texts that convinced her to provide $17,000 in gift card codes to a scammer. The calls came from three different phone numbers with the area codes 810, 202, and 210.

When the woman answered the calls, she was addressed by an unidentified male individual who claimed to be with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations) and threatened to have her arrested if she did not provide him with $17,000 in gift card codes.  The caller claimed that he had already arrested her ex-husband and ex-uncle.

The victim also received a text message from the 210 area code phone number with a picture of an FBI identification card and badge.  She was convinced to purchase gift cards from various stores in multiple different towns, photograph the codes, and send them to the caller.

Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies are actively investigating this case, and want to remind the public that law enforcement will never contact individuals demanding money or payment in the form of gift cards.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

HUD Awards Housing Commission Funds to Help Low-Income Families

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development just announced $472 million dollars of funding will be distributed nationally to help low-income families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan public housing authorities will receive $8.1 million to help families assisted by Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Mainstream Vouchers, two tenant-based voucher programs that serve low-income residents. Housing Choice Vouchers are commonly referred to as Section 8 vouchers and the program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford rental housing in the private market.

This new funding will pay for eligible coronavirus related activities such as procuring cleaning supplies and maintaining sanitation in housing units, relocating families to health units if they become sick, and paying for the cost of childcare for Public Housing Authority staff who have incurred extra expenses due to COVID-19.

As part of this initiative, the Port Huron Housing Commission is expected to receive $85,849 of funding.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Register Now for Virtual LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and well-being initiative that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. The program is going virtual this fall, and those interested in participating can set up an intake interview with YMCA staff to register for the session.

The program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 12:30 PM using Zoom, and the fall session runs from September 15th – December 3rd. Despite going virtual, the format will be as close to normal as possible and include assessments, goal-setting, and follow-up.

LIVESTRONG engages cancer survivors and helps them build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. It also focuses on emotional well-being and provides a supportive community.

Past participant, Ardie Hayes, said LIVESTRONG is the “Perfect program to restore strength, develop new bonds and maintain hope for those experiencing the challenges of cancer. The coaches gave us a welcoming and caring environment and tailored the program for our needs.”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is part of a multi-year collaboration between the YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the the Y, and the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the organization created to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Face Shields Donated to Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Back to school fashion will be very different this year with face masks, and now face shields, becoming part of daily school wear. Port Huron Schools has received a donation of 5,040 plastic face shields.

For those attending in-person classes this year, face masks are required while the state is in Phase Four. The masks protect other people from the wearer’s coughs and sneezes. Face shields are not required to wear, but they are allowed for both staff and students as a layer of protection to keep COVID-19 viruses away from the wearer’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

The donation was made possible by PTI Engineered Plastics in Macomb, Michigan, through a connection with Port Huron Schools staff member, Erika Senecal, Director of Choirs at Port Huron Northern.

A press release from Port Huron Schools said, “This donation is truly valued as we work diligently to have our students and staff return to schools as safely as possible.” Back to school plans are still in development for Port Huron Schools, and the specifics of the distribution of the new face shields have not been released.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland