St. Clair County Sheriff Launches Innovative Smartphone App

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King is thrilled to unveil a new custom smartphone app, enhancing connectivity between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. The app offers a streamlined platform for residents and visitors to access Sheriff resources, read news, and provide feedback. 

Developed by TheSheriffApp.com, the app underscores the importance of modern technology in public safety. “With over 80 percent of Americans using smartphones, this app allows us to better inform and serve our citizens,” said OCV Partner Kevin Cummings. Sheriff King emphasized his commitment to innovation, stating, “The community deserves the same advanced tools our employees use.” The app is now available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. 

You can also find the app by clicking this link.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

AG Dana Nessel Warns Michigan Residents Of Scams Amid Hurricane Beryl Flooding

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to stay vigilant against scammers targeting those affected by the heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl. The storm has flooded communities, damaged homes, and left thousands without power.

“Education and awareness are the best tools we have to fight against bad actors looking to take advantage of those experiencing hardship,” Nessel stated. She encouraged reporting suspected fraud to her office.

Residents should avoid flooded areas, adhere to barricades, and follow detours. The MIREADY website provides storm recovery tips.

Nessel re-issued alerts on Michigan’s towing laws, buying flood-damaged vehicles, and researching home repair contractors to avoid scams. She advised taking time to assess damage, contacting insurance agents, and thoroughly vetting contractors before making any payments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

State Rep. Jaime Greene Condemns State Budget Cuts To School Safety And Mental Health Funding

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, criticized the new state budget, highlighting its severe impact on local school districts due to significant cuts in school safety and mental health funding. The budget slashes per-pupil school safety grants by 92%, reducing the funds to $26.5 million after a $300 million cut.

“As a mom, seeing these reckless cuts and thinking about how they will affect the safety and well-being of our kids is absolutely infuriating,” Greene said.

Utica Community Schools is set to lose over $5 million, with Oxford and Romeo losing more than $1 million each. Other districts face losses in the hundreds of thousands, impacting their ability to maintain safety measures and provide mental health support.

The Michigan Education Association called for supplemental funding to address these cuts, emphasizing the need for safe learning environments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flushing Bathroom Wipes Could Now Cost You A Fine In Michigan

No more flushing bathroom wipes down the toilet, Public Act 43 of 2024 has banned the labeling of bathroom wipes as “flushable” unless they pass stringent requirements in Michigan, aiming to tackle sewage system clogs. The new law requires the manufacturers of non-flushable wipes to clearly label them with the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

The law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 22nd, mandates that packaging must include the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a symbol to deter improper disposal. This applies to any premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes containing petrochemical fibers with significant potential to be used in bathrooms. Violators of the law can face fines.

Michigan public works operators have long argued that wipes marketed as “flushable” cause major problems in wastewater treatment systems, as they do not break down like toilet paper. The wipes often clog screens and pumps, leading to sewage backups and the formation of “fatbergs”—masses of wipes, fats, oils, grease, and other solids.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell