Michigan Enforces New Laws To Protect Children From Abuse

This week, Michigan put into action a series of impactful laws designed to safeguard children from sexual abuse and enhance community safety.

The bills, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in July, demonstrate the state’s commitment to protecting young people and providing resources for survivors.

Among the enacted laws, Public Act 57 ensures middle and high school students receive age-appropriate materials and training to identify and prevent sexual assault and harassment. 

Public Act 58 aims to keep communities safe by imposing criminal penalties on health professionals who engage in sexual assault under the false pretext of medical treatment. 

The associated Public Acts 59, 60, 61, and 62 provide the necessary legal framework and sentencing guidelines to support these vital initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

PH Country Style Market - Photo by Jessie Wiegand

Country Style Market Announces New Business Hours Amid Slow Season

In an unexpected turn of events, downtown businesses have been grappling with a significant decline in foot traffic since Labor Day weekend, leading to staff reductions and altered operating hours. While a slight dip in sales during September is customary, the current situation is unprecedented.

Country Style Market, a staple in the area, has seen eight employees resign due to the dwindling hours and a bleak outlook for foot traffic recovery. Consequently, the market is forced to adjust its hours of operation.

Effective immediately, Country Style Market will be closed on Sundays and Mondays, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Recovery Center Celebrates To Host 3rd Annual “ROC With Us” Banquet

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) is delighted to announce a significant milestone, having assisted more than 5,000 individuals in their journey toward recovery from addiction. 

As a token of their appreciation, BWROC invites the community to their 3rd annual “ROC with Us” Banquet Fundraiser, scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th, at Alexander’s Banquet Hall located at 1200 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

The event, set to kick off at 5:30 p.m., will highlight the remarkable work being done at BWROC while expressing gratitude to all involved. Additionally, the inaugural ROC AWARDS will honor outstanding contributors in four different categories. 

Guests can anticipate a delightful evening with dinner, live music by local musician Julianne Ankley, a video presentation, silent auction, and updates on BWROC’s “Partners in Recovery” Program. 

For sponsorship inquiries or RSVPs, contact BWROC at (810) 689-4858 or email Angela Valdivia at avaldivia@bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Challenges Bill Stripping Local Control Over Solar and Wind Projects

State Representative Jaime Greene, a Republican from Richmond, has strongly criticized House Bill 5120-5123, recently introduced by House Democrats, which seeks to diminish local communities’ control over the development of large-scale solar and wind energy projects.

The proposed legislation would transfer the authority to permit such projects to the unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), sidelining local governments. The MPSC, comprised of governor appointees, has received support from the governor for a plan to expand wind and solar farms in rural areas.

Greene argues that this move would infringe upon local residents’ rights to have a say in developments occurring in their communities, potentially undermining environmental, economic, and quality-of-life concerns. The proposed bill has faced significant opposition from communities across Michigan, and many local boards and voters have rejected similar initiatives in the past.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Forges Path To Stronger Education-Industry Ties, Boosting Local Workforce

In an exciting development for education and the local economy, Port Huron Schools is set to host a webinar on November 14th, at 10 a.m., showcasing their innovative approach to connecting businesses with schools. 

The event, organized in collaboration with the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County (EDA), aims to build a more robust school system while simultaneously growing the local workforce.

The webinar will feature Kit Hard, Supervisor of Secondary STEAM and Career and College Pathways Curricula at Port Huron Area Schools, who will share how schools are preparing students for the workforce and discuss existing local partnerships. 

The event will present opportunities for businesses to engage in Work-Based Learning with the District, paving the way for closer collaboration. Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.

For more information, contact Bruce Seymore at: (810) 294-7036.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SEMCO Customers Warned Of Door-To-Door Scam: Fake Employees Soliciting Sensitive Information

SEMCO Energy Gas Company has received multiple reports from customers about door-to-door solicitors falsely claiming to be SEMCO employees. These impostors are requesting copies of customers’ gas bills and banking details. SEMCO, however, emphasizes that they do not engage in door-to-door solicitation and never ask for such sensitive information.

Customers are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid sharing personal data with strangers. SEMCO advises against revealing utility bills, driver’s licenses, or bank account numbers to anyone at the door. 

To verify the legitimacy of any claims, customers are encouraged to research independently, particularly regarding utility rates. SEMCO’s rates are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission and can be verified online.

To report harassment or suspicious activities, customers are advised to contact local law enforcement and the MPSC at (800) 292-9555. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell