MDHHS Extends Medicaid Beneficiaries Deadline

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced a crucial extension today, granting Medicaid beneficiaries an extra month to submit renewal paperwork and avoid losing their health care coverage due to non-response. The extension will be in effect monthly until May 2024 and applies to those facing the Monday, July 31 deadline.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel emphasized the agency’s proactive approach to support Medicaid recipients in meeting renewal requirements. Preserving health benefits for qualifying residents remains their primary objective, and they will leverage all available options to achieve this.

This action comes as part of MDHHS’s ongoing efforts to safeguard Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan eligibility in the wake of COVID-19 resumptions. The MDHHS will collaborate with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to postpone procedural terminations in the coming months, ensuring beneficiaries have adequate time to complete and submit necessary paperwork. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

14th Annual “Taking A Shot At Breast Cancer” Photo Event Unites Community For An Unforgettable Night

Celebrate the 14th Annual “Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer” Photo Event presented by Steve and Emily Goudy, as they invite the community to join this special celebration for a memorable night of unity and support.

Beginning at 6pm, wear your favorite pink attire, and gather at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse to symbolize your unwavering commitment to breast cancer awareness. The event aims to create a sea of pink, showcasing the strength and solidarity of the breast cancer community.

Beyond just photos, this gathering will be an opportunity to express love and support for those impacted by breast cancer. Together, others can be inspired on their journey and make a lasting difference.

There will be a food truck present serving delicious dishes, and adding flavor to the festivities, while the breathtaking backdrop of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse will make the occasion magical.

For more information, visit: takingashotatbreastcancer.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Thumb Food Policy Council Launches Local Food Purchase Agreement To Provide Fresh Produce To Seniors And Families

After months of planning, the Thumb Food Policy Council is all set to inaugurate their ambitious Local Food Purchase Agreement project. This initiative aims to procure locally grown produce directly from farmers in the Thumb region. The program will collaborate with community partners to deliver bagged produce on a weekly or biweekly basis, focusing on reaching out to seniors and families with children in the area.

No sign-ups are required, as established community partners such as the Human Development Commission (HDC) and Council on Aging will take charge of distributing the produce either through direct delivery or transportation systems.

Funded by the USDA and administered through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), this project will leverage the growing seasons of both this year and 2024 to provide fresh, locally sourced produce to those in need.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Memorial Event Honors Late Band Director, Bob Clark, And His Impactful Legacy

A public memorial gathering is being held to honor the award-winning Port Huron High School Band Director, Bob Clark, fondly remembered for his influential teachings at Port Huron High School.

Former students, inspired by Mr. Clark’s mentorship and impactful leadership, are reuniting to “Get the band back together” in celebration of his life at the Blue Water Convention Center on Friday, July 28th, from 6pm – 9pm. Excitedly, they will be playing the Fight Song in his honor, reminiscing the invaluable lessons he imparted.

Bob’s wife, Rebecca, and sons, Ben and Russell, will be present at the event, and are touched by the outpouring of love and support.

Mr. Clark passed away on April 17th, 2023. This event is for those who knew and loved Mr. Clark, you are welcome to attend and to help celebrate his life and forever remember his contributions to the community and his students. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Area School District Seeks Operating Millage Renewal on August 8th

On August 8th, the Port Huron Area School District will present a crucial proposal to voters – the Operating Millage Renewal. This ballot initiative aims to extend the levy of 18 mills on most commercial, business, rental properties, vacant land, and second-home properties. Notably, this renewal will have no impact on property taxes for primary home residences.

The 18 mill Non-Principal Residence property tax, which supports the district’s operational needs, is set to expire in December 2023, before the 2024-25 school year. Its continuation is vital to ensure the provision of quality programming, educational materials, and support for the dedicated staff. Importantly, this is not a new tax but a renewal of the existing millage initially approved by voters in August 2018.

Residents are reminded to cast their votes on Tuesday, August 8, to decide the fate of this critical millage renewal, which exclusively affects non-principal residence properties.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Baseball Players in Petrolia to Benefit from Park Upgrades and Improvements

The town of Petrolia announces upcoming upgrades to its ball diamonds at Greenwood Park, with further plans for Bridgeview and Kerr parks.

During a recent council meeting, a comprehensive plan was endorsed, kickstarting the replacement of Diamond 2 dugouts at Greenwood. Additionally, funds will be allocated in next year’s budget for extensive enhancements across all three parks.

According to Laurissa Ellsworth, Communications Director, the estimated cost for each dugout stands at approximately $15,500, excluding the new benches. Work is set to commence promptly and is projected to be completed within four weeks. Moreover, new foul line fencing will be installed in front of the bleachers.

Anticipated improvements include fencing repairs, new distance signs, base plugs, foul posts, enhanced drainage, and upgraded dugouts. The town’s staff is diligently working on pricing and quotes, intending to incorporate them into the 2024 capital budget.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell