Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Launches $60 Million Grant Program to Enhance Community Services Statewide

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has unveiled a substantial $60 million Community Center Grant program to enable municipalities and organizations in Michigan to expand services and undertake capital projects. 

This initiative aims to foster thriving communities by providing Michiganders with enhanced access to gathering spaces, resources, learning opportunities, and connections.

Governor Whitmer expressed the significance of community centers, highlighting their role in driving economic development and creating attractive living, working, and investment destinations across the state. 

The grant program offers two types of grants: program grants and capital project grants. Organizations have the option to apply for both, with a maximum funding request limit of $2.5 million per entity. 

Interested applicants have until August 31st, to submit their proposals, marking a valuable opportunity to strengthen community services and foster a brighter future for all regions of Michigan.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning About Fraudulent Debt Collection Letters

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sounding the alarm on a scam targeting residents and businesses through fraudulent debt collection letters. 

The deceptive letters falsely represent themselves as originating from the State of Michigan and aim to collect outstanding debts owed to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) or the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The scam involves recipients being notified of an overdue state debt and pressured to make immediate payments through a provided toll-free number. 

Threats of severe consequences, including bank account seizures, wage garnishments, asset seizures, and property liens, are used to coerce payment. The scammers employ personal information, often found online, to make the letters appear authentic and increase the likelihood of compliance.

It is crucial to recognize that these letters are not legitimate communications from the State of Michigan, UIA, or the Department of Treasury. Genuine letters from the Department of Treasury will be printed on official letterhead, offer various payment options, and outline taxpayer rights. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Safety Advisory: Exercise Caution During Firework Celebrations, Respect City Park Regulations

In anticipation of the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using fireworks. 

It is vital to note that city parks prohibit fireworks and close at dusk. To ensure a safe experience, officials recommend never allowing young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at scorching temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preventative measures suggested by the US Product Safety Commission include refraining from using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Individuals are advised to light fireworks individually, promptly moving away from the ignited device. Malfunctioning fireworks should never be relit or handled but instead soaked with water and disposed of appropriately.

Moreover, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance when lighting fireworks and never aim or throw them at others. After the fireworks have finished burning, individuals are advised to douse the spent devices with water before disposing of them.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Andrew Beeler Stands Against Democrats’ Spending Plan

State Rep. Andrew Beeler, representing Port Huron, opposed the Democrats’ spending plan, citing concerns over wastefulness and neglect of essential needs within Michigan communities. The $81.7 billion budget, which Beeler voted against, depletes the state’s multibillion-dollar surplus while introducing unnecessary programs.

Beeler criticized the Democrats for expanding the budget despite Michigan’s declining population since 2020. He emphasized that the bloated budget undermines the trust of taxpayers, as funds fail to support local police departments or address road repairs.

Despite the surplus, the budget fails to allocate additional local road funding to Michigan communities, favoring specific projects instead. Furthermore, Republican calls to aid local police departments were rejected, and wasteful spending on various fronts was identified, including funding for new bureaucrats and unnecessary energy projects.

The House Bill 4437 and Senate Bill 173 now progress to the governor for consideration, leaving taxpayers and Michigan communities awaiting the final decision.

You can view Beeler’s speech here.

Reporting for WGRT Choze Powell

Experience Unforgettable Celebrations At The Blue Water YMCA

Looking for the perfect venue to make your special occasion memorable? Look no further than the Blue Water Area YMCA! Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, family gathering, or even a business meeting, the Y offers an exciting and unique setting for all kinds of events.

You can schedule a 2 or 3-hour celebration which includes access to the party room, the Recreation pool, and the gym. Their dedicated Y Party Coordinator will be there to assist you every step of the way.

The 2-hour party rental starts at $160 for members and $210 for non-members. For extended celebrations, the 3-hour party rental is available at $235 for members and $290 for non-members.

Programs like this and others are made possible by the generosity of the community through monetary donations and volunteer services. Donate to the Blue Water Area YMCA Open Arms Campaign to help them continue providing these services to the community.

For more information, visit: bluewaterymca.com/open-arms. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell