It’s a dirty trick and it’s on the rise. It’s the theft of catalytic converters, which are essential vehicle parts that help to reduce polluting emissions. Thieves sell the stolen parts to scrap metal dealers. The parts from newer hybrid cars contain precious metals and get a higher price at the scrap yard.

Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, said that most drivers don’t have coverage for catalytic converter theft on their auto insurance policies. Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory in Michigan.

Fox warned, “Thieves can easily remove these expensive parts from cars and then sell them to recyclers for hundreds of dollars depending on the car’s make and model. In addition to replacing the expensive converter itself, the damage caused by these thefts can be extensive and may cost as much as $3,000, or more, to repair.”

Fox said that an optional comprehensive auto insurance policy can cover the damage.

There are anti-theft devices that can deter theft. Motion detecting lights and other strategies are also recommended to deter catalytic convertor thieves.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Did you change addresses in 2021? If so, be sure to get your address changed with employers and financial institutions.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding taxpayers to take care of address updates in advance of the 2022 income tax filing season to prevent delays in filing returns.

Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White said, “Please take a few moments out of your busy holiday schedule to make sure your address is updated with employers and financial institutions. When the individual income tax processing season opens at the beginning of next year, we will be ready to process your return.”

The Treasury encourages electronic filing over paper returns. Direct debit is available again for this tax filing season.

For those who had their identity compromised, it can be reported to the Treasury so that criminals do not attempt to steal tax refunds.

Michigan taxpayers get an average return of $634. Out of 5 million filers, 3.4 million get money back from the state.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michelle Stuckey-Wolford, owner of Wonder Wolf Entertainment, gets to play make-believe for a living, and kids can benefit from her bubbly personality by visiting her at Discovery City every Wednesday morning until March 9th.

Port Huron Museums collaborated with the Wyatt Walker Friendship Fund and the Rotary Club of Port Huron to sponsor face painting and balloon twisting with Wonder Wolf Entertainment.

Families with Bridge cards can visit Discovery City for free due to a partnership with the James C. Acheson Foundation, and admission for others is $5 per child or $15 for a family with 3 or more children.

When asked what her favorite part of Discovery City was, Miss Michelle said, “I love to bring my daughter, and she loves to pick apples from the apple tree, and she likes to go into the restaurant and cook in the Blue Water Diner, and she likes to be a captain on the Blue Water Ferry.”

Adults must supervise their children at all times while they play in Discovery City, and tickets can be purchased online <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand