$400 Auto insurance Refunds on the Way

Checks should be in the mail in a few months in the amount of $400 per vehicle as Michigan refunds a portion of auto insurance premiums. The money is coming out of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fund.

A bipartisan auto insurance reform law was passed in 2019. Those receiving the care from catastrophic claims are not pleased with the cut in benefits that are part of the auto reform laws.

Tom Judd, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council said, “Michigan consumers are absolutely owed a refund on their premiums, because auto insurance companies have gotten away with gouging them for years. But make no mistake: This move cannot be taken as an excuse to shirk the responsibility of caring for victims of catastrophic auto accidents, who paid for no-fault insurance through their premiums.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “These refunds and the recently announced statewide average rate reductions are lowering costs for every Michigan driver.”

Three billion dollars in auto insurance refunds are expected to be refunded to consumers in the second quarter of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLain’s Patient Advocacy Tracker Act Bill Gets Senate Companion Bill

Bipartisan efforts to increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs has led to the introduction of Senate bills to complement U.S. Representative Lisa McLain’ s Patient Advocate Tracker.

McLain, a Republican representing Michigan’s 10th District, which includes most of the Thumb Region, said, “The Patient Advocate Tracker Act is commonsense legislation that will make the VA more transparent and cause less frustrations for our veterans. Veterans deserve the best healthcare possible, and when they receive subpar care, they need to be able to easily report complaints to their patient advocate, track it and get the best outcome possible. This bill will simplify the process and help them track their complaint.”

McLain’s bill was introduced in late October and is awaiting being sent to committee.

A companion Senate bill has been sponsored by Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana and Democrat Raphael Warnock of Georgia. The bills are meant to fast-track getting care concerns to the right person and eliminate the delays to advocacy due to unnecessary bureaucracy in the Veterans Administration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outdoor Stewardship Events This Winter

Outdoor exploration doesn’t have to be limited to warmer months, and Friends of the St. Clair River has a few options coming up for outdoor recreation.

On December 11th, a winter stewardship program called “Through the Woods” will take place at Woodsong County Park from 10 AM – 12 PM, and a Lakefront Restoration is planned at Fort Gratiot County Park on December 12th and January 10th.

Forestry Fridays happen weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM at Columbus County Park on December 10th & 17th and January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.

Friends Restoration Coordinator, Brooke Hiller, said, “Our staff and volunteers work fifty-two weeks a year, through all seasons, to restore, protect, and enhance our community’s natural resources. These winter stewardship activities allow residents to connect with nature in a unique setting and make a difference protecting these areas full of life, even in the dormant months.”

To learn more about these and other events visit Friends of the St. Clair River’s website at www.scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

DTF Seizes Large Amount of Meth

Port Huron Twp., MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force seized a large amount of crystal methamphetamine and arrested one man during a raid on December 1st.

According to Sheriff Mat King, The DTF conducted an investigation into the sales of meth in the Port Huron area.  That investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 2900 block of West Water Woods at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.  Once inside, members of the Drug Task Force located and seized about $45,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine and smaller amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.  Also seized during the raid were digital scales, cash and drug packaging materials.

A 35 year old Port Huron man was arrested at the residence and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl and maintaining a drug house.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force

Urgent Warning Issued for Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana

The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center has issued an urgent public health alert regarding fentanyl-laced marijuana. We reported in October about a federal Drug Enforcement Agency warning regarding fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. This is a new warning.

There have been reports of patients being treated in emergency rooms for opioid overdoses when they had only smoked marijuana. No laboratory tests have yet confirmed fentanyl-laced marijuana in Michigan, but a review of EMS responses to overdoses has revealed eight probable cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises that marijuana consumers only buy from reputable sources and vendors.

The most common signs of opioid use or overdose are confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and anxiety. Vomiting, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are other symptoms. Exposure to fentanyl can be fatal and those with suspected exposure should call 911 immediately.

Fentanyl exposure is especially deadly for children. MDHHS warns that marijuana products should always be stored where kids can’t get to them.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland