Burrell Appointed BWMCA Trustee

Blue Water Middle College Academy (BWMCA) welcomed Tyrone Burrell to its Board of Trustees. Burrell was recently appointed to replace Kenneth Cummings who has served BWMCA since 2011.

Burrell is respected in the community for his work as the Executive Director of SONS Outreach, an organization he founded that focuses on mentoring and developing at-risk youth in the Blue Water Area.

Matthew Ruiz, Blue Water Middle College Director, said, “Tyrone brings decades of experience to our board. His unique background and perspective will help the middle college expand its reach to the area’s at-risk, disadvantaged, and first-generation college students and improve their access to quality postsecondary education opportunities.”

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a charter school that partners with participating high schools in the area to enable students to attend college at St. Clair County Community College starting in their 11th grade year. Participating students have the opportunity to graduate high school with both a high school diploma and an associate degree if they complete the program.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Flood Guidance Issued by MDHHS

With rain in the forecast, and historic flooding having taken place in some areas of the state over the weekend, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing guidance for those experiencing flood events.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and other injuries.”

During a flood, people should stay out of the waters. Floodwater could be fast-moving and can carry debris. There is also the danger of electrocution from power lines in the water.

Driving in floodwaters is a bad idea. Vehicles can be swept away. If drivers are stranded, they should wait for help instead of trying to walk or drive through the water.

MDHHS warns that flood water can harbor bacteria and pollutants, so avoid contact and wash up if you have been in floodwaters. Those who use wells for drinking water should get their water tested after a flood.

More information at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339–562670–,00.html

The Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Courts Rule in Favor of City in Chicory Building Lawsuit

The question of who will pay for the cleanup of Port Huron’s Chicory Building, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018, has been answered by the courts.

The historic building near the Black River was once a chicory production facility, dating back to the early 1900s. The building burned in a massive fire on June 22, 2018, and an oil leak was discovered a week later. The City of Port Huron cleaned up the oil leak and hauled away a large amount of asbestos at an expense of nearly $474,000.

The City took the owners of the property, Harshad C. Mehta and Shilpa H. Mehta, to court to recoup the costs. The lawsuit was brought before Judge Michael West in October of 2018, who ruled in favor of the city, awarding a judgment of full reimbursement for the cleanup plus interest.

The owners appealed the decision and it was finally decided last week, with the Court of Appeals denying the appeal and upholding Judge West’s decision.

City Manager James Freed celebrated the decision, saying, in an email to City Council, “We are grateful to the Courts for standing by our community as well. This decision provides excellent case law for municipalities across our state going forward.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

READYSAVE529 App Helps Michigan Families Save for College

Saving for college? There’s an app for that. The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the roll-out of the READYSAVE 529 app last week.

The mobile app is for Michigan Education Savings Program account owners. The MESP program offers different investment options. It has been around for twenty years and now has over 285,000 accounts with more than $7.3 billion invested.

Diane Brewer, MESP administrator said, “We are excited to be one of the first states to offer this new tool that makes it easier for families to save for their children’s future. As higher education costs continue to rise, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to help Michiganders plan, monitor and adjust their saving strategies to meet their goals. READYSAVE 529 delivers a simple yet powerful solution to do that.”

The “529” plans are named after the IRS code that created them. There is a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential for tax-free growth if used for higher education. Higher education includes eligible colleges, universities, or trade schools, nationwide, and can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and even room and board.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week Reminds Boaters to Protect Ecosystem

It is Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week. The purpose is to raise awareness of this important issue that is vital to the health of the Great Lakes and the entire ecosystem.

Non-native plants and animals can seriously harm the delicate natural balance in our lakes and rivers. There are things that boaters and anglers can do to make sure to protect the resource that we depend on in the Blue Water Area.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the law states that boaters must remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting. They must also remove all drain plugs and drain all water before transporting a watercraft. Anglers should remember to dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

While not the law, EGLE recommends that boaters clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Boaters should wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.

They should also dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body, and disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Veteran Food Assistance Available

St. Clair County, MI — Veteran Food Assistance vouchers are back, and they are available through the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs.

The County Veterans Service Fund Grant grocery voucher program helps veterans who are experiencing an emergent need for food assistance.

The program offers $50 and $100 vouchers redeemable at Meijer stores for food, paper, laundry and household cleaning products. They can also be used for health and beauty care products and pet food.

Wartime and peacetime veterans, service members, dependents, or survivors who need assistance may apply by completing a short application on the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs’ website at www.sccvet.us and clicking on the Emergency Grants tab.

The application can also be mailed by calling the VA Office  (810) 989-6945.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand