Hearing and Vision Screening at Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering free hearing and vision screening for any child entering preschool or kindergarten in the Fall.

All children must have a hearing and vision screening before entering kindergarten. Hearing and vision screenings can identify problems that could interfere with your child’s development and hinder their success in school.

Early diagnosis of a hearing or vision problem can help prevent permanent issues down the road.

Appointments are available at the main location on 28th Street in Port Huron, and walk-ins will also be accepted.

Screenings are available in June and July, Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 4 PM. Screenings are not available during lunch hour from noon- 1 PM, or on July 7th.

In August, screenings are available on Mondays from 10:30 AM – 6 PM (not available from 2 – 3 PM) and on Tuesdays – Fridays from 8:30 AM – 4 PM (not available from 12 – 1 PM).

For more information, call the Health Department at
(810) 987-5300.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Family Night Planned for July 22nd

Port Huron, MI — Operation Transformation invites families to enjoy one of the area’s favorite parts of Boat Week: OT’s Family Night. The event is planned for Thursday, July 22nd from 5 – 9 PM.

This evening of fun for families takes place on the lawn just northeast of the 10th Street Bridge, and it features activities specifically geared toward children.

This year’s event will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, carnival games, and giveaways.

Operation Transformation works with sponsors to provide the event for free to the community. This year’s sponsors are the James C. Acheson Foundation, Community First Health Centers, Kiwanis Club of Port Huron, Power 88.3/Hope FM, and Pollock Randall Funeral Home.

OT is also looking for volunteers, and interested people can contact Renee Hernandez at 810-966-8660.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Future in Question for State’s Lottery

Buying lottery tickets as a way to “support the schools” might not be a valid rationalization if a U.S. Department of Justice ruling sticks. The ruling is being challenged by a coalition of Attorneys General, including Michigan’s, to try to keep lotteries going in order to fund schools and other state-run programs.

There is debate over a ruling pertaining to the federal Wire Act and the possible end of legal state-run lotteries. The interpretation of the Act is in question.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Billions of dollars are generated through government-operated lotteries annually across this country for critical governmental services including schools, senior citizens programs, first responders, and infrastructure programs. This interpretation threatens this funding source. I am joined by my colleagues today to urge the Department of Justice to adopt the reading of the Wire Act set forth by the First Circuit.” 

More than $80 billion were raised in gross revenues among 47 state lotteries in 2017. Michigan uses lottery money for public education, college scholarships, environmental protection, senior citizens, first responders, and infrastructure projects, among others.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vigilance Against Scams Needed When Investing in Crypto

Investing in cryptocurrency is growing in popularity. As opportunities to make money grow, the potential for scamming or for misunderstanding the complicated world of digital currency is also on the rise.

The Michigan Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have issued a joint consumer alert regarding cryptocurrency. The value of the total cryptocurrency market is $2 trillion worldwide.

The state agencies suggest that potential investors research before using a company. Add the word “scam” or “complaint” to your search and see what comes up. Be very cautious when giving personal credit card or bank information or when using Venmo or other payment apps. Also, celebrity endorsements do not mean that a company is legit. It could still be a scam.

Anita Fox of DIFS said, “It pays to do your homework with reputable sources before initiating a transfer or giving out any personal information, and remember that if an offer seems too good to be true – it could be a scam.”   

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Boating Safety App is Helpful Tool

With so many options for enjoying our lakes and rivers, water safety should be a priority in the Blue Water Area. The U.S. Coast Guard has an easy to use safety tool that may help in case of an emergency on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety App includes features to keep boater’s safe, help them report problems, and file float plans with the Coast Guard. Available through the App Store and Google Play Store, the free app is helpful for boaters of all types.

One feature allows water-goers to file a float plan that documents their planned trip with the Coast Guard. Before leaving the shore, boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders can file the float plan on the app. If something happens and they do not arrive at their destination, the float plan could be a valuable asset for locating them.

The app also allows the user to report suspicious activity and hazards they notice on the water and contact the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance.

Learn more about the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety app <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Child Tax Credits Being Issued Monthly Starting in July

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer  is urging parents to file a federal income tax return if they haven’t yet done so or use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool in order to be eligible  for  federal Child Tax Credit  payments.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 increased the  federal Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per year for children under 6 years old and $3,000 per year for children 6–17 years old.  The Federal Government is now preparing to issue those tax credits in the form of monthly payments.

Families meeting the guidelines will receive Internal Revenue Service-issued checks or direct deposits once a month from July – December: on July 15th, August 13th, September 15th, October 15th, November 15th, and December 15th.

These payments will not count as additional income that could affect a family’s eligibility for public assistance.

Low-income families with children are eligible for this program – including those who have not made enough money to be required to file taxes. The Non-filer Sign-up Tool is designed for those individuals who don’t normally file a tax return, such as families experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and other underserved groups. The tool is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand