DNR Reminds About Trail Etiquette

A welcome sign of fair weather ahead is the release of trail etiquette guidelines from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Hiking and outdoor exploring have never been more popular. With increased traffic, knowing the rules of the trails is vital.

Some trails are shared between walkers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders.

The DNR advises against using muddy trails as doing so can leave uneven bicycle ruts, deep footprints, or hoof tracks from horseback riders. If traveling through mud is unavoidable, the center of the trail is the best place to be to keep from unintentionally widening the trail and damaging the environment. Bicyclists are asked to get off their bikes and tiptoe down the center of a muddy trail.

Bicyclists are also expected to yield to other trail users on Michigan trails and to communicate with horseback riders as to the best way to pass so as not to scare the horses.

The DNR also reminds trail users to “pack it in; pack it out” and leave no trace. If litter is found on the trail, pick it up.

A link to the DNR website with more trail information:

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_105181—,00.html?utm_campaign=news%20digest%20may2021%20week4&utm_medium=digest&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDHHS May Send You a Text About Vaccine

With all the text and email scams circulating, people may be skeptical if they receive a text from an unknown number. However, MDHHS has started a new text campaign to encourage Michiganders to get vaccinated.

The text messaging program will go out to 1 million people in counties throughout Michigan, and the text will ask about COVID-19 vaccine plans.

The first message will clearly identify the sender as the “Michigan Department of Health and Human Services” and then link people to vaccination sites in their area along with links to resources about the vaccine.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health with MDHHS, said, “We are reaching out to people through a variety of channels to make sure they have the access and information they need to protect themselves from COVID-19 with this safe and effective vaccine.”

People who receive these text messages from MDHHS can opt out by replying “STOP” to any of the messages at any time.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Forgot to file State Taxes? There are Options

State taxes were due May 17th. If you forgot, you are not alone. The Michigan Department of Treasury did not forget, and they have some tips for filing a late return.

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks said, “Taxpayers who missed last week’s individual income tax filing deadline have options. If you have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment, we will work with you on payment options. Our goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties.”

The Treasury reminds taxpayers that they have four years to get a tax refund. After that, they forfeit the return. If money is owed, it’s better to file and pay as much as possible to limit interest charges and late payment penalties.

If taxpayers just don’t have the money to pay, they have some options. They can request a penalty waiver but must show reasonable cause such as serious illness, natural disaster, or criminal acts against the taxpayer. They can also make monthly payments through an installment agreement, which must be approved by the Treasury.

Finally, taxpayers can try to negotiate their tax bill through an offer in compromise. More information can be found on the Treasury eservices website.

To get started with Treasury eServices, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax and click on “eServices Individual Income Tax.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Is It Time to Book Your Next Trip?

Many people put off travel plans for the majority of 2020, and now they are feeling ready to plan their next adventure. According to a local travel agent, now is the time to plan cruises, trips to amusement parks, and tours overseas.

Rules, regulations, and restrictions vary by country, mode of travel, and destination, so working with a travel agent may be more valuable than ever. D’Ann Kolan from St. Clair Travel said keeping up with what’s happening where is her job.

Although nothing is set in stone, many travel destinations and cruise companies are requiring visitors be vaccinated and/or COVID tested, and currently, COVID testing is required for those re-entering the U.S. from outside the county. These extra steps are not deterring travelers, and many are comforted by the idea.

“Travelers are biting at the bit to travel.” said Kolan. She is actively scheduling trips to Disney World and Disney Land (which just opened up), Switzerland, and Mexico for this year. Disney currently requires both tickets and reservations to get into the parks  which makes things a little more complicated, and masks are required throughout the park, but Kolan says people are enjoying the lower capacity in the parks.

“Disney does things right. They have everything in place and they have the employees to keep it up. You do not need to be vaccinated to go [at this time],” she said.

Travel discounts vary by destination. Kolan says, “If you’re going to Vegas this summer, you’re probably going to get a good deal, but if you’re booking far out on a future holiday, it’s tough. That’s going to be more expensive.” The main issue is that with limited flights, air fare is more expensive. 

If you’ve never used a travel agent, Kolan, who has been in the business for 30 years,  says St. Clair Travel’s services apply to trips big and small. They regularly do air and hotel packages and air and car rentals.  She said, “We do travel to anywhere and all different types, and we don’t charge service fees.”

To learn more about St. Clair Travel, visit their website:

https://www.stclairtravel.net/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

TEC Students Win Awards at DAFT

St. Clair County, MI — Eleven Digital Media Technology seniors at St. Clair TEC won or shared 10 awards at the 2021 DAFT Student Film Festival. 

Lesley Murphy, the DMT instructor at TEC, said, “All of our DMT entries won an award, with two earning Best in Show, which is the highest honor.” 

The DAFT Student Film Festival provides a public venue for the work of students in grades K-12, as well as giving recognition and significant awards to young media artists. The film festival is presented through the nonprofit organization DAFT (Digital Arts, Film, and Television). 

The TEC winners are: 

Honor Award 

  • Kristian Duffy, Port Huron Northern High School The Spear, Narrative Film 
  • Gwen Golembiewski, Memphis High School The Book, Narrative Film 

Excellence Award 

  • Stephanie Briggs, St. Clair High School, and Elizabeth Kilyk, Port Huron Northern High School It’s Bathsheba, Narrative Film
  • Taylor Darhower, Port Huron Northern High School COVID Season, Documentary/Event
  • Kyle King, Port Huron Northern High School Death Valley, Narrative Film
  • Ethan Pechman, St. Clair High School Summer 2021, Music Video
  • Ethan Pechman, St. Clair High School The Hunt of Midwinter, Narrative Film
  • Renee Pokotello, St. Clair High School Art in Motion, Documentary/Event 

Best of Show 

  • Zach Floyd, Virtual Learning Academy VIRUS, Narrative Film 
  • Sam Tricomo, St. Clair High School I Love You, Narrative Film

The Best of Show winners will be streamed on www.daftonline.org as well as on Facebook and YouTube. 

  • – “VIRUS” by Zach Floyd 
  • “I Love You” by Sam Tricomo 

Submitted by St. Clair County TEC

Tickets on Sale for Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club

Detroit, MI — Three of the world’s 11 best golfers will be hitting the green at the Detroit Golf Club in July to compete in the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and spectator ticket for the event are now on sale.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic is the first PGA TOUR event to be held in the city of Detroit, and the event raised more than 1.2 million dollars for charity in 2019.

This year’s list of players at the July 1-4th event include PGA Championship winner and World Golf Hall of Famer, Phil Mickelson, along with Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Jason Day, and defending champion and Rocket Mortgage ambassador, Bryson DeChambeau.

Currently, DeChambeau ranks No. 4 in the Official World Gold Ranking, Reed ranks No. 8, and Simpson ranks No. 11.

The event sold out in 2019, so tickets are expected to go fast for this event. Tickets are available at RocketMortgageClassic.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand