Local Cities Get “Tree City USA” Designation

Port Huron, MI — Trees make communities better. The cities of St. Clair, Marysville, and Port Huron have all been given the “Tree City USA” designation for 2020. The cities are recognized for their work in promoting and caring for trees in the community.

The honor went to 124 Michigan communities, nine college campuses, one hospital, and one utility: ITC. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources certifies the Tree City USA recipients.

Kevin Sayers, urban and community forestry specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said, “Michigan ranks eighth nationally in the number of communities with Tree City designations.”

To earn the designation, organizations must have a city department or tree board, a public tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and a proclamation about and celebration of Arbor Day, which takes place April 30 this year.

Sayers said that trees help to cool sidewalks in the summer and clean the air. He said, “Michigan is still looking forward to seeing its first K-12 school become certified through the newest program, Tree Campus K-12. “

More information about getting certified with Tree City USA can be found at ArborDay.org/Programs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Treasury Announces Homestead Property Tax Credit

Working families and individuals with a total household income of $60,000 or less who own or rent a home could be getting a little more tax relief on their 2020 taxes with the Homestead Property Tax Credit.

The tax credit is related to total household income and the amount paid in property taxes, whether directly through homeownership or indirectly when paying rent.

More than one million taxpayers claimed the credit on their 2019 taxes with an average credit of $669 per household.

To get the credit, taxpayers’ homestead must be in Michigan, whether they own or rent. They must also have been a resident of Michigan for at least six months in 2020, and own or pay rent on a Michigan homestead on which property taxes were levied. The value of the home cannot exceed $135,000.

Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, head of Michigan Treasury’s Revenue Services programs, said, “Homestead Property Tax Credits provide tax relief for Michigan’s working families and individuals. These tax credits can reduce tax owed and may provide a refund.”

2020 Income Taxes are due to be filed by May 17th, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren March Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Curtis Jevens has been named the Employee of the Month for March. Jevens has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 15 years as a physical therapist.

Jevens was nominated by his peers because he embodies the hospital values. He treats all his patients with respect and compassion, listening to their concerns and trying to alleviate them. He always provides a high level of care, creating a “WOW” experience for patients. Jevens also takes pride and a sense of ownership in his work, coming in early or staying late to meet the needs of his patients. He performs his job duties with responsibility, compassion, respect and professionalism every day. His coworkers consider themselves fortunate to work with him, and say he is a valuable asset to McLaren Port Huron.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Baseball Season in Full Swing

It’s baseball season, and Comerica Park wants to welcome fans back to the stands for Detroit Tigers baseball.

As a sign of the times, safety measures are in place at the park including a Gameday Wellness survey that needs to be completed no more than 24 hours before entering Comerica Park. The survey is available inside the Major League Baseball (MLB) app, and attendees can take a screenshot of their result to show when they enter the park.

There are several things to know before you go including the process of parking which requires reserving your space at tigers.com/parking before leaving home and accessing your tickets on the mobile app for park entry.  Guests are also required to wear a mask while in the park unless eating or drinking and neck gaiters, bandanas, and masks with valves or vents are not permitted.

Seating during games has been strategically planned so spectators are distanced from on another, and some ticket options include purchasing tickets in pods of two or four seats at a time.

Despite the changes, a day at a ballgame is a sign of spring for many people, and even a socially distanced crowd may be a welcome sight to those who have missed cheering for their favorite teams.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit Tigers.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Photo cred: Tigers win! Duane Burleson/MLB Photos

Matthew Ruiz Will Be Next Director of BWMCA

Port Huron, MI — Matthew Ruiz, current assistant director of the Blue Water Middle College Academy, is preparing to become its next director. Ruiz is stepping into the role in May after the retirement of Pete Spencer.

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a public charter school that collaborates with select St. Clair County high schools and St. Clair County Community College to help students get a head start on college.

Ruiz has been working with students in the Middle College since 2011 after a prior career in the St. Clair County District Court as an assistant prosecutor and a clerk for Judge Peter Deegan.

Ruiz said, “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization. I look forward to continuing to help families realize the dream of sending their child to college. I’m especially grateful to Pete for his guidance. The middle college is strong today because of his work over the past decade.”

Pete Spencer has been leading Blue Water Middle College since its inception and was instrumental in establishing the charter school in the community. He served in his role as director for 10 years.

Ruiz plans to work closely with the staff, the middle college Board of Trustees, and the school’s students and families. He also plans to lead a community outreach program and build partnerships with local organizations to grow enrollment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

McClain Letter Questions Biden Administration on China

On April 7, 2021. Congresswoman Lisa McClain led a letter to the United States Ambassador to the United Nations questioning why China is on the United Nations’ Human Rights Council when they are the number one violator of human rights.

Rep. McClain penned the letter following a troubling report last week regarding China’s horrific treatment of Christians. The letter requests the Biden Administration take action against the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights violations.

“China’s treatment of the Uyghurs is atrocious and reason enough for them to not have a seat on the UN Human Rights’ Council,” said Rep. McClain. “Now, we are seeing reports that the Chinese Communist Party is sending Christians to brainwashing camps and torturing them for their beliefs. It is past time we stand up for religious freedom. The Biden Administration needs to stand up to China.”

Reps. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Ralph Norman (R-SC), William Timmons (R-SC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Greg Steube (R-FL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) Jody Hice (R-GA), Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Louis Gohmert (R-TX) joined Rep. McClain’s letter.

The letter is available to read <HERE>

Submitted by Congresswoman McClain’s Office