College Students in Career or Tech Programs Could Be Eligible for SNAP Benefits

Michigan — Students in college career and technical education programs that have been struggling financially are now eligible for some relief. The Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Health and Human Services are leading an initiative to address food insecurity for students.

Low-income college students who are enrolled in career and technical programs may be eligible for food benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This will be particularly helpful for students who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to the pandemic. Students in those situations were not eligible for SNAP benefits in the past, but the expansion of benefits has made it possible.

Under the expansion, students need to meet income requirements for the benefits, and they have to be enrolled at least half-time in a Perkins V career or tech program. Locally, Perkins Postsecondary Career & Tech programs are available at St. Clair County Community College.

To learn more and apply for benefits, visit: Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Become a Pen Pal for a Purpose with St. Clair County C.M.H.

St. Clair County Community Mental health recognized that many people in the community need a way to connect with others. In response to that need, they have started the Pen Pals for a Purpose Program to help people connect through the mail.

Volunteers in the pen pal program must sign a consent form, submit to a background check, and agree with the rules of the program. All letters written will be reviewed by staff at St. Clair County Community Mental Health to ensure the integrity of the program.

Pen Pals will write on a variety of topics including, love, gratitude, and admiration. Volunteer writers will receive guides that help them write about the topic and give them ideas for their letters. There are also activity sheets that can be printed and shared.

For more information about the program, visit St. Clair County Community Mental Health’s website and click on Pen Pals for a Purpose <HERE>  .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

24/7 DAD Program Helps Fathers Be Their Best

Port Huron, MI — I.M.P.A.C.T. works hard to enrich the lives of the people they serve through information, referral, advocacy, prevention, and treatment, and the organization is excited to offer a new program that focusing on fatherhood called 24/7 DAD.

The 24/7 DAD program is for fathers in all stages who hope to become the best father possible for their kids. It will also address the unique needs of fathers who are working with the court system and need parenting classes or those who are working through custody issues and want to learn their rights and improve their communication skills.

The program lasts 12 weeks, and it will take place at the I.M.P.A.C.T. center on Military Street in Port Huron. The program is partially funded by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County which cut the participant fee in half bringing it to just $60 per person.

For more information or to register, contact Pamela Motte at 810-985-5437.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

DNR offers Tips on Dealing with Nuisance Coyotes

Coyotes are on the move and if you see one in your neighborhood, there are some things to know to keep them from becoming a problem. Coyotes are in breeding season now and will soon be caring for pups, which means they will be looking for food anywhere they can find it.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the easiest way to keep coyotes from getting too close to your home and property is to remove their food source. They are looking for critters like mice and rabbits, but they will go after easy pickings from trash cans and pet food if it is available. Bird feeders attract the small game that coyotes like, so take them down if coyotes are a problem. 

The DNR recommends “hazing” coyotes if they get too close, by taking advantage of their natural fear of humans and scaring them off. The DNR also recommends accompanying pets outdoors instead of letting them roam free in areas where coyotes are present.

Finally, it’s always open season on coyotes that are being a nuisance on private property, and the DNR says that there are coyote nuisance control businesses that can help out if needed.

A link to more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSjHwzX9Iiw

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lauwers Bill Updates Hemp Laws

A bill to update Michigan’s hemp laws, introduced by State Senator Dan Lauwers of Brockway Township, has been approved by the Senate. The bill was crafted by Lauwers, a Republican who represents the 25th District, to amend the Michigan Hemp Growers Act to comply with the updated USDA final rule. 

Senate Bill 186 allows Michigan’s hemp industry to continue to grow. Hemp is used in fabrics, textiles, yarns, paper, and home furnishings, among other uses. CBD oil is derived from industrial hemp plants. 

The bill has many technical aspects pertaining to the regulation of hemp growers. Growers need to be registered with the United States Department of Agriculture and have to maintain acceptable levels of THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis. 

Hemp farming has the potential to be a lucrative crop in Michigan and can contribute to the economy, but not without Michigan’s regulations being in line with the federal government. 

Lauwers said, “Updating state law to continue to produce hemp products will give the Michigan agricultural industry a great advantage.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dr. Jason Whateley McLaren

Dr. Jason Whateley Joins McClaren Medical Group

Ft. Gratiot, MI — Dr. Jason Whateley, D.O. has recently joined the team at Ft. Gratiot Internal Medicine on Lakeshore Road in Ft. Gratiot. He is the newest primary care physician in the McLaren Medical Group.

Dr. Whateley is board certified in internal medicine and has previously practiced medicine in Rochester, MI and Washington, MI. In a YouTube video featuring an interview with Dr. Whateley, he said, when it comes to patient care, he’s, “pretty down to earth” and likes to engage his patients in their own treatment plans.

“I like to explain to them what their disease is, so they understand. [Then] they know what we are doing, and they can make choices in their care also,” said Dr. Whateley, a 5 star-rated physician on healthgrades.com.

Dr. Whateley is accepting new patients, and he accepts most insurances including Medicare. Contact Ft. Gratiot Internal Medicine at 810-385-6370 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand