“100+ Women Who Care” Event Raises over $10,000 for Charity

The “100+ Women Who Care” fundraising event took place last week, making the best of the social distancing restrictions. The virtual event was a success and raised over $10,000 for several local charities. 

Over 100 women were divided into fourteen teams and used the GooseChase app to complete “missions” and have some fun. By the end, eleven non-profits benefited from being nominated by the participants. By the end of the night, one of the founders of the Women’s Initiative, Joann Ploeger, drew the names of the nonprofits who won the $1250 grants. The winning teams were then able to nominate recipients of $500 grants. 

The $1250 grant winners were Mid City Nutrition, Enter Stage Right at The Citadel Stage, Council on Aging serving St Clair County, River Bank Youth Theatre, Friends of the St. Clair River, and Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County. 

The $500 grant winners were Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer, St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect Council, Julie’s Kids., Bridge Builders Counseling & Mentoring, and Hunter Hospitality House. The remainder of the funds will go into the Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Fund. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Priority Appointments Available at Secretary of State

Priority driver’s license and state ID appointments will be available from today until November 2nd for Michigan residents who need a first-time, replacement, or corrected driver’s license or state ID.

Appointments will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they can be booked online at Mcigigan.gov/SOS or by calling 1-888-SOS-MICH.

“These appointments will ensure customers get the new or replacement driver’s license or state ID they may need as soon as possible,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Prioritizing these appointments is another way we are ensuring continued service to Michigan residents during this pandemic.”

In addition to the priority appointment timeslot, residents also can complete these first-time, replacement or correction transactions, and other limited types of transactions, using the next-day and advance appointment categories available through the online appointment system.

Each individual must make a separate appointment to ensure enough time is allotted for service. Appointments aren’t transferable to another customer, and duplicate appointments will be canceled.

Welcome Surprise: Wild Rice Seems to Deter Phragmites on Harsens Island

Wild rice seems to be keeping invasive phragmites at bay near Harsens Island in Clay Township. Representatives of the Thumb Land Conservancy (TLC) and the Blue Water Indigenous Alliance explored the region recently and found several acres of wild rice along the Middle Channel.

Phragmites are tall, prolific weeds that are wreaking havoc on waterways around the state. They grow in dense patches and drown out native species. According to a press release from the Thumb Land Conservancy, the wild rice crop is expanding on the island and there is little or no invasive species where the rice is growing. The rising lake level seems to be helping, as the wild rice tolerates the deeper water better than the phragmites.

TLC reported that, “For now, there are some good things happening ecologically along the shores of the Saint Clair River delta and this may be part of a long-term pattern for survival of native marsh vegetation like wild-rice.”

Landowners in the area are encouraged to gather and scatter the wild rice seeds along the waters’ edge in an effort to stave off the invasion of phragmites.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Michigan Small Business Restart Grant Helps Over 11,300 Small Businesses

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced $69 million in grant awards to small businesses last week. The Michigan Small Business Restart Grant Program provided grants of up to $20,000 to more than 11,300 small businesses and nonprofits.

The grants will provide relief for small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Whitmer said this grant program put federal funding to work for small businesses and will “create a strong foundation for Michigan’s long-term economic recovery.”

The program allocated $100 million of federal CARES Act funding to provide support to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits that have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The funding was distributed across 15 local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 Michigan counties.

Locally, funds were granted through the Flint & Genesee Chamber EDO, and awards ranged from $5,000 – $20,000. At least 72,950 jobs have been retained for Michigan workers through these initial grant awards.

 

 

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Supreme Court Rules Whitmer’s Use of Emergency Powers Unconstitutional

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Governor Whitmer’s use of emergency powers without the approval of the state legislature is unconstitutional.

In a press release from the Governor’s office, Whitmer said, “Today’s Supreme Court ruling, handed down by a narrow majority of Republican justices, is deeply disappointing, and I vehemently disagree with the court’s interpretation of the Michigan Constitution. Right now, every state and the federal government have some form of declared emergency. With this decision, Michigan will become the sole outlier at a time when the Upper Peninsula is experiencing rates of COVID infection not seen in our state since April.”

She also noted in the press release that because the ruling doesn’t take effect for at least 21 days, the current emergency declarations in place are still relevant and “retain the force of law”.  Like many of the orders put in place by the Governor, there is disagreement about exactly how this ruling will be enforced. It does seem clear, however, that the Governor is now encouraged, if not required, to work with the legislature on any future emergency orders related to COVID-19.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

McLaren Port Huron August Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Kurt Brinker has been named the Employee of the Month for August. Brinker has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 15 years, and is the physical therapist lead for inpatient care.

Brinker was nominated by his peers because he exemplifies the hospital values and always does what’s best for patients and coworkers. Brinker cares about his patients. You can always find him with a patient laughing, encouraging them and reassuring them they are safe and doing great. When a patient has a need, Brinker is proactive and personally talks with Care Management staff so patients have what they need to be safe when they are discharged.

He is always positive and freindly. You can count on him to get any job done in a timely manner. He is an excellent employee, and even better person who deserves this recognition.

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.