Federal Money, National Guard Help State Work Toward Goal of 50,000 Shots Per Day

Michigan is in the top 20% of states in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The state has administered around a million vaccines, using roughly 71% of the vaccines on hand in the state, according to the Center for Disease Control’s February 1st report.

Part of the success of the distribution plan, relative to the rest of the states, could be because of the utilization of Michigan’s National Guard.

Major General Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of Michigan’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said, “Our dedicated members of the Michigan National Guard are working hard to administer vaccines across the state. The men and women of the Michigan National Guard have been proud to assist the state in Michigan’s COVID-19 response, whether it’s by testing, administering vaccines, or ensuring families across the state have the food they need to get through the pandemic. We will continue working in partnership with the governor, Dr. Khaldun, and their teams to end the pandemic once and for all.” 

Michigan is using federal funding to increase distribution and try to get to the goal of 50,000 shots per day. The money will go to local health departments to pay for additional staffing and equipment. More money is expected to go toward testing, tracing, and lab capacity in Michigan as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michiganders Urged to Look for Unclaimed Property

Thousands of Michigan residents have unclaimed property, usually money, that is being held in the custody of the Michigan Department of Treasury. Monday was “National Unclaimed Property Day”, which is an annual event meant to remind citizens to check and see if they have some forgotten assets due to them.

There are millions of dollars held in the Treasury from lost or forgotten banks accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and stock certificates. Such assets are turned over to the state and listed on the Unclaimed Property website, unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.

The website is easily searchable and the process for claiming property is explained on the website. Filing a claim is absolutely free and can be done by the individual as well as their beneficiary if the claimant it deceased. Corporate claims are also listed on the website.

One out of ten people are thought to have unclaimed property. Michigan returned $133 million in unclaimed property just last year and has paid out $400 million over the last five years.

A link to the Unclaimed Property Website:

Michigan Unclaimed Property – Official State Site

Claimants may call 517-636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Antique Boat Shows Planned for Summer

The Michigan Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society has finalized their 2021 Boat Show Schedule, and they are planning events in Port Sanilac, Algonac, and Port Huron. 

The Algonac Boat Show is planned for the end of June at the Algonac Harbour Club, formerly the Chris Craft plant. It includes a public show, kids events, and water events.

The Port Sanilac Show will happen on August 20 & 21st at the Port Sanilac Municipal Marina, and Port Huron’s is scheduled for September 10th & 11th in Downtown Port Huron.

All shows are taking registrations forms beginning in the spring of 2021 which will be available on the Michigan Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s website at www.michacbs.com. 

For more information check out the Events page at WGRT.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Releases 2020 Report

The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission has released their 2020 Annual Report. The Commission is planning to introduce a package of 30 bills to the Michigan legislature.

The bills include implementing statewide best practices for interacting with survivors of human trafficking; further expansion of resources available on the recently redesigned Commission webpage; deployment of safe in-person listening sessions with COVID-19-compliant protocols for victims of human trafficking; and identifying additional funding partners.

The Commission works through seven subcommittees: training and education, data collection and research, victim services, public awareness, policy and legislation, courts, and funding and resources.

Human trafficking is a pervasive criminal activity that targets vulnerable individuals for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission continued their work through the pandemic, as the prevalence of human trafficking did not subside.

The Commission focused on educating people in how to identify and reach out to suspected victims.

A link to a video with training information and to the full report :

Understanding and Reporting Human Trafficking | Polaris & Attorney General Nessel (MI) | Uber – YouTube

2020 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Report to the Governor and Legislature

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Celebrate Edison’s Birthday with Flashlight Tour

Thomas Edison’s 174th Birthday is coming up, and the Port Huron Museums are providing a unique way to celebrate. The Thomas Edison Depot Museum is offering a guided flashlight tour of the museum led by Depot Dave.

Guests can register for a time slot on February 11th to participate in the tour. Tours will be limited to 10 people and the cost is $10 per person or $8 per member. The interactive tour will feature quirky Edison facts and guest can learn even more about the areas that interest them by shining their flashlight on them during the tour.

Andrew Kercher, Manager of Community Engagement at the Port Huron Museums, said, “This is a new, fun event that has been structured to keep people safe and give them something fun to do. It’s a new way to engage with our history!”

Tickets are available on EventBrite <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Portillo’s Chicago-Style Restaurant Coming to Hall Road

Craving a Chicago-style hot dog? You can hop on the Amtrak train and head to Chicago for the weekend, or you can plan a quick trip to M-59 in Sterling Heights to get an authentic taste of Chicago. Portillo’s, which specializes in Chicago-style street food, has announced the March 16th grand opening of its first Michigan restaurant.

The “fast-casual” restaurant will be located on Hall Road in front of Lakeside Mall. The restaurant is hiring staff right now. They estimate having a staff of 150 employees.

Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said, “We always look forward to opening Portillo’s in new markets. Fans in Michigan have been asking for a Portillo’s for years, so we’re very excited to bring our unrivaled Chicago street food and the signature Portillo’s experience to the community of Sterling Heights.”

Prior to the opening of the nearly 8,000 square foot restaurant, Portillo’s will be operating a “Beef Bus” Food Truck to give customers a taste of their food, starting February 17th.

A link to the food truck schedule: Beef Bus Tour Schedule | Portillo’s

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland