State Rep. Andrew Beeler Starts Term

State Representative Andrew Beeler was sworn into the Michigan House on Wednesday to represent the 83rd District. Although national politics has focused largely on activity at the Capitol over the last week, Beeler says his main focus is on his district and the people he represents.

After the swearing in ceremony, the 101st Michigan Legislature had its first session, and House Speaker Jason Wentworth spoke and set the tone for future sessions. According to Beeler, Wentworth encouraged the Legislature to help improve the transparency and accountability of government, and inspired the group to shore up the people’s faith in [government] institutions.

When asked what it was like to be in his first session representing the 83rd District, Beeler said, “It was a really humbling moment. What really hit home for me was that I am here on behalf of my community.”

Beeler went on to say, “I think that after all the campaigning and all the door knocking and going through the issues back and forth, in that moment there was a calm. [There was] humility understanding what an honor it is not only to be in that chamber but also to represent the 90,ooo people who live in the 83rd District, my home and my neighbors.”

Beeler is still working out the details on how his constituents can best communicate with him. For now, he will keep people informed through his social media and through local news sources, and he is available by email at andrewbeeler@house.mi.gov and by phone at 517-373-0835.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4 Scholarships Available for 2021-22 

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College has opened up the application period for a multitude of scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year. The links to the scholarships can all be found in one place on the college’s website.

Scholarship eligibility varies, but there are scholarships specifically for first year students or second year students, those in the nursing program, those in engineering, criminal justice and many others. Some require proof of financial hardship; others do not. Some are targeted toward graduates of specific high schools, including Blue Water Middle College. There is even a scholarship offered by the Port Huron Garden Club for students intending to major in horticulture or a similar field.

The cost per credit hour at SC4, including the technology fee, is around $168 for residents of the “college district”, which includes school districts completely within the county, and $289 for those outside of the district, plus additional fees that vary by course, according to the latest data on the college’s website.

A link to the SC4 scholarship page: https://sc4.edu/scholarships-available-for-sc4-students/.

The deadline for application is March 14th, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water YMCA Helps RESET for 2021

If you’re ready to actively put 2020 behind you, the Blue Water YMCA wants to help you RESET for 2021. Their RESET Challenge is designed to help transform the spirit, mind, and body beginning on February 1st.

The Y’s Healthy Living Sr. Program Director, Jenny McElwain, said, “Everyone’s ready for a new focus, a reset, after 2020. We want the RESET Challenge to engage the entire community in moving and feeling better.”

The challenge includes 150 minutes of physical activity a week for 6 weeks and comes along with three encouraging texts each week filled with motivation, challenges, and workouts. RESET Challenge participants can also enjoys some free classes to further inspire them in their fitness goals.

The Blue Water YMCA’s new Executive Director, Josh Chapman, begins his position this week, and he’s encouraging the community to participate. “It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals, feel better and stronger,” said Chapman.

You can learn more about the RESET Challenge at www.bluewaterymca.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Knowlton Ice Museum Now Officially Owned by Community Foundation

Port Huron, MI — The Knowlton Ice Museum in Downtown Port Huron has officially entered a new phase. It’s operations and ownership have been handed over to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, along with an ample endowment. The Community Foundation currently owns a growing portfolio of properties in the region.

Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation, said, “We’re really excited about the Knowlton Museum being neighbors with the future ‘Wrigley Center’ development in downtown Port Huron and the opportunities that may present. We look forward to exploring options to allow families and tourists to interact with the collection in new and exciting ways. But for the time being the regular seasonal schedule will continue.”

The collection was curated by Mickey and Agnes Knowlton, the founders of Party Time Ice. It is thought to be the largest known collection of ice harvesting and processing historical items, with many items dating back to the days when ice was harvested off of the St. Clair River.

Winter hours at the Museum are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Expecting Indoor Dining to Resume Feb 1st

At a press conference today, Governor Whitmer expressed that Michigan has been a leader in fighting COVID-19. She said the state is seeing an increased demand for vaccines, and they have brought Meijer on as a pharmacy partner to help achieve their goal of 50,000 vaccines administered per day.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon spoke about the physical and emotional toll that COVID-19 has had on Michiganders especially in winter. Therefore, beginning January 16th, the restrictions on indoor fitness and group athletics are being lifted.

The state is also looking for ways to safely reopen restaurants for indoor dining, and they project that on Feb 1st indoor dining can resume with safety precautions in place such as masks, curfews, and capacity limits.

Residents are encouraged to continue adhering to mask wearing and refrain from attending indoor gatherings with people outside their household to contribute to the positive trend the state is experiencing with the virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

Michigan Food Security Council Addresses Food Insecurity

The Michigan Food Security Council has made recommendations to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to maintain food security during the ongoing pandemic. The Council’s goal is to help struggling Michiganders, both those who face food insecurity on a regular basis and those who are experiencing it for the first time, to be able to feed nutritious food to their families.

The recommendations include addressing food needs by pursuing existing federal food program services and seeking flexible service options such as home delivery and incentives for retailers to accept food assistance benefits. Over 1.2 million Michigan residents get food benefits. Collaboration with partners to improve the infrastructure for food and nutrition programs is also proposed, along with helping communities to develop local community response programs. 

Michigan’s food supply has remained sufficient throughout the pandemic, but the Council recommended developing strategies to address panic buying, prioritizing food workers for PPE, and engaging restaurants to deliver prepared meals to vulnerable populations. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland