local news

Extra Covid-19 Food Assistance Payments Ends After February

To address the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020, many Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance each month. Due to new federal legislation that will end after February.

Individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were receiving an extra food benefit of $95 or more per month, but due to the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which was signed on December 29th, those individuals will have to look for other means to offset the loss. 

Options that are suggested include local food banks, free and reduced-priced school lunches, the WIC program, and Double-Up Food Bucks. 

“Now that we know the additional benefits are going away, we want to make sure our clients are prepared for this change, as we realize inflation is affecting all of us,” says Chief Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lewis Roubal.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

General Motors Gifts Northwood With $100K For Automotive Camp

General Motors, one of the Big Three in the automotive world, has awarded $100k to Northwood University to host an automotive camp for high school seniors. 

The Full Tank Automotive Camp will help students in various areas of the automotive industry such as, design, development, sales and marketing, manufacturing, problem-solving in a business setting, and learning how dealership profits center work. 

The camp will be held Sunday, June 11th to Friday, June 18th at Northwood University located in Midland. Northwood is nationally recognized in the automotive industry for its undergraduate automotive studies and its graduate-level automotive management programs. Students interested in an automotive career will definitely want to register. 

There are a limited number of scholarships available for those students who may need financial assistance. 

For more information, visit: Northwood.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Seeking Proposals For Child And Adolescent Health Center Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting proposals to expand the Child and Adolescent Health Center (CAHC) program through school-based or school-linked health services. Models funded through this grant include CACH and School Wellness Programs (SWP).

The Child and Adolescent Health Center Program provides a place for our youth to learn positive behaviors, prevent diseases, and receive needed medical care and support. 

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is open to public and non-profits such as local health departments, community health centers, and school districts to name a few. Applicants must demonstrate collaboration between the local school district, health care providers and sponsoring agencies in the application.   

Applications must be submitted electronically through EGrAMS by 3 p.m., on March 1st.

For more information, visit the EGrAMS website.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

As Tax Season Approaches Michiganders Should Beware Of Cyber Crime

In today’s day and age almost everyone owns or uses a computer or other digital means of communication. If you’re one of these individuals it’s important that you use some sort of security software program to protect your information and your assets.

One of the recent forms of cyber attack comes in the form of ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a suggested amount of money is paid. Ransomware is usually targeted towards individuals, but businesses are noticing increased attacks as well. 

Ransomware can be extremely harmful, as some cyber attacks will threaten to expose personal information such as photos and videos. There have even been reports of ransomware attacks leading to individuals taking their own lives.  

So, as tax season approaches be aware of cyber scams such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. Cyber criminals will pose as people or institutions you trust, so use caution.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers 2023 State Of The State Address

On Wednesday, January 25th, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fifth State of the State Address. It was held in the Michigan House of Representatives in front of a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate.

The address was broadcast live with Whitmer discussing her plans to tackle the challenges currently faced by Michiganders. 

One of the issues addressed was the cost of living in Michigan. We have all noticed the rise in cost of everyday items, and have been affected by it to some degree. Gov. Whitmer says, “I am excited to announce “Lowering MI Costs, ” a plan offering immediate relief. 

The three steps include rolling back retirement tax, expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, and third, Pre-K for All, which would save families an average of $10,000 per year and ensure that every four year old gets a great start.

For a full video of the 2023 State of the State Address, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marine City Students Provide Duck Home For Blue Water Hospice

As part of a service project for their school at Cardinal Mooney High School in Marine City, students CJ Miller and Brendan Carnaghi decided they would reach out to a local organization to lend a hand. 

The two students decided to reach out to the Blue Water Hospice Home and ask if there was anything they could do to help out. 

“Knowing the Hospice Home fills such a great need, we reached out to determine if there was something we could do for them. It had been mentioned that a shelter was needed for some domesticated ducks that had found their way to the pond at the Hospice Home. We were glad to be given the opportunity to build one,” says Miller.

The two students then began to design the structure, plan the build process, and gather materials before setting out to complete the project which took an estimated 60 man-hours. 

Feel free to drive by and view their thoughtful handiwork at the Blue Water Hospice Home located at 2795 Edison Blvd, Marysville. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell