local news

Consumers Energy Helping To Keep Veterans Warm This Winter

With more than 550,000 veterans living in the state of Michigan, over 50% of them are over the age of 65, and living on a fixed income. Consumers Energy recognizes, and understands that many are unable to pay their increasing energy bills, and have recently announced it will donate $300,000 to help veterans pay their heating bill through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF).

This donation would be the largest single donation by Consumers Energy in 76 years, and could help hundreds of veterans in need this winter. So far this winter they have provided over $7 million to help Michigan residents, including the donation made to the MVTF. 

Consumers Energy’s CEO Garrick Rochow says, “Natural gas prices have climbed across the Midwest and the nation, and we are committed to helping customers manage their bills and help those in need immediately.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Signs 45 Bills Before First Term Ends

As Gov. Whitmer’s first term in office winds down, she has signed 45 bills that will hopefully improve the State of Michigan and the lives of its residents.

Let’s take a look at a small portion of those bills, and how they affect Michigan residents. One of the bills signed is looking to raise the state’s recycling rates. An overhaul in how we handle waste will set new goals and standards for waste management.

Another package, the Michigan Reconnect grant, will offer those aged 25 and up tuition funds at a community college, so that they may pursue an associates degree or other professional certificate. The goal is to get more adults into higher education, to further improve the workforce.

Last but not least, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill that will collectively support the development of affordable housing units across Michigan.

For more details, visit: michigan.gov/whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Police Dept Receives Funding For Community Engagement

In any community there must be a competent and trustworthy police force to maintain law and order. To better gain the community’s trust and respect, officers are expected to conduct themselves as servants to those in the community.

The Port Huron Police Department (PHPD) is looking to have more community involvement, build a better relationship with residents, and to also receive their support as well. Through a generous gift from the James C. Acheson Fund, a new Port Huron Police Fund has been created to help do just that.

The new Port Huron Police Fund will help the department focus on community outreach through programs such as a summer reading program, community cupboards that offer free essential everyday items at their two outreach centers, and a new community outreach trailer loaded with games, sports equipment, TVs, and toys.

Police Chief Joe Platzer says, “It’s a win-win for our whole community and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the residents of Port Huron.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Be Prepared For Winter Safety Hazards

Here in Michigan we just experienced our first winter blizzard of the year, and hopefully our last. Not only does it make traveling a nightmare, but the winter cold and winds have a devastating effect on other aspects of our lives as well.

With the winds reaching speeds up to 40 – 50mph, it can cause trees and branches to topple, as well as electric wires. Make sure to cut your tree branches around your property to prevent any unnecessary accidents. In case of power outages be sure to stock up on candles, and purchase a generator if possible. 

Those leaving their home for extended periods, should be sure to keep the temperature of your home to at least 65 degrees, shut off water and drain pipes as well, to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Child Support Changes May Increase Payments Received

Policy changes enabled by the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget may mean bigger child support payments received for some Michigan families.

Through a continuation of efforts on behalf of Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Human Health and Services (MDHHS), the budget allows low-income families that receive cash assistance and child support, to receive an additional $1.1 million this year. 

Currently, MDHHS keeps a portion of all child support payments that are above what a parent would be paid, if that parent receives cash assistance. The money collected is used by the federal and state government to offset expenses used to fund the Family Independence Program. 

With the new change coming in January 2023, the law permits states to “pass through” child support payments directly to the families instead of it being recouped for government expenses.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

What To Do With Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us once again, we can all get back to our regularly scheduled lives. Time to sit back, and enjoy all of the gifts we have received from family and friends, but what do you do if you didn’t enjoy the gift you received this holiday season?

Seven in ten Americans say they have felt disappointed with gifts they have received, according to foxbusiness.com. So what do you do with those unwanted socks that you got from grandma for the fifth Christmas in a row? Instead of throwing them in the trash or setting them on fire, you can try one of these more thoughtful ideas:

  • Re-gift it.
  • Return or Exchange it.
  • Sell it. 
  • Or donate it to charity.

There’s no need to throw away your unwanted gifts or let them collect dust when there may be other uses for it, unless it’s fruitcake.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell