Closings and Cancellations Jan. 26, 2021
Closings and cancellations for Tuesday, January 26, 2021:
St. Clair County:
Holy Cross Catholic
St. Edward on the Lake Elementary
Immaculate Conception
St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy
local news
Local Non-Profit, A Beautiful Me, Awarded DTE Grant
The DTE Foundation has awarded a $1500 grant to A Beautiful Me, a local non-profit, to support the Pen Pal Program. DTE gives out millions of dollars in grants to organizations throughout its service area, as one of the largest corporate citizens in Michigan.
Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Foundation, said, “A Beautiful Me – through its Pen Pal program – continues to serve as a stabilizing and inspiring force during an uncertain, lonely time for many young women. At the DTE Foundation, we know supported, nurtured youth are the bedrock of strong, vital communities.”
Fowler went on to say, “And we know our partnership with A Beautiful Me, and the senses of pride, confidence and camaraderie it instills in young women – our future leaders – will continue to set them up for personal and professional success for years to come.”
With most kids spending a lot of time at home and social interactions curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions, getting a letter in the mail can be a real thrill. The Pen Pal Program has reached 700 youth with the work of 40 volunteers.
More information about the program and the work of A Beautiful Me can be found at abeautifulme.com.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Local March for Life Drew a Crowd on Sunday
Port Huron, MI — The local March for Life was held this past Sunday, with 125 pro-life activists carrying signs and marching along Pine Grove Avenue in Port Huron.
The activists hoped to make their viewpoints known to passers-by and to draw attention to the pro-life cause on the weekend of the 48th anniversary of the passing of Roe vs. Wade, which legalized abortion in the United States. The March was organized by the St. Clair County Right to Life, which is an affiliate of Right to Life of Michigan.
After the March down Pine Grove, the local pro-lifers held a community prayer service at St. Mary Catholic Church in Port Huron, led by Deacon John Fitzmaurice and Reverend Tom Seppo.
Members of the St. Clair County Right to Life group, along with pro-life youth from the region, have a tradition of attending the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., but like most other large gatherings, this year’s National March has been drastically scaled back due to COVID-19 fears. The usual buses full of hundreds of thousands of Marchers from all over the country will sit idle this year, as the March will be held virtually on Friday, January 29th.
A Michigan March for Life is scheduled to be held in Lansing on Wednesday, January 27th.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Stimulus Payments by Prepaid Visa Not a Scam
Attorney General Dana Nessel wants to assure Michigan residents that stimulus payments that arrive in the form of prepaid Visa debit cards are not scams.
The second round of stimulus payments issued by the federal government may arrive in three different ways – direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit cards.
If you receive payment by prepaid debit card, it will arrive in a white envelope with the U.S. Department of Treasury seal. The prepaid Visa debit card enclosed will have the Visa logo on the front, and the back will say MetaBank, N.A., the name of the issuing bank.
According to Nessel, those who receive their stimulus payments via prepaid debit card can use the cards anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted or transfer the funds to a personal bank account. Card balances can be checked online via a mobile app or by calling the number on the back of the card.
The cards are protected against fraud, loss, and other errors.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Nine St. Clair County Companies Awarded Go Pro Grants
The Going PRO Talent Fund was established to improve the skill level of Michigan’s workforce and help employers train their employees. Nine St. Clair county companies applied for the grant, and a total of $243, 900 was awarded to them by the state.
Dan Casey, CEO of the EDA of St. Clair County, said, “The EDA and our workforce development partners worked together to market the program and encourage companies to apply for Going PRO Talent Fund grant funding. The funds awarded will provide industry-recognized training for St. Clair County residents and help companies reduce talent skill gaps.”
Two Port Huron companies received the Going PRO grant, PJ Wallbank Springs and Dunn Paper. The funds will be used for customized training that leads to a credential or skill that is transferrable and recognized by the industry. The investment in training ensures that Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Rep. Beeler Appointed to Committees for 21-22 Term
State Representative Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) has been named Vice Chair of the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee for the current legislative term. He was also chosen to serve on the Health Policy, Tax Policy and Education committees.
Prior to his election to the House, Beeler spent five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service aboard the USS Decatur (DDG 73). Prior to receiving his commission, he attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
“As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices our military heroes and their families make for their communities and country,” Beeler said. “It’s an honor to be in a position to help our returning service members get the benefits they deserve.”
Rep. Beeler made it clear that he was “very excited” with the committee assignments announced earlier today.
“I am very excited that Speaker Wentworth and the House leadership team have given me this opportunity to fight for the taxpayers of Michigan,” Beeler continued. “I look forward to working for Michigan’s students, developing a coherent strategy to the COVID-19 response and giving taxpayers a voice in the legislative process.”
Beeler is in his first term representing the 83rd House District, encompassing all of Sanilac County and parts of St. Clair County, including Port Huron.
Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office