marysville

New Owners Set Sail: Change Of Command Aboard Port Huron’s Huron Lady II

After 13 remarkable years, Jenny Ciolek passes the baton of the Huron Lady II, Port Huron’s beloved summer attraction, to Captain Walker Yacht Services. Dustin and Kristy Walker, the new owners, are eager to embark on this maritime journey, promising innovative changes while preserving the vessel’s storied heritage.

Since its inception in 1995 by Capt. John and Camille Rigney, the Huron Lady II has been a staple of Blue Water area tourism. Jenny Ciolek’s stewardship since 2011 has furthered its legacy. Amidst the transition, Jenny remains involved in the business.

The Huron Lady II sets sail for public sightseeing tours on May 25th, offering an enchanting experience for visitors docked in front of Bootleggers Axe Co & Wings Etc. Restaurant. Tickets for the 2024 season are available on their website: huronlady.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s Ongoing Battle With Youth Homelessness

As Michigan emerges from the pandemic, a stark reality persists: housing instability plagues many children and youth. 

In the 2021-22 school year, Michigan’s public schools identified 28,724 students experiencing homelessness, nearly 3,800 of whom were unaccompanied youth, based on a report from Ending Homelessness in Michigan. Homeless youths needs extends beyond education; these youth face heightened health risks. They’re five times more likely to attempt suicide, four times more likely to misuse prescription pain medicine, and three times more likely to face sexual coercion. Shockingly, they’re 11 times more likely to experience pregnancy. 

Despite greater health needs, only 37.2% of homeless youth received medical attention compared to 75.7% of housed peers. Addressing this crisis demands statewide policy alignment, innovation, and local outreach to protect vulnerable youth, especially those marginalized due to disability, LGBTQ+ identity, or race.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson Among 6,500 Michigan Voters Casting Ballots On First Day Of Early Voting

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, along with more than 6,500 voters statewide, participated in the Presidential Primary by casting ballots on the inaugural day of in-person early voting. 

Benson expressed pride in the turnout, emphasizing the historic significance of Michigan’s first day of early voting. This marks the commencement of nine consecutive days of early voting until Sunday, February 25th. 

Benson personally voted at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit, engaging with City of Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey, election personnel, and fellow voters. Michigan’s implementation of in-person early voting, mandated by Proposal 2’s passage in 2022, positions it as the 22nd state to offer this electoral option, underscoring the state’s commitment to voter accessibility and engagement. 

For more information on early voting, visit: michigan.gov/earlyvoting.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Treasury Urges Taxpayers To Use Online Services During Presidents Day Closure

As Michigan prepares to observe Presidents Day on Monday, February 19th, the Department of Treasury reminds taxpayers that state offices will be closed for the holiday. However, taxpayers with inquiries regarding their state individual income taxes are encouraged to utilize the Treasury eServices platform.

Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale emphasized the benefits of eServices, highlighting its accessibility and convenience. Taxpayers can access various services, including checking tax history, submitting documentation, and asking questions, all from the comfort of their homes and at any time of the day.

With the eServices platform, taxpayers can manage tasks such as checking the status of their state tax refunds, updating addresses, and requesting copies of documents. This online option provides a streamlined alternative to traditional customer service channels, especially during peak periods like Presidents Day.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Strange Love, The Mysterious Origins Of Valentine’s Day

Scholars and historians speculate on the origins of St. Valentine’s Day, suggesting it may have roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Celebrated between the 13th and 15th of February, Lupercalia honored the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, according to history.com.

During Lupercalia, Roman priests would conduct rituals involving the sacrifice of animals, particularly goats and dogs, to promote fertility and purification. They would then use the hides of these animals to gently slap women and crop fields, believing the practice enhanced fertility.

Additionally, a tradition emerged where young women would place their names in an urn, and city bachelors would choose a name to become paired with for the year, often resulting in marriages. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week To Michigan Households

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the rollout of Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks, commencing this week, to aid eligible families across the state. This initiative, part of a broader $1 billion tax cut plan, will inject an average of $550 into the pockets of over 700,000 Michigan households.

Governor Whitmer emphasized the significance of this measure in alleviating working poverty, supporting families, and bolstering Michigan’s economy. The Working Families Tax Credit, a state adaptation of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, requires individuals to meet specific criteria and file a federal income tax return.

Starting February 13th, eligible taxpayers will begin receiving these supplemental checks via the U.S. Postal Service over a 5-to-6-week period. This move marks a significant stride in providing immediate financial relief to Michigan’s hardworking families, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering prosperity and economic resilience.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell