marysville

State Rep. Jaime Greene Warns Of Soaring Electricity Bills As DTE Energy Gets Nod For $368 Million Rate Hike

In response to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of DTE Energy’s $368 million rate increase, State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, issued a stark warning on Friday.

She criticized the move as a precursor to a more significant crisis, alleging that utility companies are exploiting the shift to green energy, leaving consumers to bear the brunt. According to Greene, the rate hike is tied to the closure of reliable natural gas and coal-fired power plants in favor of less dependable green energy initiatives. 

She blames Lansing Democrats for lifting rate hike caps, ensuring utility profits at the expense of Michigan families facing tighter budgets. DTE claims the increase aligns with existing clean energy goals, but Greene insists that new mandates banning natural gas plants will escalate costs for residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beware Of Phone Scams: Recognizing Common Tactics And Protecting Yourself

Phone scams are on the rise this holiday season, presenting varied threats and promises. Recognizing their tactics is crucial for safeguarding your finances and personal information. 

Scammers often falsely claim you’ve won a prize, urging payment for a reward that doesn’t exist. Beware of impersonations, where callers pose as law enforcement or government agencies, threatening arrests or fines unless immediate payments are made. Legitimate businesses allow time for decision-making; don’t succumb to pressure. Avoid paying with cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, as scammers often choose methods that prevent fund recovery. 

Be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information, and remember, government agencies don’t call for confirmation. Familiarize yourself with common scams, such as imposter, debt relief, and prize scams, to stay vigilant and protect against fraudulent schemes.

To file a consumer complaint or get additional information, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Apple’s iOS 17 Launch Raises Privacy Concerns: Law Enforcement Urges Users To Disable ‘NameDrop’ Feature

Amidst the excitement of Apple’s annual operating system update, iOS 17, concerns have arisen regarding user privacy. The update introduces various enhancements, including a Check-In feature, customizable contact cards, and a standby mode. However, the spotlight is on the new ‘NameDrop’ feature, allowing users to share contact details by bringing their phones close together.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, are cautioning users to disable ‘NameDrop’ to safeguard their privacy. The feature, automatically set to ‘on’ post-update, requires users to manually toggle it off in Settings > General > AirDrop > Bringing Devices Together.

It is important to adjust and disable these settings, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly who may be prone to scamming.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

City Of Port Huron Forestry Division Giving Away Free Wood And Mulch

In the spirit of community service, the City of Port Huron Forestry Division is hosting a second free wood and mulch distribution day on Saturday, December 2nd, following the success of their mid-October event. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents are invited to the Forestry warehouse at 3663 10th Ave., Port Huron, near Lakeside Cemetery.

This one-day event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with trailers can obtain wood, while individuals with trailers or pickup trucks can access free mulch. Participants are limited to one load each, emphasizing fairness in distribution.

The initiative extends beyond city limits, welcoming residents from surrounding areas, with the exception of commercial entities and contractors. The Forestry Division aims to contribute to community well-being, promoting sustainability through this reduction event.

 For more information, contact the Forestry Division at (810) 984-9709.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Post-Thanksgiving Safety: Tips for Handling Leftovers to Prevent Food Poisoning

After the Thanksgiving feast, we all look forward to those delicious  leftovers, which some may argue taste better the next day, but safe handling is crucial to avoid food poisoning. 

Remember these essential tips for storing and reheating Thanksgiving dishes to keep you and your family out of the emergency room. 

Leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking, ensuring they are divided into smaller portions for quick cooling. Contrary to common practice, there’s no need to let food cool to room temperature before storing—place leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly. 

Leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for three to four days, with the FoodKeeper app offering reminders for the ‘use or freeze’ deadline. When reheating, reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C), and ensure even heating, especially in microwaves. With proper handling, your post-Thanksgiving meals can be both delicious and safe.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Thanksgiving Turkey Fryer Safety: Essential Tips To Avoid Fires And Injuries

As Thanksgiving approaches, the wonderful aroma of fried turkeys fills the air, but it comes with a side of safety concerns. Each year, thousands of fires, injuries, and even fatalities occur due to turkey fryer mishaps. 

To ensure a hazard-free holiday, follow these crucial safety tips before firing up your turkey fryer. 

First, set up the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home, keeping kids and pets at a safe distance. Place it on flat ground to maintain steady oil levels and prevent spills. Only fry a thawed and dry turkey to avoid being splashed with hot oil. Be sure not to overfill your fryer with too much oil to prevent overflowing. Caution is key when handling the fryer, as lids and handles can become extremely hot. Finally, be prepared with a multipurpose, dry-powder fire extinguisher in case of emergencies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell