St. Clair County

Free Rides Offered To New Years Eve Partygoers

The Blue Water Area Transit (BWAT) and Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) will both be offering residents a free ride service beginning on New Year’s Eve for those who are interested. The Blue Water Area Transit will be offering free rides beginning at 6PM until 11PM for their regular bus service. 

There will also be five “Safe Ride” vehicles available Saturday, December 31st, from 6PM until Sunday, January 1st at 2AM. Individuals should make sure to schedule their rides as early as possible to avoid delays as phone lines will be shut off at 1:30AM on New Years Day. 

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center will also be providing residents with free rides within a five mile radius of downtown Port Huron beginning Saturday, December 31st, at 11PM until 2AM. Calls are not accepted after 2AM, so it’s best to schedule in advance to avoid delays. To schedule or reserve your free ride, call (888) 68-BWROC.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Clean Slate Laws” Makes Better Future For Those With Prior Convictions

We’ve all heard the saying, “New year new me,” and with the recent legislation in Michigan, some of those with prior criminal convictions will have the opportunity to a new shot at life.

As of April 2023, there will be an automatic system in place that will expunge certain convictions without having to fill out an application. Many who have been convicted of old crimes have served their time and turned over a new leaf, but those past convictions often come back to haunt them when applying for jobs, renting a home, or other aspects of life that can greatly affect quality of life. 

Up to two felony convictions can be expunged after 10 years of the person’s sentencing or release from custody. Up to four misdemeanors will automatically be expunged after 7 years.

For more information and details on what specific convictions are covered, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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

Register For 2023 Winter Programs With Port Huron Rec Department

The Port Huron Recreation Department provides the community with a safe, and fun learning environment for adults and youth. This winter they will be offering Port Huron residents the opportunity to register for their upcoming 2023 winter programs.

Beginning Thursday, at 8AM on January 5th, 2023, residents will be able to register for upcoming projects. Nonresidents will have to wait until 8AM on Friday, January 6th to register. The Recreation Department will have many of their programs returning, as well as a few new ones that may interest you or someone you know.

A few of the returning programs include activities such as: 

  • Modern Fencing
  • Learn to Skate and Play With The Pros
  • Bring Your Own Grownup Sweetheart Dance
  • Karate Classes

With the newer events consisting of:

  • Puzzle Palooza
  • Adaptive Rec
  • Snowy Saturdays

For more information on how to register and a full list of programs, visit: porthuronrec.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell