St. Clair County

MiABLE Celebrates First National ABLE Savings Day With $100 Match Offer

In celebration of the inaugural national ABLE Savings Day on Aug. 14, MiABLE is offering a $100 match to those who open eligible disability savings accounts during August. MiABLE, part of Michigan’s disability savings program, empowers individuals with disabilities to save for the future without jeopardizing government assistance.

“We are proud to have been among the earliest states to establish access to ABLE accounts as life-changing financial empowerment tools,” said R. Scott de Varona, MiABLE program director.

The national ABLE Savings Day encourages people to share their experiences and highlights the importance of these accounts. Despite 500,000 eligible individuals in Michigan, only about 1% have enrolled. To learn more, three national webinars are being offered this month to educate the public about ABLE accounts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blake’s Annual Sunflower Festival: A Blooming Celebration With 200+ Artisans, DIY Workshops, And U-Pick Sunflowers

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill’s Annual Sunflower Festival returns this August, offering a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages. 

On Aug. 16-18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival invites guests to explore over 200 artisans showcasing handcrafted products and more. Attendees can enjoy free classes on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, and the benefits of local honey. For hands-on fun, DIY workshops allow participants to create with real sunflowers (additional charge). 

The festival also offers U-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables, along with endless photo opportunities in the scenic sunflower fields. Admission includes access to Barnyard Funland and free parking. Children aged 2 and under enter free, making this a perfect outing for families. 

For more information, visit: blakefarms.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Deadline Approaches For Michiganders Wrongly Accused Of Receiving Unemployment Benefits

Time is running out for Michiganders to qualify for a class action lawsuit against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The Bauserman v. UIA lawsuit contends that the UIA wrongly accused some claimants of fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits between 2013 and 2015.

Monday, Aug. 19, is the final day for potential members to submit a signed release to Analytics Consulting, the independent Claims Administrator. Failure to return the release may result in losing the right to a payment from the $20 million settlement, approved by the Michigan Court of Claims in January 2023. The lawsuit addresses wrongful collections, wage garnishments, and tax intercepts resulting from errors by the UIA’s Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) system. 

For more information, visit https: bwclassactions.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association Of St. Clair County Gears Up For 5K Run & Walk

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County is set to host its annual 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 21, at Kiefer Park in Port Huron. 

This event, a staple in the community’s efforts to raise awareness and funds, kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:15 a.m. Registration fees range from $20 to $35, with special rates available for children and early registrants. Participants can choose to forgo a t-shirt for a reduced fee. 

The funds raised will provide crucial support to local caregivers through the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association (DAA) Respite Grant and Educational Speaker Series. Additionally, a portion will help fund ongoing research at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. 

For more information and to register, visit: DAASCC.org or call (810) 990-9558.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Deadline Extended For Michigan Municipalities To Register For $1.2 Billion Kroger Opioid Settlement

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced an extension to the deadline for counties and local municipalities to register for payments from the $1.2 billion national Kroger settlement. The new deadline is now Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. This settlement will provide approximately $42 million over 11 years to Michigan’s state and local governments to combat the opioid crisis.

AG Nessel, who has prioritized addressing the opioid epidemic since taking office, urged all eligible municipalities to submit their participation paperwork. “This settlement cannot erase the profound impact of the opioid epidemic, but it is a significant step toward holding companies accountable,” Nessel said. The funds will be used for opioid use disorder treatment and other remediation efforts. 

For more information, visit: the Opioid Settlement Distribution website at michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron To Hold 9/11 Service Of Remembrance For Fallen Heroes

As the anniversary of the tragic events at the World Trade Center and Pentagon approaches, the city of Port Huron is preparing to honor the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001. Among those remembered will be the 343 firefighters, 72 police officers, and numerous EMTs who selflessly ran into danger while others fled.

The community is invited to attend a solemn Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. at the International Flag Plaza, located on Thomas Edison Parkway, just north of the Blue Water Bridges. 

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Public Meeting Room of the Municipal Office Center at 100 McMorran Blvd. 

For more information, contact Port Huron Police Assistant Chief Brian Kerrigan at: (810) 984-9710.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell