Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering A Community Leader In The City Of Port Huron

The City of Port Huron has had a number of individuals step into the role of being a community leader over the years. From business, to the religious sectors of the community, African Americans have had a major contribution in the Blue Water Area.

Rev. John L. Portis, born October 25, 1931 was an ordained minister who served his community in numerous ways. 

One of his most notable contributions is being the pastor for the historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Port Huron where he served for over 40 years. Nern street, located at the corner of 28th Street was renamed in his honor to John L. Portis Drive.   

He also served on numerous boards and committees over the years such as the South Park Ministerial Alliance which he founded in 1980 and served as its President for over 20 years.

He received a variety of awards such as the NAACP Community Service Award, and the Brotherhood Award from the City of Port Huron. 

Rev. Portis passed away in 2008, leaving behind an exceptional legacy in the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 STEM Fest Welcomes Retired NASA Astronaut As Part Of The Experience

The St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is hosting its STEM Fest next month for the community to experience what they have to offer, and to introduce guests to a fun interactive way of learning.

The event takes place on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held on the college campus in the Experience Center as well as the SC4 Fieldhouse. 

The Stem Fest event is free to the public and open to all ages. It will feature more than 100 hands-on activities and events to participate in involving interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics exhibits.

Entities and organizations involved include SC4, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center. There will also be a special appearance from retired NASA astronaut Dorothy “Dottie” Metcalf-Lindenburger.

To register, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

James Freed City of Port Huron

Frito-Lay Distribution Center Planned For The City Of Port Huron

The City of Port Huron has announced a purchase agreement with Nelson Family Enterprises LLC based out of Iowa. The agreement will allow for the building of a small Frito-Lay distribution center in the Industrial Park area.

Nelson Family Enterprises LLC purchased the site property at 32nd and Nern Streets with a 4.567 acre plot for $91,340.00. 

The development will bring more jobs to the City of Port Huron adding an economic boost to the Blue Water Area. 

City Manager, James Freed says, “This type of development is what we hoped for when assembling this site. I want to thank Korissa Kramer for working to put this deal together and Kristy Jones from the EDA for working to attract this project. Lastly, David Haynes did a wonderful job citing the development in the best location to allow for additional development on the site.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula Recall

A warning for new parents in regard to a recent baby formula recall in the U.S. involving Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula.

Reckitt, the company that produces the product, amongst other nutrition products, has announced that it has chosen to voluntarily recall two select batches of Prosobee 12.9 oz. Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula due to a possible cross contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. 

Approximately 145,000 cans are being recalled. Recalled batches are labeled ZL2HZF and ZL2HZZ. The product has a UPC code of 300871214415 and a “Use By Date” of “1 Mar 2024.”

Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections or meningitis. Symptoms may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, and abnormal movements.

No illnesses or adverse effects have been reported.

For more information, visit: iwaspoisoned.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Announces Business Expansions That Will Provide 140 Good-Paying Jobs

Yesterday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two new business expansion projects that will create 140 new jobs between the two cities of Warren and Jackson.

The two businesses involved are Commonwealth Associates, Inc. and The Home Depot. Commonwealth Associates is an electrical engineering consulting firm located in Jackson and is seeking to expand, which would bring 60 well-paying professional and corporate jobs to the city.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer and will be constructing a new distribution center in Warren which would create around 80 jobs. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Today’s expansions in Jackson and Warren by Commonwealth Industries and Home Depot will create and support 140 new good-paying jobs and build on our economic momentum. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums Hosts A Taste Of Soul For Black History Month

As Black History Month draws to a close there are still a few events left to attend if you’d like to learn a little bit more about the history and culture of African Americans.

The Port Huron Museum will be hosting the event “A Taste of Soul” presented by Black Lives Matter Port Huron Branch, and the Port Huron NAACP. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. 

The event will be a live-tasting exhibit that touches on the origins of traditional “soul food” as well as other signature cuisines and beverages from the Caribbean Islands, and Africa provided by local and neighboring restaurants.  

A Taste of Soul will also highlight African American dance and music as it relates to history and culture as a race. There will be spoken word by local activists, along with live music from the Metro Soul Band which will perform from 12 noon – 1 p.m.  

The event is free, but you must RSVP by claiming a ticket at: eventbrite.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell