Choze Powell

Rep. Harris Plan For School Safety And Student Mental Health

With all of the recent news surrounding violent attacks occurring at our schools, State Rep. Mike Harris along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to bolster safety  at Michigan K-12 schools and to support students’ mental health.

After months of in-depth work by the House’s Bipartisan School Safety Task Force the legislation is being presented with the hopes of helping in these areas involving our students. 

The package is designed to organize a unified approach with their plans being outlined as follows:

  • Establish the School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
  • Dedicate school staff to student safety and mental health.
  • Plan for safety.
  • Expand and improve OK2SAY.
  • Improve responses to school safety crises.

 Rep. Harris says, “This integrated, statewide strategy was thoroughly vetted by experts, and it will help strengthen school security, improve safety training, expand mental health resources, and build other supports for students and staff.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering Two Influential Members Of The Port Huron Community

The late Rev. Alex Crittenden and his wife Ruby, who recently passed away in January approximately one year after her husband, are prime examples of African Americans who have made contributions to their community without being a household name. 

Mr. Crittenden moved to the City of Port Huron in 1969 to become a teacher. He served not only as a teacher for the Port Huron Area School District (PHASD), but he also served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Reverend at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Crittenden was also awarded the Spirit of Port Huron Brotherhood Award in 2012. He was also involved with multiple organizations such as the NAACP and Operation Transformation.

His wife, Ms. Ruby Crittenden, was also a teacher in the PHASD. She was the first African American teacher to teach at Port Huron Northern. Ms. Crittenden was also Co-Founder of Couples Christian Ministry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Receives Excellence In Business Award 2022

One of the most important structures a city can have is a hospital. It’s even better when the hospital has an exceptional track record and wins an Excellence in Business Award for 2022.

The City of Port Huron and Lake Huron Medical Center are being recognized for providing excellent service by the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County (EDA).

Lake Huron Medical Center was awarded the 2022 Excellence in Business Award by the EDA on Thursday, February 16th. The award was given to two companies in St. Clair County. One small business and one medium/large business.

The award celebrates and recognizes Lake Huron Medical for the contributions made to the economic health of the community, and commitment to improving the quality of life for their workforce and the residents of St. Clair County. 

For more information about services offered by Lake Huron Medical Center, visit: mylakehuron.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Do You Know Who The First African American Pilot Was?

The contributions African Americans have had in this country are many, so let’s find out more about the little known, first African American pilot.  

Bessie Coleman, born January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, was described as a daring woman due to the acrobatic tricks she performed in her plane which earned her the nicknames “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess.”

After being denied attending flight school in the U.S., Coleman went off to France where she earned her pilot’s license. It wasn’t a walk in the park being a woman and also being “black,” but Coleman accomplished what she set out to do.

She later returned to the U.S. where she would perform at certain airshows as long as “blacks” were allowed to watch. Coleman had dreams of opening a flight school to teach other “black” women to fly before her untimely death in 1926. 

Source: Smithsonian Institute

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

1st U.S. Based Business For Canadian Firm Coming To Capac

The City of Capac will soon be home to Ontario-based company, Axiom Manufacturing when they open their doors for business within the next few weeks. 

After months of lying vacant, the building held by former tenant Keihin North America was purchased by Axiom Manufacturing which plans to invest $13.3 million into the business venture. Axiom has already secured $50 million in new business.

The plastic manufacturing company plans to open sometime in March. The company could provide a much needed boost to the economy of Capac by creating new jobs, as well as providing jobs for residents who were laid off by the previous owners. 

This will be Axiom Manufacturing’s first U.S. based business. Capac Village Manager, Travis Youatt says, “Council has agreed to give the company a 12-year tax break, which was key in making this deal happen.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Jeep Owners Club 4th Annual Polar Bear Run

It’s time for the Blue Water Jeep Owners Club (BWJOC) to put on their 4th Annual Polar Bear Run, a worthy cause geared towards helping our local children. 

The Blue Water Jeep Club began in 2012 when a group of strangers came together to meet for coffee. Since then they have been helping raise money for causes such as the annual Roof Sit in Port Huron, The Salvation Army, and Blue Water Community Action. 

Their annual Polar Bear Run is used to help raise funds to continue supporting these organizations and the well being of our children. 

The Polar Bear Run is a free event that takes place Saturday, February 25th, at the Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Kitchen located at 1106 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville. The event will be held from 12 noon – 4 p.m.

The 4th Annual Polar Bear Run will feature live music, ice-carving, raffles, games, and more!

For more information visit: bluewaterjeepowners.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell