Choze Powell

Port Huron Area Firefighters Help Put Out Sarnia Blaze

The City of Port Huron is one of only two border communities in the country that have a mutual aid agreement with another city in another country. That city and country happens to be our neighbors in Sarnia located in Canada. 

A fire broke out at the Fairwinds Lodge retirement home located at 1218 Michigan Avenue in Sarnia this past Sunday shortly after 11 p.m. Fire stations from Port Huron, Point Edward, and St. Clair Township all provided additional support to help put out the blaze which lasted until approximately 1:30 a.m.

The 120 residents were evacuated with no loss of life, and are safe and accounted for. We would like to give a big thank you to all of our heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCCMH 2023 Creative Arts Contest For Local Youth

There is a new art contest for the youth of St. Clair County. The goal is to educate the youth as well as adults about the value of connecting mind and body for those who live with mental illness or other developmental disabilities, as well as those dealing with substance abuse.

The 2023 Creative Arts Contest sponsored by St. Clair County Community Mental Health features three different themes and age ranges. The contest is open to all students in St. Clair County.

For the elementary students there is the Bookmark Contest, middle school will have a Writing Contest, and High School will have an Art Contest. Each category will feature cash prizes, gift certificates, or other rewards. 

The deadline for the 2023 Creative Arts Contest is Friday, February 3rd. 

For more information, visit: scccmh.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Oldies Get Goodies Program Offers Free Goodie Bags For Local Seniors

When we reach a certain age life moves at a different pace. Some are not able to do the things they once did or go the places they used to go, but that doesn’t mean that our senior population doesn’t still enjoy a good time or a good gift. 

The Port Huron Recreation Department along with the Blue Water Lodge have put together a program that is sure to put a smile on their faces. 

The “Oldies Get Goodies” program will cater to residents of Port Huron, Port Huron Township, Fort Gratiot, Burtchville Twp., and Clyde Twp. A free goodie bag will be delivered to your door weekly for four weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 29th, until February 19th. 

The bags will contain items such as journals, puzzles, gardening kits and more! The registration deadline ends tomorrow. Those who are interested can register at porthuronrec.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Right To Life of Michigan Offers Scholarship Opportunity

Students looking for extra scholarship funds have the potential to earn up to $750 through the Right to Life of Michigan (RLM) Educational Fund.

RLM will award $500 to any pro life Michigan student to be used towards tuition, books, or other supplies. In addition, Right to Life of St. Clair County will award a $250 scholarship to the winner that is chosen in the local contest. 

To be eligible, students will have to fill out an application and provide a list of his/her participation in pro life activities. They must also submit a 300-400 word essay about what the next generation can do to promote a positive pro life message. 

The winner will be selected by the state committee, with an excerpt of the winning essay being shared in the (RLM) news as well as their website.

To find out more, visit: rtl.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Consumption Guidelines For Rainbow Smelt And Carp To Protect Your Health

Being located on the Great Lakes is a blessing for local fishermen, but it’s important to know the potential health effects of consuming certain types of fish in the area.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released updated information for their Eat Safe Fish guidelines which recommend limiting the amount of smelt and carp ingested from certain local areas. 

There have been elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) found in the smelt as well as elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) found in carp. These chemicals can build up in the fish which then can cause a buildup in humans. The effects of these chemicals in humans aren’t fully known, but may cause neurotoxicity, thyroid disruption, and reproductive toxicity, to name a few. 

For a complete list of areas that are safe or unsafe, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

A Fair Tax Plan For Seniors Proposed By Reps. Beeler, Schuette

State Reps. Andrew Beeler and Bill G. Schuette announce their plan to provide tax relief to Michigan families.

The Republican legislators feel that their proposal is a far better plan than what the Democrats have on the table, and will take effect sooner than later. 

“Struggling Michiganders shouldn’t have to wait for help just because Democrats want to drag their feet, nor should some senior citizens be put at a disadvantage for political reasons,” says Beeler. 

Beeler’s House Bill 4008 would offer seniors 67 and up a $40,000 deduction for single filers or $80,000 for couples filing jointly on all income. It would also enable seniors ages 62 to 66 to deduct public or private retirement income that would increase with the rate of inflation. 

The proposed plan would take effect in the 2023 tax year, as opposed to the Democrats plan for a gradual phase-in.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell