Choze Powell

Family Fun Day And WWII Pullman Troop Kitchen Car Grand Opening At Sanilac County Museum

The Sanilac County Museum, located at 228 S. Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac, announces two days of free fun for the public. 

Friday, July 5th, will be Family Fun Day, a fun-filled event where you can enjoy free activities and games including petting zoos from Timber Creek Farm and Thumb Balls Ball Pythons. 

Enjoy Summer Story Time where you can check out free books and crafts. Support Farmers Market vendors from 1 – 5 p.m., enjoy delicious treats from Hot Dog Hut, and Extreme Freeze food trucks, and also $5 pony rides.

On Saturday, July 6th, join the grand opening of the WWII Pullman Troop Kitchen Car at Sanilac County Museum. The event starts at 4pm with acknowledgements and a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a patriotic concert by the Deckerville Area Community Choir at 5 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate The Fourth Of July And The Origins Of America’s Holiday

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, can be traced back to its roots in the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War which granted independence and the birth of the United States that we know today. 

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain, and on July 4th, delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Initially commemorated with patriotic celebrations, such as bonfires and the firing of cannons and muskets, the holiday gained further significance post-War of 1812. 

In 1870, Congress declared it a federal holiday, and in 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees. Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings, symbolizing American freedom and patriotism. 

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Leaders Celebrate Passage Of Historic Bipartisan FY25 Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Speaker of the House Joe Tate, and other legislative leaders celebrated the passage of a balanced and bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2025. The $82.5 billion budget supports students, boosts public safety, builds affordable housing, and aims to help anyone “make it” in Michigan.

“We are making record investments that will benefit everyone across the state without raising taxes by a penny,” said Governor Whitmer. The budget includes a $15 billion general fund, $19 billion school aid, and $75 million for a new revenue-sharing trust fund supporting local services. 

It prioritizes education, public safety, infrastructure, and affordability, aiming to improve lives and ensure a thriving future for Michigan residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Algonac Lions Club Hosts 86th Annual Pickerel Tournament Festival

The Algonac Lions Club is excited to host its 86th Annual Pickerel Tournament Festival from Wednesday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 7th in Downtown Algonac. 

The festival kicks off with the fishing tournament registration at 8 a.m. on July 3rd, alongside the Midway opening from 5 to 11 p.m. The event will feature a variety of attractions including a beer tent, parade, hotdog and doughnut eating contests, celebrity dunk tank, family fun day with free pizza and clowns, car show, and much more! Also, be sure to catch the amazing fireworks display on Friday, July 5th. Join the community for a fun-filled 4th of July celebration! 

For more details, visit algonaclionsclub.org or follow the Algonac Lions Club on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Fort Gratiot Cancels 2024 Carnival And Fireworks Due To Venue Issues

Fort Gratiot announced the cancellation of the 2024 carnival and fireworks show, much to the community’s disappointment. Since 2018, the event has been held in the Birchwood Mall parking lot, sponsored by donors and managed by T.J. Schmidt & Company. Proceeds from ticket sales funded the carnival and fireworks display.

However, due to new contracts between the mall’s new property owner and another carnival provider, Fort Gratiot can no longer use the Birchwood Mall property. Although other local businesses offered to host, none met the required criteria.

Deputy Treasurer and Event Coordinator Lisa Skotcher expressed regret over the cancellation but encouraged participation in Bluewater Cruise Night on June 28 and the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show on June 29. 

The community’s support remains invaluable in continuing Fort Gratiot’s tradition of summer celebrations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Summer Meals For Kids: Food Bank Of Eastern Michigan Partners With Local Church

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, in partnership with Meet Up and Eat Up and Full Gospel Church of God, invites community children to enjoy free meals all summer. 

From Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., children under 18 can receive lunch and a snack at Full Gospel Church of God, located at 1340 Division St., Port Huron.

Known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Meet Up and Eat Up provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas, preventing summer hunger for over 500,000 Michigan children. This initiative also helps reduce summer learning loss, ensuring children return to school ready to succeed. The program is crucial for maintaining children’s health and academic progress during the summer break.

To find more food resources in your area, visit: fbem.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell