Choze Powell

Why is Proposal 1 So Confusing?

In September of 2020, the Port Huron City Council passed a marihuana ordinance that allowed six licenses for marihuana establishments in the city. The ordinance allowed for 3 retail locations, 1 microbusiness, a safety compliance facility, and a secure transporter. The ordinance became effective in the first part of October, but was repealed after the November 2020 election by the passage of Proposal One.

Proposal One made changes to the way marihuana businesses would be approved to operate in the city, and it allowed closer to 20 businesses to receive a license to operate in the city.

Now, voters are again faced with whether or not to pass Proposal One in a special election on August 3, 2021, and many are confused.

Postcards went out this week to Port Huron residents, one supporting Proposal 1 paid for by Progress for Michigan 2020, and one opposing the proposal sent out by The Exhibit Cannabis Company.

The Exhibit Cannabis Company is a domestic limited liability company from Warren, Michigan owned by Mark Aubrey, and it is difficult to identify details about the group “Progress for Michigan 2020”, although there is a similarly named progressive political action group named Progress Michigan that does not seem to be involved with the marihuana ordinances in the city of Port Huron.

What is clear about the situation is that Progress for Michigan 2020 is the group that initiated Proposal 1 in the November 2020 election, which negated the city’s marihuana ordinance and delayed the opening of marihuana businesses in the city. They are also the group currently involved in several court cases against the City of Port Huron which are further delaying the opening of marihuana businesses, and they are the group that initiated this special election that is costing Port Huron tax payers $20,000.

The opponent of Proposal 1, The Exhibit Cannabis Company, claims that Port Huron residents are being catfished by Progress for Michigan 2020, and because of the ambiguity surrounding the language of the proposal and the identity of Progress for Michigan 2020, it seems like it’s up to individual voters to determine if that’s what they believe.

According to Mayor Pauline Repp she understands the confusion but she cannot offer guidance to the voters on which vote is best for the city. However, she did say that “We should’ve stuck with what the city council passed, and it would all be in order right now.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

New Principals for Central and Fort Gratiot Middle Schools

Port Huron Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of two new principals in our district. Starting in the 2021-22 school year, Mr. Joe Kramer will become the Principal of Central Middle school and Mr. Craig Cassady will become Principal of Fort Gratiot Middle School. Previously, both were leaders in the district as principal of the STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson and assistant principal of Central Middle School respectively. 

Joe Kramer led the STEAM Academy as it transitioned to a 3rd-5th science, technology, engineering, arts and math focused school, which paired with K-2nd sister school the Literacy Academy at Cleveland. He has been the principal there since 2017. Prior to Port Huron Schools, Mr. Kramer was an innovative education leader in the Baltimore County region of Maryland. He has a strong athletic background, with an impressive college baseball record at Saginaw Valley State University. 

Since 2011, Craig Cassady has served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Holland Woods and then Central Middle Schools. Prior to joining Port Huron Schools, Mr. Cassady taught in Albion, Jackson and Algonac, Michigan. He is a proud graduate of Port Huron Northern High School. 

Mr. Kramer and Mr. Cassady respectively assume roles held by Shawn Shackelford and Alycia Shagena who recently accepted administrative roles in the district’s Central Office as Executive Director of Student Services & Diversity and Director of Human Resources.

“We had an excellent candidate pool for both principal positions,” noted Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas. “It speaks to the strength of our district that both of these positions were filled by internal candidates. Both Mr. Kramer and Mr. Cassidy have proven themselves as committed educators who focus on student success and well being. They have big shoes to fill but I feel the schools will thrive under their leadership. They both build great relationships with the students and families they serve. ” 

Submitted by Port Huron Schools

Offshore Powerboat Race In St. Clair This Weekend

The St. Clair Classic is taking over the city of St. Clair this weekend, and a full line-up of entertainment and fun is planned in Race Village and the Riverview Plaza.

Race Village was set up mid-week, so expect road closures on M-29 until Monday, August 2nd at noon. Boats have also been arriving and are available for viewing in the Dry Pits on Riverside Road.

Race Village Opens to the public at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and stays open until midnight with live entertainment planned along with shopping and restaurants.

The City of St. Clair also allows visitors to bring their own food and beverages into the city. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in Palmer Park, Rotary Park, and in specific public places on 3rd street, Vine Street, M-29, and Clinton.

The races begin on Sunday with an opening ceremony Flag Float Down tentatively scheduled for 11:15 AM, and the 1st race is at noon.

The awards ceremony is in the Riverview Plaza after the race followed by and after party with live music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

McLaren Port Huron Recognized by U.S. News. & World Report

McLaren Port Huron Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2021-22. U.S. News generates hospital rankings by evaluating data on nearly 5,000 hospitals each year.

McLaren Port Huron earned High Performing ratings for its care and treatment of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron, said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”

This year’s survey evaluated 4,750 medical centers in the U.S. on patient experience, relative survival within 30 days of hospitalization, quality of nursing, and the number of patients served.  Less than 1/3 of all hospitals surveyed received a high-performing rating for treating specific conditions.

To view the complete report for McLaren Port Huron Hospital visit their survey results <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Become a Conservation Steward

Michigan State University Extension is offering a Conservation Stewards training program for individuals interested in learning more about Michigan’s ecosystem and how to help it thrive.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards program runs virtually from September 8th – November 10th, and it features both classroom instruction from experts via Zoom and self-led field experiences in local natural areas.

The program will teach a variety of topics pertaining to Michigan’s natural resources along with the history of conservation and how conservationists manage invasive species and collect data. St. Clair County participants will be able to join a cohort of other students in the area to enrich their learning experience.

Registration for the class is $75 through August 18th and $95 from August 19th – September 1st. Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need.

More information is available at Michigan State University’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Non-Essential Travel to Canada Allowed in August

Ontario is currently in Step 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen, since over 70% of its population has received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. As of July 27, 2021, 74.9% of Lambton County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and there were only 2 active cases of the virus in the county.

Starting August 9, 2021, Canada will allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the Unites States. Travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel, and they will not have to be tested for COVID-19 after they arrive unless they are randomly selected.

On September 7, 2021, the border will be open to any fully vaccinated travelers who have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days. All travelers will need to use the ArriveCAN app or web portals to submit travel info and see if they meet criteria for entering the country.

For more information about travelling to Canada, visit travel.gc.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand