Choze Powell

2024 Governor’s Service Awards Nominations Now Open: Celebrating Michigan’s Volunteers And Philanthropists

The Michigan Community Service Commission has announced the commencement of the application process for the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards. These prestigious accolades, bestowed by the Governor, honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their remarkable dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy.

The award ceremony serves as a beacon of inspiration, recognizing the profound impact of volunteering and giving on Michigan’s social, cultural, economic, and environmental landscape. It celebrates the tireless efforts of those who embody the spirit of service, showcasing their exemplary contributions to community well-being.

Nominations for deserving candidates are being accepted until April 5th. Individuals and organizations making remarkable strides in the realm of volunteerism are encouraged to share their stories by submitting nominations through the Governor’s Service Awards application website.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 To Host Annual Job Fair, Connecting The Community With Employment Opportunities

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up to host its annual Job Fair, set to take place on Thursday, April 4th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the SC4 Fieldhouse. The event, which has been a tradition for over 30 years, is free and open to all SC4 students and community members in search of employment opportunities.

With a diverse array of industries represented including manufacturing, sales, medical, and criminal justice, the Job Fair offers a chance for attendees to engage directly with potential employers. The event, held in collaboration with various community organizations, aims to foster connections and facilitate recruitment.

Companies interested in participating can register online for $175, which includes a table and chairs for up to two representatives. 

For more information, visit sc4.edu/jobfair.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Backs Michigan Family Protection Act, Advocating For Surrogacy Rights And Equal Treatment For Families

Governor Gretchen Whitmer stresses the importance of the Michigan Family Protection Act, endorsing a suite of legislation aimed at simplifying family planning processes and ensuring equitable treatment under the law. Addressing Michigan’s unique status as the sole state criminalizing surrogacy contracts, the package seeks to repeal this prohibition while enhancing protections for surrogates, parents, and children. 

In a landscape where reproductive rights face mounting challenges nationwide, Michigan stands out in supporting individuals’ choices regarding family-building. Comprising nine bills, the Act advocates for the legalization and regulation of surrogacy, fair compensation and legal representation for surrogates, and equal treatment for children born through assisted reproductive technology. 

Additionally, it strives to eliminate hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ families, streamlining the process of obtaining parental recognition. The Act underscores Michigan’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments for all families across the state.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lakeside Cemetery Plot Cleanup Deadline March 31st

As the end of March approaches, residents with loved ones resting at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron are reminded to remove all winter decorations and non-conforming items from grave sites by March 31st. 

The goal of the clean-up is to keep the cemetery from becoming an eyesore due to old decorations and tributes left by family members and friends. Failure to comply will result in removal and disposal by cemetery personnel starting April 1st, without further notice. Only patriotic flags and flowers are permitted on cemetery plots, with all other items strictly prohibited. 

The City of Port Huron has urged visitors to familiarize themselves with Lakeside Cemetery rules available on the city’s website. Families are encouraged to honor the guidelines to maintain the cemetery’s tranquility and dignity for all visitors and residents alike.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dollar Tree Reports Surprise Fourth-Quarter Loss, Announces Closure Of Nearly 1,000 Stores

In an unexpected turn, Dollar Tree has announced a fourth-quarter loss and plans to close nearly 1,000 stores, primarily Family Dollar outlets. The discount retailer, grappling with the aftermath of its acquisition of Family Dollar almost a decade ago, cited a significant devaluation of the acquired chain as a major factor.

With Dollar Tree’s move to close approximately 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of the year and additional closures planned over the next several years, concerns arise over access to affordable goods for economically vulnerable and low-income communities along with the loss of employment opportunities in those neighborhoods as well.

The impairment charge of $950 million against the Family Dollar trade name and substantial store closure costs further underscore the challenges Dollar Tree faces in integrating the acquired chain successfully.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Court Rules City Manager’s Facebook Page Not Subject To First Amendment

In a landmark decision involving Port Huron City Manager James Freed and Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke, the Supreme Court has established a standard for determining the applicability of the First Amendment to government officials’ social media accounts. 

The ruling, issued on Friday, clarified that speech by government officials can only be subject to First Amendment scrutiny if the individual possesses authority to speak on behalf of the state and exercises that authority on the platform in question. This standard, applicable to all government officials, provides clarity on the boundaries of free speech in the digital age. 

The ruling reinforces the Sixth US Court of Appeals’ decision to support James Freed, emphasizing that his social media activity did not align with his official duties as city manager of Port Huron. 

The case will be remanded back to the Sixth Circuit Court for future review. “I am very pleased with the outcome the justices came to. The court rejected the plaintiff’s appearance test and further refined a test for review by the 6th circuit. We are extremely confident we will prevail there once more,” says Freed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell