Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Hosts Homeschool Freedom Forum To Address Proposed Changes In Michigan

State Rep. Jaime Greene extends an invitation to local residents to participate in a Homeschool Freedom Forum on Friday, February 9th, in Imlay City. The event aims to discuss proposed changes that could affect the rights of homeschooling families in Michigan.

Greene, slated to be on the panel, expresses concerns about potential infringements on parental rights and privacy, highlighting the necessity of rejecting governmental overreach in educational matters.

Scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Crossroads Baptist Church on 6835 Weyer Road, the forum offers an opportunity for parents and concerned citizens to engage in dialogue and gain insights into legislative developments affecting homeschooling. This initiative underscores the importance of parental autonomy in shaping children’s education.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Introduces Innovative Resident Response Team For Enhanced City Services

The City of Port Huron is gearing up to launch its new Resident Response Team this week, a pioneering initiative aimed at expediting service requests and complaints from residents. 

Led by City Manager James Freed, the cross-functional team is dedicated to promptly addressing issues such as potholes, equipment malfunctions, and service concerns. The team’s mobile-friendly website, set to go live later this week, enables residents to effortlessly file complaints or upload relevant photos. 

Once logged, complaints are diligently tracked using BS&A software, ensuring swift resolution by the appropriate department. City Manager Freed emphasized the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, underscoring the mission to deliver unparalleled customer service to Port Huron’s residents.

The link will go live later this week. For those interested, you can visit the site at: porthuron.org/resident_response_team.php.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Southside Neighborhood Improvement Authority Established For Community-Led Revitalization

A significant step towards revitalizing the Southside neighborhood of Port Huron has been taken with the establishment of the Port Huron Southside Neighborhood Improvement Authority (NIA). Led by the City and supported by the Southside Initiative, the NIA comprises residents and community members dedicated to fostering engagement and driving redevelopment efforts.

At their inaugural meeting, board members collaborated with Double Haul Solutions to appoint officers, establish by-laws, and develop engagement strategies. Their primary goal is to facilitate active participation from residents, business owners, and stakeholders in shaping the neighborhood’s future. 

Co-Chairs Joe Bixler and Mary Williams underscored the importance of community involvement in creating a comprehensive development and tax increment financing plan. This plan will address housing, infrastructure, and strategic planning, guiding short-, mid-, and long-term reinvestment goals. The NIA invites all Southside residents to contribute to the neighborhood’s transformation.

For more information, visit: porthuron.org/government/boards___commissions/southside.php.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Temporary Spikes In Hydrogen Sulfide Levels Near Landfill Prompt Community Health Response

Reports of intermittent increases in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels near a landfill have prompted action from local authorities. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently shared findings indicating brief elevations in H2S levels, attributed to calm, foggy weather conditions. 

While these levels remain below regulatory thresholds, residents may experience symptoms such as headaches, and nose, throat, and eye irritation. Dr. Remington Nevin, Medical Director at the Health Department, emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice for concerned individuals. 

The County has initiated continuous air monitoring through Tetra Tech, expanding capabilities for comprehensive assessment. Results will be made available online, alongside ongoing collaboration with EGLE to develop mitigation strategies. Community health remains a priority as officials work towards addressing resident concerns and ensuring environmental safety.

Results of this information will be available via link at: stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gaming Pioneer And “Father Of Modern Gaming,” Jerry Lawson, Revolutionized Video Game Industry

Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, a groundbreaking Black engineer in Silicon Valley, reshaped the gaming landscape with his ingenious work at Fairchild Camera and Instrument in the 1970s. 

As Director of Engineering and Marketing, Lawson spearheaded the development of the Fairchild Channel F system, the first home video game console featuring interchangeable game cartridges and an eight-way digital joystick. Often hailed as the “father of modern gaming,” Lawson’s innovation laid the groundwork for iconic consoles like Atari and SNES.

In 1980, Lawson founded VideoSoft, a pioneering Black-owned video game development company. Lawson continued to contribute to the gaming industry until his passing on April 9th, 2011, leaving an enduring mark on the evolution of video games.

Recognized for his groundbreaking work on the video game cartridge, the University of Southern California established the Gerald A. Lawson Fund, dedicated to supporting underrepresented students pursuing degrees in game design and computer science.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Second Annual STEM Fest Promises A Day Of Exploration At SC4

On Saturday, March 9th, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is set to host the second annual STEM Fest, a dynamic showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) wonders. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the SC4 Fieldhouse, Clara E. Mackenzie Building, and Fine Arts Theatre will come alive with over 100 interactive exhibits and activities. Thanks to generous donations and grants, the event is free to the public. Created by SC4 staff, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and The Reptarium, these exhibits promise to captivate learners of all ages. 

The newly introduced SC4 Planetarium Experience adds a celestial touch, offering insights into astronomy and constellations. SC4 President Kirk Kramer reflects on last year’s success, expressing anticipation for another impactful event inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

To register, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell