George James

Read for Life Needs Tutoring Volunteers

Students have had a rough two years and many young learners are in need of some additional help. The Read for Life program is looking for volunteers to help with their tutoring program at the Literacy Academy at Cleveland Elementary.

The program needs help with tutoring first and second graders on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 in the afternoon.

Organizer Mary Depner said that volunteers “work with students starting with where their reading ability is and try to catch them up to grade level so they become successful in school and will graduate.  We hope they will continue their education or a training program so they will break the cycle of poverty in their lives.”

Depner said there is a big celebration when the student can say, “I can read”. It often makes behavior problems go away and the students then become leaders.

Depner shared that illiteracy is closely tied to future incarceration, juvenile delinquency, and poverty. Read for Life has been reaching out to increase literacy and break the cycle of poverty since 2010.

For more information, please call or text Mary Depner at 810-334-4567 or email marydepner@yahoo.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Chili and Coats Event Nov. 20 at Woodrow Wilson: Donations Welcome

Chili and coats. Both are ways to keep warm and both will be given away on November 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Woodrow Wilson Steam Academy Gymnasium on Chestnut Street in Port Huron.  

The outreach program is part of a collaboration of ministry, business partners, and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, who are all working to connect with families in need in the mid-town Port Huron area.

Pastor Kim Brown of Zion Cathedral of Praise International Ministries said that this is the 8th year of the event and that up to 300 coats are given away each year. New and gently used coats are still needed, along with winter wear like boots, hats, and gloves. They can be brought to the school between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the giveaway.

There will also be a food truck on site. Chili is being prepared by Blue Water Christian Church, and there are raffle baskets and prize drawings throughout the day.

The event is first-come, first-serve for receiving the coats. Volunteers are still needed and can show up at the event to get assigned a job.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Conservation District Awarded MDARD Funding

The Blue Water Conservation District was a big winner in the $9.7 million allocation of grants for soil, water, and wildlife protection. The Blue Water Conservation District serves St. Clair, Sanilac, and Macomb counties.

Gary McDowell, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, “This funding will help support and elevate our conversation district partners. These funds will allow districts to identify and prioritize the most pressing needs in their communities and ensure landowners have access to technical assistance for their farms.”

The Blue Water Conservation District received a $40,000 grant for basic operations, two $73,500 grants as part of the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program, and $77,000 from the Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative. They also received $78,500 from the Produce Safety Program.

The Blue Water Conservation District has the goal to “Assist the people of the Blue Water area in the wise use and management of their natural resources for a healthy environment and sustained economic growth.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yale Passes Bond to Remodel Schools

Voters in the Yale Public Schools district approved a ballot proposal that allows the district to spend $15.8 million to remodel the existing buildings.

The bond measure passed with 788 yes votes to 614 no votes. The impact on taxes will not take place for a year. After that, those who pay property taxes in the Yale school district can expect the tax rate to be around 3.12 mills. The bond will be paid back in 12 years.

The district plans to replace all unit ventilators in their five buildings: the high school, junior high school, and the elementary schools located in Yale, Avoca, and Emmett.  The current HVAC system has lasted beyond its useful life and it’s time for modernization, according to the Bond Proposal webpage.

Efficiency, maintenance costs, and reliability are issues with the current mechanical systems in the district. Electrical systems will also get brought up to date throughout the district, with the public announcement, clock, and fire alarm systems getting addressed.

The Yale Junior High will get a lot of work, with a new roof, lighting, and classroom modernization.

Work is expected to begin next summer.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kristi’s Kloset Consignment Shop Moves to Fort Gratiot

Fort Gratiot has gained a new business with the relocation of Kristi’s Kloset. The consignment shop had been located on Pine Grove Avenue in Port Huron for 14 and a half years, but now has a new storefront in Fort Gratiot in the plaza that is home to Buffalo Wild Wings, Munger Physical Therapy, and other businesses. It is in the former home of “Catherine’s” women’s wear.

Owner Julie Cook is thrilled about the new location. Cook raved about the five available dressing rooms, the high ceilings, and the ample parking.

Kristi’s Kloset no longer sells furniture, but they do offer a large selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for Men and Women and children sized 5-18.

Cook said she never dreamed she would have such a great place for her store. She said the reception has been “awesome” and that she is looking forward to serving the community.

Dropping off items for consignment is by appointment only.  Kristi’s Kloset has over 4550 consignors.

Cook said she is planning on more days and longer hours open at the new location at 4355 24th Avenue in Fort Gratiot.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Predicts Adequate Resources to Clear Snow this Winter

Mark Geib, the administrator for MDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, said, “We’re going to be just fine. We have highly trained people, we have the material we need, our equipment has been inspected and is ready to go. We’re in good shape.”

MDOT has budgeted at least $25 million for road salt with 450,000 tons of salt stored throughout the state and has 330 plow trucks at the ready. MDOT also contracts with counties to clear highways bringing the number of plows available to 1300 statewide. There are over 10,000 miles of state highway to keep safe and clear of snow and ice.

MDOT is using a salt spray on some roads in the state, continuing a program that started last winter. The spray prevents the salt from flying off of the road.

Seasonal snowplow drivers are in the process of being interviewed and hired right now, as many are winding down seasonal construction jobs. MDOT anticipates having adequate staffing. 

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland