George James

U.S. Reps Choose Region Over Politics in Urging Selfridge as Space Force HQ

A possible United States Space Command Headquarters in the region has brought together U.S. Representatives Paul Mitchell and Elissa Slotkin. The rare collaboration across party lines has Mitchell, a Republican, and Slotkin, a Democrat, lobbying the Air Force to locate the HQ at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County’s Harrison Township.

Congressman Mitchell, who represents the 10th District, said. “The road to military readiness starts in Michigan, and Selfridge is the optimal location that would best serve the mission of USSPACECOM and Air Force personnel. I urge the Air Force to select Selfridge as home to the new USSPACECOM Headquarters.”

Congresswoman Slotkin, who represents the 8th District, said, “I’m glad to partner with Representative Paul Mitchell and our colleagues in the Michigan congressional delegation in a bipartisan push to bring these jobs and opportunities here to Michigan.”

 The letter to the Air Force highlighted the strong manufacturing business climate in the region, the defense industry corridor, and the infrastructure already in place at Selfridge.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Community Improvement Plan Making Progress

Sarnia, ON — The City of Sarnia is making progress with its Community Improvement Plan modernization project. The plan lays the groundwork for public investment that stimulates private investment to reach specific community goals.

The background report is now completed. The report addresses crime, affordable housing, pedestrian and bike-friendly paths, streets and traffic, redevelopment opportunities, preservation of heritage, and the importance of talking to residents. The residents who helped craft the report also mentioned the “need to be bold” and focused on Mitton Village, Northgate, and the Downtown and waterfront district.

The next part of the Community Improvement Plan process is the Virtual Online Workshop which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  After the workshops, the preliminary recommendations will be presented to Sarnia’s City Council as part of this Council Strategic Planning Session. Then, a meeting will be held to receive public comments on the proposal program before the final plan is presented for consideration in December.

The full details of the Community Improvement Plan can be found at speakupsarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Area Mourns Passing of Jim Whymer, Beloved Local Sportswriter and Advocate

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is mourning the loss of Jim Whymer, who passed away on September 24th, at the age of 64. Whymer had been a fixture in the local sports reporting scene since the 1970s.

Whymer has been lauded as an advocate for area youth sports and a genuine friend to athletes, who went out of his way to connect with individual athletes and tell their stories. He was often seen officiating youth sports and recently worked as part of the athletics department at St. Clair County Community College.

Local parent, Stacy Thompson, recalled the special quality that Whymer had, saying, “He never forgot a kid he wrote about. He was an amazing man- such a loss for the community.” Thompson said that Whymer referred to her son with his team nickname, long after he had graduated. Such a story is common throughout the entire region as those who were involved in youth sports recall Mr. Whymer’s ability to make connections and reach out.

Mr. Whymer fought cancer for six years. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Patty, along with three children and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

$500 Scholarships Given at Blue Water College Access Network Webinars

The Blue Water College Access Network is offering a series of webinars for students interested in career and college planning. In-person meetings are on hold due to social distancing, but the webinars keep local high school students on track with their college planning process.

The next webinar pertains to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and it is scheduled for September 30 from 7-8 p.m. The FAFSA is a vital part of the financial aid process and students need to know how to fill it out correctly and on time so they can get the aid that they need for college.

The October 21st webinar is about Scholarships and Paying for College and the November 11th webinar is about Career Exploration. Industry experts will be sharing their expertise with students.

Students can register for the webinars at www.bwcan.org. Registration is open to all St. Clair County families and is free. At the end of each webinar, a $500 scholarship is awarded to a high school junior or senior participant.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Changes to Deer Testing Planned for 2020 Hunting Season

Michigan deer hunters will have a few changes to prepare for this year thanks to COVID-19. Staff and funding shortages, along with the decline in the number of hunters have forced the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to reduce the number of deer check stations.

Hunters will be required to “mask up” and follow social distancing guidelines at all check stations. At many stations, they will not be permitted to leave their vehicles.

Acting DNR Wildlife Division Chief Dan Kennedy said, “It is an unprecedented time in our state’s history, with serious challenges that affect everyone. We ask for your patience and grace as we adapt to meet these challenges. Michigan hunters have a long history of partnering with the DNR for the benefit and health of the state’s deer population.”

Despite these service reductions, the DNR still needs help tracking the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease and tuberculosis in the deer population. St. Clair County is not on the list for checking for either disease, but for hunters traveling to other parts of the state, they will want to check out the DNR’s 2020 Hunting Digest for full details. Visit michigan.gov.

 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Spa 223 Closing While Spa Blu Makes Plans to Open

Port Huron, MI — The spa scene on Huron Avenue in Port Huron is changing. Spa 223 & Boutique, a downtown Port Huron fixture for eleven years and consistent donor to community causes, has announced that it will be closing at the end of September. The brand-new Spa Blu plans to be opening in mid-October.

Spa Blu will be located at 712 Huron Avenue, on the north end of downtown Port Huron. Owner Suzanne McKenzie, who worked at Spa 223, said that her new facility will have a lot of familiar faces for Spa 223 clients and will live up to the same “gold standard”, but will be a completely new spa under new ownership.

McKenzie said that her staff will offer massage, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. They will eventually offer facials and waxing as well. She said their goal is to provide “an exceptional service in a relaxing atmosphere. When you walk out of Spa Blu, after a service, we want you to feel refreshed and pampered.”

The Blue Water theme will be obvious throughout the new spa, according to McKenzie, and she looks forward to greeting both old and new clients with her new twist on spa treatments.

Spa Blu is planned to open in mid-October.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland