George James

Port Huron Rec Programs are Back for Summer

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has announced sign-up dates for summer programs. Real, in-person programming is back with plans for the pools to be open and the parks to be full of happy children.

Residents of the city of Port Huron get first dibs on the summertime fun with their registration starting May 3rd. Those who live outside of the city can start registering on May 4th. In-city rates are extended to those who live in Burtchville, Clyde, Fort Gratiot, and Port Huron townships, due to a cooperative partnership.

COVID-prevention protocols will be followed as needed, including limiting group sizes, social distancing, and mask-wearing when warranted. Many of the traditional programs, like the Camp Palmer day camp and chess club are back on the calendar, but the popular Junior Recreators program is taking another year off.

Highlights of the summer activities include Hollywood actress and Port Huron native McKale Jude Bingham directing a Theatre Workshop, as well as classes held in collaboration with the Friends of The St. Clair River and The Athletic Factory.  

A link to the Summer Brochure from Port Huron Parks and Recreation:

https://d721f890-20f6-4799-98ef-6e373ba52f19.filesusr.com/ugd/fc6623_4995733de6e3406da6cf1d4e51b56416.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Family Emergency” Scams on the Rise

The Michigan Attorney General Office is alerting Michiganders of the latest telephone scam that exploits the love and concern that parents and grandparents have for their kids. The “Family Emergency” scam is making the rounds.

There have been increasing reports of residents being targeted by sophisticated scammers who demand ransom for kidnapped children and by scammers who target grandparents by pretending to be a grandchild in trouble.

Thankfully, there is no actual kidnapping or emergency, but people often fall for such scams out of fear that the claims are real. The criminals often use the correct names of the children to display credibility and prey upon parental fears.

There is a recent report of grandparents being tricked into paying $33,000 to scammers thinking they were talking to their grandson who claimed he was in trouble in Canada and needed money wired immediately.

The Attorney General warns that if you do receive a “Family Emergency” type of call, you should immediately contact the relative to verify their true situation, and of course never send money or give out financial information unless you are 100% sure you know who you are talking to.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

McMorran Boulevard Being Rebuilt

Port Huron, MI — Improvements to a vital downtown street will cause some traffic adjustments for a few months. Road construction on McMorran Boulevard in Downtown Port Huron will bring some temporary changes to parking and traffic patterns for visitors to the Main Branch of the St. Clair County Library, along with the county courthouse and other businesses and offices between Merchant Street and Huron Avenue.

A temporary aggregate surface will be placed across the median on Fort Street to enable access and on-street parking north of McMorran Boulevard. On-street parking south of McMorran Boulevard will be prohibited.

The work is being contracted by the City of Port Huron to Raymond Excavating. The project includes the installation of new water mains and fire hydrants, new catch basins, and new sanitary sewers. It also includes new curbs and gutters with the street reconstruction. Repairs will be made to any sidewalks or drives that are disturbed, as well as any site restoration.

The traffic light at Michigan Street and McMorran Boulevard will be removed during the project. The construction is expected to be completed by July 20th, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Beeler Angry Over Whitmer Veto of Broadband Internet Bill

The Michigan State Legislature is working to increase broadband internet service. The bill was vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Local State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, and fellow Republicans are not happy with the veto.

House bill 4210 amends the tax act to make exempt certain broadband equipment that delivers internet service to rural and other underserved areas. 

Whitmer vetoed it saying it was not good enough. She responded to the bill, saying, “If Michiganders are going to spend their hard-earned tax dollars to incentivize broadband development, it better be fast.”

Beeler got personal when expressing his frustration with the veto saying, “This veto is just one more bad decision that can be chalked up to Governor Whitmer’s failed, hypocritical leadership.” Beeler went on to say that Whitmer was making “the perfect the enemy of the good”. 

Beeler said, “Governor Whitmer may have no issues appearing on cable news directly from her Lansing living room, but far too many residents in other parts of the state are struggling to function during the pandemic without a dependable internet connection.”

The bill has been re-referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

A Beautiful Me Celebrates 13th Birthday

Port Huron, MI — Local non-profit A Beautiful Me is a teenager. The organization that works to build confidence in women of all ages is turning 13.

To celebrate the milestone, A Beautiful Me is having a celebration on Saturday, April 24th between noon and 3:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will be held at their program center, The Closet by A Beautiful Me, located at 235 Huron Avenue in Downtown Port Huron.

A Beautiful Me started in 2008 in Romeo and eventually established its program center in Port Huron while continuing to provide programs in schools in the entire region as well as events like Bloom, Avante Garde Hair Show, and the Runaway Bride Fun Run.

A Beautiful Me has adapted to being unable to go into schools because of the pandemic and has given outreach opportunities to both students and volunteers through a letter-writing campaign.

The 13th birthday event will celebrate the over 10,000 girls and women who have participated in the program and look forward to a bright future. There will be activities both indoors and outdoors like balloon art, fresh popcorn, and treats, along with a raffle of a gift basket worth over $150.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Launches “The Ally Project”

Port Huron, MI — According to the dictionary, an ally is someone who supports someone else or joins in a common cause. McLaren Port Huron Hospital has initiated The Ally Project, which focuses on providing healthcare to members of the LGBTQ community.

The initiative was borne of a tragic situation with a local community member who felt desperate and nearly ended his life. Thankfully, the patient is now recovering and thriving according to his parents and credits compassionate care from McLaren Port Huron staff as the first step of his journey toward health.

The Ally Project looks to make all patients feel loved and valued and to be treated as such regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Ally Initiative is a fund associated with the McLaren Port Huron Foundation and is asking for community support through this year’s Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s “Big Give Day” on June 9th.

Funds will go toward staff education that is specific to LGBTQ patients, the hospital’s internal process improvements, and supporting healthcare providers that are allies of the LGBTQ community.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland