George James

“March is Reading Month” Brings Reading Proficiency and School Funding into Focus

March is here and with it comes “March is Reading Month”. Schoolchildren nationwide look forward to the chance to spend some extra time with a good book and enjoy the activities and reading contests that go along with the special month.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Every year the country uses this month to promote reading and imagination. I am proud to declare March as Reading Month in Michigan and I encourage everyone to find time to read. This month, we should recommit ourselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.”

There is a more serious side to the month beyond “read-ins” and book sales, and that is education funding that gives teachers the resources they need to make every child a good reader.

Michigan ranks below the national average when it comes to 4th-grade reading proficiency, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. By 8th and 12th grades, Michigan students are slightly above average.

Michigan’s budget plan for this fiscal year is the largest public-school allocation in Michigan history, and that includes $1.7 billion to go directly into schools.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black History Banners Installed in Downtown Port Huron

Those who travel down Huron Avenue and Military Street in Port Huron might notice something new. Banners in honor of Black History Month have been installed in Downtown Port Huron. The banners honor the rich history of those who have made outstanding contributions to the Port Huron area and the Black community as a whole. 

Twenty banners have been put up throughout Downtown displaying names, faces, and quotes from those in the Black community who have had an impact on the Blue Water Area. They also highlight the diversity and growth within the whole community. 

The banners feature people like Helen Floyd, a lifelong educator and community activist, quotes from Frederick Douglass, a 19th-century abolitionist and social reformer, and reference to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an historian and scholar who is considered the “Father of Black History”. People who see the banners might be inspired to do a little research to learn more about those featured in the project. 

Black History Month may be designated to February, but the banners will remain up longer. The banner installation is a collaborative effort between the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP, Port Huron Black Lives Matter, and the St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (S.C.O.R.E.) Organization with sponsorship from various community members.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Real IDs Required for Air Travel Starting in October

Real IDs will be required for commercial air travel starting October 21st of this year. The deadline was extended due to the pandemic, but it is back on the calendar and many travelers will need to take action.

A Real ID can be a state Driver’s License that has enhanced security protocols so it is less likely to be counterfeit or copied. The Real ID can also be a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, or an Enhanced ID.  Michigan residents who have an Enhanced ID, which allows travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, do not need a new ID.

Real ID cards will be distinguished with a gold star in the upper right corner, although those issued before 2017 may not have the star, but are still valid. To get the Real ID, several documents will need to be brought to a Secretary of State Branch. A government-issued birth certificate with raised seal or stamp, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.

A Real ID will also be needed to enter federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases.

For more information:

https://www.michigan.gov/SOS?fbclid=IwAR1cPin_wkZjQzG4xI-M8h9Rtyo3hC17kRRUHnbLDJ-Ry0vyATl3mKOG2DY

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron School Raises Nearly $2200 for Hunter Hospitality House

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy in Port Huron has raised nearly $2200 for Hunter Hospitality House with their annual Penny Wars. That’s a lot of pennies. The friendly competition between grades was an outreach activity during the annual Catholic Schools Week celebration. 

Students in preschool through eighth grade brought in both paper money and coins and could either build up their own class’ collection jars or put coins in other class’ jars to subtract from their class totals. 

St. Mary/McCormick Principal Mike Gibson said, “The participation this year was incredible.  The previous high for our Penny War competition was $671.00.  This year we raised $2,183.12, which is more than the previous three years combined!  It is just more proof that our school/parish community is absolutely amazing.”

Hunter Hospitality House provides lodging near both Port Huron hospitals. Executive Director Tracy Willard said, “I am grateful beyond words for this very generous, amazing gift. It’s just incredible, and will be used right away in providing our free services at HHH.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Wrigley Center Construction Brings Mixed-Use Development to Downtown Port Huron

If you have ever strolled through the Flint Farmers Market or Detroit’s Eastern Market and thought, “I wish we had something like this in Port Huron”, your wish may soon be granted. Construction of the Wrigley Center in Downtown Port Huron is picking up speed as it gets closer to its projected 2022 open date.

Port Huron Downtown Development Authority Director, Cynthia Cutright said that the $14 million mixed-use development is set to have 36 condominiums built on the second and third floors, along with a farmer’s market and maker’s market. Retail and dining space are also planned with an entertainment space that will have regular programming.

Local developer Larry Jones is the mastermind behind the project that is transforming the former Art Van property and is leveraging investment from the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The Port Huron DDA is leasing 5400 square feet of space for the market portion.

City officials recently toured the construction site and announced that vendor applications for the market portion will be available in late spring.

The Wrigley Center name pays homage to the Wrigley Grocery store that was once on the property.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland