George James

“100 Women Who Care” Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Port Huron, MI — With restrictions on large gatherings, the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has had to get extra creative to continue their tradition of hosting the “100 Women Who Care” fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, involves small groups and a phone app, but the goal is still $10,000 for local charities.

Vice President of the Community Foundation, Jackie Hanton, said that new approach was inspired by a scavenger hunt put on by the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation. Speaking of the 100 Women Event, Hanton said, “It may seem a bit intimidating that the event will be through an app on your phone, but I assure everyone who participates that it will be easy, fun and we’ll be sure you know what to do.”

For the event, small socially distant groups of two to ten women will get together in someone’s home. One person will download the app, GooseChase, and the games will begin. The scavenger hunt style game will include supporting several local non-profits.

Hanton said that the Women’s Initiative is “one big giving circle” and is encouraging local women to make their own “mini-giving circles” this year.

More information can be found at stclairfoundation.org/team-up-with-100-women-who-care-event/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Secretary of State Extensions Run Out September 30

Extensions on driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle renewals expire on September 30th. So, it’s time to make an appointment at a Secretary of State Office if needed, and be prepared to pay those registration and renewal fees that you may have been putting off.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to address customer needs during the pandemic, we have expanded our branch hours and added a number of appointments to ensure everyone who needs to is able to renew their driver’s license or ID ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. There are still many available appointments, and anyone who has not handled their renewals is encouraged to do so immediately.”

If your renewal can not be completed online, the Secretary of State offices have expanded their branch hours to make room for the last-minute transactions. The appointments reserved for renewals are available from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday from now until September 30.

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Some transactions can be completed online at EXPRESS SOS at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Huntington Bank Announces $5 Billion Lending Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a private lending investment program on Wednesday. While the whole state anxiously awaited a ruling on the expected opening of gyms, movie theaters, and other facilities that have been shuttered since March, Whitmer laid out an investment plan from Huntington Bank.

The plan is a $5 billion five-year lending, investment, and philanthropic venture to create financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers, and communities, according to a press release from Whitmer’s office.

The announcement isn’t exactly what owners of bowling alleys and ice rinks were waiting for, but the initiative is intended to provide borrowing opportunities for hard-hit businesses.

Whitmer said, “This is great news for Michigan’s small-business owners who have faced unprecedented challenges as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic over the past six months. These are Michiganders who have spent their lives building their businesses and who need our help now more than ever.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Program Gets $1.3 Million Grant

Port Huron, MI — The TRIO Student Support Services Program at St. Clair County Community College has received a $1.3 million grant. The program provides opportunities for academic success and is intended to motivate students toward completing their educational goals after high school.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and had previously been awarded money in 2010 and 2015. It is one of eight TRIO programs nationwide that is funded by the Department of Education this year.

TRIO serves mainly low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Shawne Jowett, interim director of the program at SC4, said, “These students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own challenges, but with the help of the TRIO program, and as importantly, the support they give each other, they’ve been successful at achieving their college goals at SC4.”

The program served 140 students last year. More information can be found at sc4.edu/trio.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Athletic Factory Moves into Trinity Lutheran Church Space

Port Huron, MI — The Athletic Factory, a Port Huron non-profit, is on the move. They will soon be calling the gym at Trinity Lutheran Church home.

Executive Director of the Athletic Factory, Cliff Thomason, said, “This move allows us to have more space for our program. We will have a full-size gym, storage area for our equipment, and a room for tutoring services. With this additional space, we will be able to run our own biddy ball leagues, basketball leagues for middle school and high school, training camps, volleyball leagues, and provide a closer tutoring service location for the south end student-athletes.”

The Athletic Factory was able to run an ACT/SAT test course for 32 students over the summer and continues to train college-bound athletes for success after graduation.

The organization won a $20,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation earlier this year and is looking forward to a successful year in their new headquarters.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland