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
DNR Predicts Heavy Natural “Winter Fish Kill”
Don’t be alarmed if you see dead fish in our waterways in the Blue Water Area. That is the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams, and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”
Lake Huron is likely to have less fish kill, as it has substantial depth. But, canals, rivers, and streams in the area are susceptible to a more visible fish kill. Deep snowpack, as is the case on local rivers, can also increase fish kill as sunlight cannot get to the bottom of the water.
The dead fish that might be showing up soon have probably been dead for a month or so, according to the DNR. This winter caused significant stress for fish with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
The DNR welcomes reports on fish kills, so they can monitor the health of the waterways. Reports can be made at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
East China Virtual Academy Gives Options to Students and Families
East China School District in St. Clair County is launching the East China Virtual Academy, ECVA. The Academy will offer online instruction using East China teachers and will have a full K-12 course catalog. Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year.
Teacher Jason Perrin, one of the organizers of the project, said that the district began planning before the pandemic with the hope of offering more options and flexibility. The Academy will be housed in the new Innovation Center. He said, “As educators, we know students are individuals and what works for one student may not be the best fit for another. ECVA will be an option for all students no matter what their academic goals may be.”
Online instruction options will be available for full-time virtual students, drop-in high school students who take courses outside of the traditional classroom, and for students who need to make up credits.
When asked if he thinks online learning is here to stay, Perrin said, “Yes! Online/Hybrid learning is an important option to have for students and families that are looking for alternative approaches to traditional education and many families have realized it works for them during pandemic learning.”
Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Magna International Building Manufacturing Facility in St. Clair
The Magna International company is building a brand new factory in St. Clair. The manufacturing facility is expected to add over 300 jobs to the region with its $70.1 million investment. Magna plans to manufacture complex battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, an electronic propulsion vehicle.
The location of the 345,000 square foot building in St. Clair County is a victory for both the county and state as several Midwest locations were vying for the investment. Magna currently employs over 10,000 people in Michigan. They manufacture a variety of components for the auto industry, including complete vehicles, and have been part of the industry since 1957.
Finding local people to fill the jobs is a priority. Dan Casey of the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance said, “We’re excited to see more Industry 4.0 jobs coming to St. Clair County. We look forward to working with Magna Electric Vehicle Structures to develop new training resources to support the company’s growth.”
A link to information about jobs with Magna:
https://www.magna.com/company/careers
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland