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Local News

A Beautiful Me Hosts Prom Fashion Show & Sale, Showcasing Affordable Dresses In Downtown Port Huron

Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 17th, as A Beautiful Me presents a spectacular “Prom Fashion Show & Sale” at Wrigley Hall in downtown Port Huron from 12 noon to 3 pm. 

As a nonprofit, A Beautiful Me recently received a heartwarming donation of 600 dresses from a closing Allen Park, Michigan store, fueling the mission to provide affordable, beautiful dresses. Founder Karen Palka emphasizes that every purchase supports confidence-building programs for girls in 3rd-12th grades.

The event includes a Fashion Show with 40 dresses modeled by local students and adults, followed by a chance to shop and try on dresses, aided by an alteration specialist. Guests, with purchase of a $10 ticket, also receive a $5 coupon towards a dress purchase at The Closet by A Beautiful Me. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sherman Woods Homeowners Association Rings In Holiday Spirit, Raises Record $8,337 For Port Huron Salvation Army

In a heartwarming display of community generosity, the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association in Port Huron has reported a remarkable achievement in their 2023 Red Kettle Christmas Season campaign. 

The association’s volunteer residents, for the eighth consecutive year, managed a Red Kettle drop-off in Sherman Woods, raising an impressive $8,337. This marks a significant 42 percent increase over the contributions collected in the previous year.

Throughout eight weekend evenings in December, as well as an additional Christmas Eve night, residents and visitors alike donated generously while enjoying the spectacular Christmas light displays organized by the neighborhood. Fred Kemp, president of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “It’s certainly remarkable and heartwarming to see such a robust increase in donations in 2023 over last year’s total.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s Singles Population Swells by 905K In The New Year, Reveals Study On Love’s Great Reset

As the holiday lights dimmed, a romantic renaissance unfolded in Michigan, with a surge of 905,965 new singles in 2024. 

According to Mixbook.com’s survey, mapping the aftermath of love’s recent departees, found  the State of Michigan in twelfth-place when it comes to ranking in the national singles influx. Michigan’s newfound optimism symbolizes a desire for meaningful connections among its residents. 

Cities like Detroit are at the forefront of this singles boom, with hearts open to the possibilities that the new year brings. Nationally, a staggering 35,492,356 people have entered the singles scene, with California leading the charge, followed by Texas and New York. Michigan’s romantic landscape is evolving, echoing the broader trend of individuals seeking fresh starts in matters of the heart.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MLK Day Honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s Enduring Legacy in Shaping Modern Society

As the nation observes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the huge impact of the visionary leader who championed racial equity and equality during the modern civil rights movement. 

Dr. King’s enduring legacy extends beyond his pivotal role in organizing historic events like the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he delivered the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. His commitment to progress and change for the Black community remains unparalleled. 

As the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated to his memory, Dr. King’s influence resonates in our ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. On this day, we are reminded that it’s our turn to carry forward his legacy through acts of service, fostering unity, and advancing the cause of social justice in modern America.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Treasury Promotes Financial Freedom For Residents With Disabilities Through MiABLE Savings Accounts

The Michigan Department of Treasury is urging hundreds of thousands of Michiganders with disabilities to explore MiABLE savings accounts as a pathway to greater financial freedom. 

Nationally, individuals with disabilities receiving government benefits face a $2,000 federal asset limit. With double the likelihood of living in poverty compared to their peers, and increased challenges in employment, the MiABLE initiative aims to empower this demographic. 

MiABLE allows eligible individuals and their families to save up to $18,000 annually, with employed beneficiaries having the opportunity to contribute an additional amount equal to their current-year gross income, up to $14,580. For those interested, a free webinar on the benefits of MiABLE is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17th.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Greg Alexander Criticizes Gov. Whitmer’s Income Tax Hike, Warns of Economic Consequences

State Representative Greg Alexander, representing Carsonville, strongly criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent push for income tax reforms, labeling them as detrimental to working families across Michigan. 

Alexander, a vocal opponent of the tax hike, asserted that Democrats’ decision to increase income tax was a flawed attempt to counterbalance excessive spending, leaving hard working citizens with less take-home pay.

Michigan’s individual income tax rate saw a recent hike from 4.05% to 4.25%, betraying a commitment to returning funds to taxpayers. Alexander emphasized the repercussions of such measures, arguing that the state’s competitiveness for job retention would suffer. He accused Democrats of diverting budget resources away from smaller communities like Carsonville, negatively impacting residents. Michigan is still 0.6% below its pre-pandemic job numbers, according to the latest payroll jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell