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Local News

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Early Voting Begins For Michigan’s Aug. 6 Primary Election

Starting Saturday, July 27th, and running through Sunday, August 4th, registered Michigan voters can cast their ballots in person at early voting sites for the August 6th Primary Election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting the convenience of early voting options available at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

“Every citizen has the power to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Benson said. “Michigan voters have two Saturdays, two Sundays, and a whole week in between to vote early.”

Early voting sites function like Election Day polling places, with ballots counted throughout the period but results withheld until election night. Voters can also hand-deliver absentee ballots to early voting sites, local clerk offices, or secure drop boxes.

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Huron Academic Endeavors Expands To Full K-12 Program

Huron Academic Endeavors (HAE) is thrilled to announce its expansion into a full Kindergarten-12th grade program, becoming the Blue Water Area’s first hybrid learning center to offer a comprehensive educational experience for all community students and families. 

To celebrate the expansion, HAE invites the community to open houses on Monday, July 29th at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the new campus, located at 3071 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Fort Gratiot. Staff will be available to provide tours and answer questions.

The expanded curriculum includes comprehensive middle and high school programs. These programs offer a blend of structured class time, electives, student clubs, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, personalized services such as speech therapy, tutoring, and music lessons will be available to homeschooling families.

For more information and to RSVP for the open houses, visit: huroncooperative.org or email admin@huroncoop.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Salvation Army Hosts “Cars & Kettles” Event At Mainstreet Memories

The Salvation Army of St. Clair County proudly presents “Cars & Kettles™ at Mainstreet Memories, Wheels on the Waterfront” event, set for Saturday, July 27th. 

This “Cars and Coffee” style car show, held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Desmond Landing in Port Huron, will feature a stunning variety of classic, antique, and supercars. The event aims to unite car enthusiasts with the community’s passion for building stronger ties and supporting those in need.

Cars & Kettles™ offers sponsors an excellent opportunity to show their support for the Salvation Army’s vital work. The event not only showcases beautiful vehicles but also emphasizes the importance of community support in addressing day-to-day challenges faced by many.

For sponsorship details and additional information, please contact Cars & Kettles™ Event Chair Gerry Mason at: (810) 989-0057 or via email at gdblues@yahoo.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free “Rockin’ The Rivers” Concerts Kick Off in Port Huron On Aug. 1st

The “Rockin’ The Rivers” concert series returns to Kiefer Park in downtown Port Huron starting Thursday, Aug. 1st. Hosted by Port Huron Parks and Recreation, this annual event offers free music for the blue water community. The 2024 lineup features:

  • Aug. 1: The Family Tradition Band (country and rock), with Foster and Lewis opening.
  • Aug. 8: Dave Bennett Quartet (swing, rockabilly, jazz), with Branden Pavlov opening.
  • Aug. 15: Magic Bus (‘60s hits), with Stephen Michael opening.
  • Aug. 22: The Groove Council featuring Kathleen Murray (funk, classic soul, R&B), with Paul Shonk opening.

Opening acts start at 6 p.m., and headliners follow at 7 p.m. No tickets are needed, and all ages are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy food vendors, a beverage tent, and games like cornhole. In case of bad weather, concerts move to McMorran Place Arena. 

For more information, call: (810) 984-9760 or visit porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

6th Annual “Runaway Bride Fun Run” Is A Unique Local Fundraiser Taking Place In Port Huron

The 6th Annual “Runaway Bride Fun Run,” sponsored by ADVIA Credit Union, will take place on Saturday, August 10th, at 8 a.m. in Port Huron.

Starting at the DoubleTree by Hilton and following a scenic route along the St. Clair River, this event offers a chip-timed 5K and a 2-mile walk to support local charity “A Beautiful Me.” Participants will compete for trophies awarded to the best-dressed bride, best-dressed couple, and best-dressed wedding party, judged by Josh Chapman (Blue Water YMCA Executive Director) and Tracy Willard (Hunter Hospitality House Executive Director).

There will be a raffle with prizes such as a robot vacuum, drone, and a YMCA household membership, along with a grand prize drawing for a week-long stay at a VRBO home on Lake Huron. Registration ends August 9th.

For more information, visit: abeautifulme.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell