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Local News

St. Clair County Community Mental Health Inspires Young Artists With “I AM” Bookmark Contest For Elementary Students

St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH)  beckons young artists to unleash their creativity in the “I AM” bookmark contest. Open to all elementary students in St. Clair County, the competition encourages participants to design bookmarks with positive affirmations. 

The theme for this year, “I Am Important: the world around me is a better place because of me,” invites students to showcase their unique perspectives.

Contest guidelines require students to submit original artwork, and one winner will be chosen for each grade level (K – 5). Winners will receive certificates, fifty copies of their bookmark, and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift certificate. Winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed across participating schools, fostering a community of positivity and artistic expression. Deadline for submissions is Friday, January 19th. 

For entry forms and details, visit: scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Rotary Club Launches 2024 With Generosity, Grants, And A New Focus

The Port Huron Rotary Club embarked on the new year with purpose, unveiling a revised grantmaking strategy during a meeting led by President Emily Vinckier-Pierce. The club’s service and foundation committees sanctioned two $2,500 grants for the Port Huron Old Newsboys and Blue Water Area Rescue Mission. The Rotary Foundation will now prioritize basic needs support alongside continued funding for youth programs.

While the first grants have been allocated, additional funds remain available for local organizations. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply through the Grant Application.

The Rotary Foundation sustains its annual grant program through its endowment fund and the upcoming Three Grand Slam fundraising event on February 2nd. Attendees not only contribute to the local community but also stand a chance to win $3,000 at this year’s event.

For more information, visit: phrotary.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Celebration Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) invites you to step into the heart of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy during a condensed two-hour community celebration. A captivating evening awaits, featuring an array of inspirational elements.

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring beats of music, a compelling dance performance, and the screening of “I AM MLK Jr.,” a poignant documentary delving into Dr. King’s 12-year battle for social justice.

Engage in a rapid-fire panel discussion, witness the expressive piece “Harmony for Justice,” and be captivated by a mesmerizing dance performance. The evening concludes with a powerful closing address, gratitude-filled remarks, and a call to action to actively participate in local social justice initiatives.

Mark your calendars for this unforgettable celebration of unity and empowerment on Monday, January 15th, at SC4’s Fine Arts Theater beginning at 6 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chilly Fest Returns To Downtown Port Huron For Winter Extravaganza

Get ready for some wintertime fun as Chilly Fest makes its triumphant return on Feb. 2nd & 3rd, transforming Downtown Port Huron into the coolest neighborhood in town! 

This winter wonderland features a spectacular lineup of outdoor activities, including ice sculptures, a s’more station, carriage rides, and an epic chili competition. Don’t miss the chance to participate in bed races, an outdoor cornhole tournament, and witness Downtown Restaurants battle it out in the chili cook-off. 

Chilly Fest 2024 is proudly sponsored by SEMCO Energy, US Farathane, Advia Credit Union, and more, with heartfelt thanks to community partners making it all possible.

If you’re interested in ordering an ice sculpture, signing up for bed races, or checking out the full schedule of events, visit www.chillyfest.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Access To Adolescent Addiction Treatment In the U.S.: Limited Beds, High Costs, and Stark Disparities

A recent study, backed by the National Institutes of Health, reveals alarming challenges in accessing residential addiction treatment for U.S. adolescents. 

Researchers found that merely 54% of facilities had immediate bed availability, and those on a waitlist faced an average 28-day delay. The daily treatment cost averaged $878, with 48% demanding upfront payments. A month-long stay soared over $26,000 on average. 

In 2022, 2.2 million adolescents grappled with substance use disorders, 265,000 with opioid use disorders. Shockingly, only 57% of facilities accepted Medicaid, with a stark contrast between for-profits (20%) and nonprofits (80%). In 23 states, no adolescent centers accepting Medicaid were identified. Strikingly, 57% of Medicaid-accepting facilities reported waitlists, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in adolescent addiction treatment accessibility.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell