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Local News

The Blue Water Area YMCA Food Programs Help Feed Those In Need

While most of us take having enough food for granted, one in seven children in Michigan face hunger. The numbers are even higher in St. Clair County, where 28% of children do not get enough to eat, according to the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices.

Thankfully, there are individuals in the community fighting to reduce these alarming statistics, including Cheryl Flanagan. For over a year, Cheryl has volunteered at the Blue Water YMCA to feed local children.

As a Y member for 35 years, Cheryl was eager to get involved in something meaningful after enduring the COVID pandemic’s restrictions. She soon began working with the Y’s food program, preparing meals for over 500 children per week at several locations, including Cleveland Elementary School, Port Huron Housing, and eligible kids in daycare at the Y.

The Blue Water Area YMCA is on the front lines of providing healthy meals to our children that may be experiencing food insecurity.

If you would like to donate to the Blue Water Area YMCA to help support programs like these, visit: bluewaterymca.com/give.

Lake Huron Retreat Center Memorial Day Community Breakfast

The Lake Huron Retreat Center will host its annual Memorial Day community breakfast on Monday, May 29th, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options for attendees.

From 8:00 – 11:00 am, guests can indulge in a made-to-order omelette station, fresh Belgian waffles, sausage, fruit, yogurt bar, and much more. 

The cost is $15 per person, $10 for children between 6-10 years of age, while children aged 5 and under eat free. Attendees can pay via cash, check, credit, or debit card.

The event will be held at the Lake Huron Retreat Center located at 8794 Lakeshore Road in Burtchville, between Jeddo and Fisher Roads. All proceeds generated from the breakfast will go towards the ministry of Lake Huron Retreat Center.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots early to guarantee their place at the popular breakfast event.

For more information, call: (810) 327-6272.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Honors Missing And Murdered Indigenous Persons Day

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is today, providing an opportunity to remember countless lives lost while bringing awareness to the issue of violence against Indigenous communities.

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board has issued a resolution to recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day and encourages Michiganders to attend gatherings and marches hosted by federally recognized tribes throughout the state.

“Missing and murdered women and Indigenous people are long-standing issues connected to this country’s history of assimilation policies,” said Chief Judge Melissa Pope of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and member of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

Cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people, especially women and girls, are often under-reported, under-investigated, and remain unsolved throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, murder is the third-leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native Women on tribal lands.

For more information, visit: StrongHeartsHelpline.org

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron’s 7th & 10th Street Bridges Undergoing Maintenance

The City of Port Huron’s Streets Division has announced the annual maintenance washing of the 10th and 7th Street Bridges beginning Monday, May 8th at 11:00 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 12th at 6:00 a.m.

During this period, the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, but motorists can expect periodic lane closures in both directions. The work will be carried out at night to minimize the impact on the public.

The City of Port Huron apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and encourages motorists to exercise caution while driving through the work zones. If there are any further questions regarding this matter, residents are advised to contact the Department of Public Works.

The maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges is a routine procedure carried out every year to ensure the safety of the structures and maintain their longevity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron City Manager James Freed Gives Thanks To Residents

The citizens of Port Huron have overwhelmingly renewed their support for public safety and government transparency. 

City Manager, James Freed expressed his gratitude for the citizens’ recognition of the good stewardship of their tax dollars, stating that the city has delivered on its promises to protect and increase staffing levels for the Fire and Police departments. The city’s dedication to transparency in governmental finances was also highlighted, with all financial reports, budgets, and audits posted on the city’s website. 

The millage funding was also used to leverage additional state and philanthropic grants. The city has seen a rebirth and vibrancy of the McMorran Theatre, Arena, and new Plaza, Additionally, the city has invested rapidly in its parks and playgrounds, bringing innovative play and safe spaces to neighborhoods.

Freed also offered remarks regarding the voter approval of the sale of the Municipal Office Center, stating that the city will now work to attract a qualified buyer and negotiate the highest and best use for the property. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Small Wrestlers Battle It Out For A Bigger Cause

The upcoming Slammin’ for BWC Micro Championship Wrestling event will be more than just a night of action-packed entertainment. The event, scheduled to take place on May 6, at the Knight Club in Marysville, is set to raise funds for Blankets With Care (BWC).

BWC Founder, Michelle Milmine, said she was excited about the event. “We were trying to find an idea of a fundraiser for the whole family, and the kind people of Blue Water Micro Championship Wrestling reached out with a great opportunity.”

Tickets range from $25 to $35 and are available on Eventbrite. The event is open to all ages, and parking is free. Concessions, drinks, and a 50/50 raffle will be available. Doors open at 7:15, with a bell time of 8 p.m.

BWC is a Chesterfield Township-based 501c3 nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to help the homeless. They provide blessing bags filled with essential items such as water bottles, soup, new socks, and more.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell