Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Gov. Whitmer Announces Business Expansions That Will Provide 140 Good-Paying Jobs

Yesterday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two new business expansion projects that will create 140 new jobs between the two cities of Warren and Jackson.

The two businesses involved are Commonwealth Associates, Inc. and The Home Depot. Commonwealth Associates is an electrical engineering consulting firm located in Jackson and is seeking to expand, which would bring 60 well-paying professional and corporate jobs to the city.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer and will be constructing a new distribution center in Warren which would create around 80 jobs. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Today’s expansions in Jackson and Warren by Commonwealth Industries and Home Depot will create and support 140 new good-paying jobs and build on our economic momentum. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums Hosts A Taste Of Soul For Black History Month

As Black History Month draws to a close there are still a few events left to attend if you’d like to learn a little bit more about the history and culture of African Americans.

The Port Huron Museum will be hosting the event “A Taste of Soul” presented by Black Lives Matter Port Huron Branch, and the Port Huron NAACP. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. 

The event will be a live-tasting exhibit that touches on the origins of traditional “soul food” as well as other signature cuisines and beverages from the Caribbean Islands, and Africa provided by local and neighboring restaurants.  

A Taste of Soul will also highlight African American dance and music as it relates to history and culture as a race. There will be spoken word by local activists, along with live music from the Metro Soul Band which will perform from 12 noon – 1 p.m.  

The event is free, but you must RSVP by claiming a ticket at: eventbrite.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Closures for February 23, 2023

Due to hazardous road conditions the following schools and other facilities will be closed on Thursday, February 23, 2023. List will be updated as closures are received:

St. Clair County:

The Council on Aging, serving St. Clair County will be closed on Thursday, February 23rd due to the hazardous ice conditions in our area. There will not be any home delivered meals, congregate meals, services or transportation. All four area senior centers will be closed as well.

Schools:

  • Academy of Warren
  • Algonac Community Schools
  • Capac Community Schools
  • Cardinal Mooney Catholic High
  • East China School District
  • East Shore Leadership Academy
  • Holy Cross Catholic
  • Landmark Academy
  • Marysville Public Schools
  • Memphis Community Schools
  • Michigan Math and Science Academy
  • New Life Christian Academy
  • Port Huron Area School District
  • Roseville Community Schools
  • St. Clair TEC
  • St. Edward on the Lake Elem.
  • Yale Public Schools

Macomb County:

  • Academy of Warren
  • Anchor Bay School District
  • Armada Area Schools
  • Center Line Public Schools
  • Clintondale Community Schools
  • Crown of Life Lutheran
  • Cross of Glory Lutheran
  • CSDD New Haven
  • Davenport University-Warren
  • DeLaSalle Collegiate High
  • East Pointe Public Schools
  • Fraser Public Schools
  • Lakeshore Public Schools
  • Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb)
  • L’anse Creuse Public Schools
  • Life Skills New Haven
  • Macomb Comm. College **online classes still meet
  • Merrit Academy
  • New Haven Community Schools
  • Richmond Community Schools
  • Macomb Montessori Academy
  • Macomb ISD – Special Ed Programs
  • Prevail Academy
  • Regina High
  • Romeo Community Schools
  • South Lake Schools
  • St. Augustine Catholic
  • St. Peters Lutheran-Richmond
  • St. Lawrence Catholic School
  • Trinity Lutheran-Utica
  • Utica Community Schools
  • Van Dyke Public Schools
  • Warren Woods Public Schools

Sanilac County:

  • Brown City School District
  • Carsonville-Port Sanilac Schools
  • Croswell-Lexingtom Comm. Schools
  • Deckerville School District
  • Harper Woods CCI Center
  • Marlette School District
  • Sandusky School District
  • Sanilac Career Center
  • Sanilac Special Education

The Underground Announces $5000 Emerge Fund Grant Open For Entrepreneurs

If you are or know an entrepreneur who could use some financial assistance, The Underground along with the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) are announcing that they are accepting first quarter applications for the new 2023 Emerge Fund through Monday, March 20th.

The 2023 Emerge Fund is geared towards for-profit small businesses operating or starting their business in St. Clair County. The maximum funding available per applicant is $5000. Smaller grants are available and are issued based on project impact and potential milestones. The funding is made possible in partnership with Huntington National Bank.

Those involved in technology are highly desired, but businesses in other sectors will be considered as well. 

Applicants who are approved can use the funding for things such as:

  • Creating a business plan
  • Developing a website
  • Marketing
  • Legal Services
  • And more…grants CANNOT be used as salary or income.

For more information, visit: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Annual Phil Willard Memorial Chess Tournament Coming In March

The game of chess is a game of strategy and planning. It helps to develop the brain in children who participate. So, why not get involved in the upcoming Phil Willard Memorial Tournament coming in March?

The tournament is free to all students currently attending Port Huron Area Schools in grades K-12. If they are not a Port Huron Area Schools student, the fee is $10 payable in cash only. 

The event will take place Saturday, March 4th, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration will be from 8 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. 

Participants will be awarded prizes and trophies for their achievements. Chess sets will be provided, and participants may bring their own refreshments. 

For more information, visit: Port Huron Schools on Facebook. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Phasing Out Their COVID-19 Hotline

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is concerned with the health and well being of residents living in the area, and are announcing that they will be discontinuing the use of their COVID-19 hotline phone number and email.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were still learning about the effects of the virus and how to deal with the situation. Although they are discontinuing the hotline, those with COVID-19 related questions and inquiries can still call or contact the main office via telephone or email. 

Public Information Officer, Jennifer Michaluk says, “Over 50,000 calls/emails have been received over the past three years of our pandemic response and the hotline served its purpose as a helpful community resource.” 

If you have questions or concerns in regards to COVID-19 you can call or email the St.Clair County Health Department at: (810) 987-5300/healthdept@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell