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Local News

Join The RESA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony For New Storywalk Installation

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for RESA’s latest StoryWalk installation at the Pine River Nature Center will take place Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m. located at the Pine River Nature Center, at 2585 Castor Rd.

The StoryWalk consists of a series of standalone panels showcasing a page from a children’s picture book. The project aims to promote early literacy, physical activity, and family time in nature as participants follow the path, reading and engaging with the story. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be part of the 2023 Celebrate Your Child Day, a free event designed for families with children aged 0-5. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, there will be children’s games and crafts, a scavenger hunt, a hike to the treehouse, storytelling at the treehouse, and access to the Nature Center’s expansive animal exhibition room. 

For more information, visit: sccresa.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Come And Celebrate The New Gratiot Park Playscape Ribbon Cutting

The Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department has announced a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new and universally accessible playground at Gratiot Park. 

The event will take place on Friday, June 9th, at 11:00 am at 2538 Gratiot Avenue in Port Huron.

Gratiot Park had a major redesign over the past year to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for children of all abilities. The new features include a universally accessible playscape, swings, a splash pad, an interactive dance and play arch, and a new pavilion. The pavilion and the Sona interactive dance feature were generously provided by the Hannah R. Winkler Memorial Fund.

The PlayABLE park was made possible through the support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Hannah R. Winkler Memorial Fund, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair’s Rockin’ In The Plaza Free Music Event

The St. Clair Chamber is bringing free live music to downtown St. Clair Plaza all summer long. Taking place at the St. Clair Riverview Plaza located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. Residents and visitors can enjoy views of the St. Clair River and passing freighters while listening to fantastic music from talented bands.

The upcoming lineup includes Los Gringos on May 26th, Alter Ego on May 27th, and Planet of Fun on May 28th. The performances will run from 7 pm – 11 pm.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or take a seat at one of the restaurant patios or park chairs available. 

There will also be plenty of food available from locations such as War Water Brewery, Mannina’s Wine House, T.A.P. Café, and Anchor Point Bistro along with others.

Attendees can also explore various boutiques such as LeMarche Artisan Market, Blackbird Home Goods, Amunni Boutique, and more.

For more information, visit: bluewater.org.

Letter Grades For Students May Be A Thing Of The Past

Governor Whitmer has signed legislation that will bring about significant changes in how public schools in Michigan are ranked by the state. The current Revised School Code mandates the Michigan Department of Education to assign letter grades, ranging from A to F. 

Proponents argue that this system aids in determining funding allocations, but critics assert that the process of ranking schools is far more intricate than a simple letter grade, and that the school index accountability system would be a better model to follow.

The school index accountability system evaluates schools on a scale of 0 to 100, considering factors such as student growth, proficiency, graduation rates, English learner progress, attendance rates, advanced coursework completion, postsecondary enrollment, and staffing ratios.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice says, “Coupled with the parent dashboard, the school index accountability system, which predates the A-F system in the state, is more informative and complete, and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCHD Seeking New Medical Director

St. Clair County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Najibah Rehman, has stepped down from her position leaving the Department to find a replacement. Dr. Rehman joined the department in 2022, filling the part-time physician role created by county commissioners for the chief public health job.

A six-month written notice is required to terminate the three-year employment agreement for this at-will position, but an official from a neighboring community has reportedly been filling in since Rehman’s resignation. The reason behind her departure has not been publicly disclosed.

The job listing for medical director has been posted since Rehman’s reported resignation on April 28, with applications closing on May 29. The position requires a master’s in public health in addition to a medical degree and falls under the supervision of Liz King, the public health officer, the health advisory board, and the county board in accordance with state law.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hunter Hospitality House Launches 2023 Endowment Fund Awareness Raffle

Hunter Hospitality House has kicked off the 2023 Hunter Hospitality House Endowment Fund Awareness Raffle to support their mission of providing free lodging and amenities to individuals requiring medical lodging. 

A portion of the proceeds from the raffle will be directed to the Hunter Hospitality House Endowment Fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The fund aims to accumulate resources that will sustain the organization for future generations.

Raffle tickets are priced at $100 each, with a maximum of 300 tickets available. 

Sales end when tickets are sold out, or on August 30th. The drawing for the raffle prizes will take place on August 31st, at 5 p.m. at the Hunter Hospitality Family House.

Exciting prizes from Lawrence Jewelers, Greg & Kate May and Alpine Cycles, JC Poured Walls, and DoubleTree by Hilton include a diamond ring, an E-Bike, a drone with built-in camera, and a hotel stay with a view of the water, respectively.

For more information, visit: hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell