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

Local News

Flint Mobile Food Pantries Available Throughout January

Food resources are always important to the community, but during winter months that need is even more critical. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide the residents of Flint with truckloads of food throughout the month of January. 

The MDHHS, in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, began the service of mobile food pantries back in February, 2016. The pantries allow agencies the ability to reach those communities in need, even if they are not physically located in that area. 

There will be four local churches distributing food throughout the month of January including: 

  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davidson Rd.
  • Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
  • Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy.
  • St. Mark Baptist Church, 3020 Dupont St.

For more information on food distribution schedules, visit: FBEM.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Currency Readers Now Available For The Blind Or Visually Impaired

For those Michiganders in the population who suffer from blindness or are visually impaired, there is a new currency reader available to assist you in counting your cash.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced the introduction of the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier. The iBill is a small handheld device that will identify the value of specific denominations of cash. It accomplishes this in one of three ways: a pattern of tones, a pattern of vibrations for privacy, or a clear natural voice. The iBill can identify all U.S. currency in circulation from the single dollar bill, up to the $100 bill.

Those who are blind or visually impaired can apply to receive the audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library. After the application process, the currency reader will be shipped out to the individual the next business day.

For more information on how to apply, contact the library by calling 1-800-992-9012, or by emailing: turnerb9@michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For 2023 Winter Programs With Port Huron Rec Department

The Port Huron Recreation Department provides the community with a safe, and fun learning environment for adults and youth. This winter they will be offering Port Huron residents the opportunity to register for their upcoming 2023 winter programs.

Beginning Thursday, at 8AM on January 5th, 2023, residents will be able to register for upcoming projects. Nonresidents will have to wait until 8AM on Friday, January 6th to register. The Recreation Department will have many of their programs returning, as well as a few new ones that may interest you or someone you know.

A few of the returning programs include activities such as: 

  • Modern Fencing
  • Learn to Skate and Play With The Pros
  • Bring Your Own Grownup Sweetheart Dance
  • Karate Classes

With the newer events consisting of:

  • Puzzle Palooza
  • Adaptive Rec
  • Snowy Saturdays

For more information on how to register and a full list of programs, visit: porthuronrec.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

3 North Lexington Hosting Christmas Eve Eve SIng-Along

If you are in the mood for celebrating the Christmas spirit with friends and family, check out the upcoming event hosted by 3 North Lexington, a locally owned and operated winery and brewery. 

The Annual Christmas Eve Eve Sing-Along will be held Friday, December 23rd, at 5475 MainStreet, Lexington. The event will be held from 6PM – 10PM, with music beginning at 7PM. A limited edition mug will be available to commemorate the evening, along with giveaways and a special menu featuring Christmas Ale, brewed with fresh ginger and cinnamon. There will also be a creepy santa at the event, so be prepared for something a bit different than your typical St. Nick.

Tickets for the Christmas Eve Eve Sing-along are $5 each with a portion of all ticket sales going to a local charity.

For more info visit their Facebook page at: 3 North Lexington. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Feed The World Project Looking For Volunteers And Donations

Feeding the hungry, and helping the less fortunate is something that we can all be a part of. If you don’t have the finances to donate to a good cause, many organizations would greatly appreciate your time.

The Blue Water Feed The World Project is a nonprofit organization that helps deliver food to those less fortunate, not only in the local community but across the world as well. On Saturday, January 14th, volunteers will be at Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron packing and preparing food to be delivered to local food pantries. A portion of the packaged meals will also be shipped to Haiti, Poland, Romania, Texas, and Florida. 

The project is still in need of monetary donations, with the goal of raising $30,000 to pack 100,000 meals during the course of the event. 

If you would like to make a monetary donation or volunteer in helping package and prepare meals, visit: KCAH.Info.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michiganders Prepare For Potential Winter Storm

Those who are planning to travel to or from Michigan for the Christmas holiday should be aware of a potential winter snowstorm that may affect your travel plans.

There are reports of a storm possibly hitting Michigan on Thursday, with a watch in effect until Saturday evening. Blizzard-like conditions, with high winds that can potentially cause power outages for residents are a possibility according to the National Weather Service. The storm would most likely affect road travel due to snow and slippery conditions. Those traveling by plane may also face the potential of dealing with canceled or delayed flights. 

Michigan counties that may be affected include: Macomb, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Oakland, Wayne, Midland, Muskegon, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston Washtenaw, Lenawee, and Monroe.

For updated information visit: weather.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell