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Local News

SC4 Will Be Hosting The 2023 NJCAA Div. II Women’s Basketball Championship

Basketball fans get ready for the big game at the St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Fieldhouse where they’ll be hosting the 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Basketball Championship.

The NJCAA Div. II Championship brings the best 16 community and junior college teams from across the country to the Blue Water Area to compete for the championship. The games will begin on Tuesday, March 21 – 25. 

Tickets purchased online are $10 or $15 at the door. You can also purchase a week-long pass to attend all of the scheduled games for $43 which can only be purchased online. A full refund will be available only for canceled contests if requested. Refunds must be requested within 30 days from the cancellation.

For tickets, visit: sc4skippers.com/fanzone/ticketing. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate The Opening Of New Beginnings Theatre In Port Huron

Are you or someone you know interested in theater? Maybe you would like to start, but not quite sure where to begin. Check out the grand opening of New Beginnings Theatre to discover how to get started and much more.

New Beginnings Theatre is a performing arts training center located at 609 Huron Ave, Port Huron. They will be having their grand opening on Monday, March 20th, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

New Beginnings Theatre seeks to teach, train, and mold individuals in the areas of the performing arts such as: acting techniques, dance, spoken word, stage presence, and more! 

There are men and women classes available for ages 14 and up. There is limited registration so sign up soon. 

If you would like more information, visit them on Facebook at: New Beginnings Theater.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Bridge Increasing Toll Prices

If you cross the Blue Water Bridge on a regular basis, you may see an increase in the toll fare beginning April 1st.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) introduced a currency parity policy in 2016. The Canadian rate for eastbound traffic is reviewed and adjusted April 1st and October 1st of each year.

Toll rates paid in Canadian dollars (CAD) for traffic heading into Canada will increase by $0.25 for passenger vehicles, extra axles, trucks and buses. 

The Blue Water Bridge is currently enrolling customers in its EDGE pass program, which allows commuters to receive a discounted rate for non-commercial vehicles with no more than two axles. It also offers a dedicated toll lane. 

For more information concerning the upcoming changes, or the EDGE program, visit: bluewaterbridge.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Council On Aging Fundraiser Receives Huge Support From Local Businesses

The Council on Aging located at 600 Grand River, Port Huron will be holding their 10th Annual March Mania Silent Auction to benefit the Port Huron Senior Center. 

The Council on Aging is a nonprofit that helps over 12,000 seniors each year remain self-sufficient. They provide a place for seniors to socialize, as well as home delivered lunches and activities that keep our seniors active. 

The auction will be held from March 20 – 24th. Bidding will be from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. beginning  on the 20th, and from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day after.  

The auction will feature approximately 50 gift baskets, as well as gift cards from local businesses such as Day Away Spa, DB’s Smokehouse BBQ, and more. There will be several themed baskets such as Movie Night, Fitness, and Game Night. 

All proceeds benefit the Port Huron Senior Center.

For more information visit them on Facebook at: Council On Aging Inc Serving St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

UPDATE: Port Huron Area Schools Officially Have A New Mascot

There has been some controversy surrounding the current mascots at a few Port Huron Schools so they are being changed, and you, the community, can vote on what you would like to see take the place of the old.

There have been committees consisting of students, staff, parents, and alumni discussing the introduction of the new mascot since November of 2022. 

From there, 12 finalists were chosen and voted upon until narrowing it down to the four current choices. The choices are the Red Storm, Red Knights, Panthers, and RedHawks. One of these will be replacing the current “Big Reds” name as well as the Native American Chief mascot. 

Community voting will take place at the PHS Early Childhood Feb 23 – 28th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be voting at Port Huron High on Friday, February 24th from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. ID will be required for community voters.

UPDATE: Mascots have officially been chosen for their respective schools!

Port Huron High School – Redhawks

Roosevelt Elementary – Little Redhawks

Michigamme Elementary – Cardinals

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Seeks To Make Child Care More Affordable

For parents who have to send their children off to daycare, it can be pretty expensive. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced grants that will help make child care more affordable as well as establishing more child care facilities to meet the demand.

There are 16 organizations across 81 counties who will be receiving $2.4 million in Regional Child Care Planning Grants from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund. The funds will help them expand child care options, serve more families, and lower costs for parents.

Each of the 16 of the organizations will receive $150,000 each. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Child care is the backbone of our economy. It supports parents as they work, ensures kids have the support they need to grow, and helps businesses hire, recruit, and retain talent.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/caringformifuture. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell