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Local News

James Freed City of Port Huron

James Freed Appointed to SEMCOG’s GREEN Task Force

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments has a GREEN Task Force focused the region’s green infrastructure, and Port Huron City Manager James Freed was recently appointed to the organization.

Green infrastructure is the environmental assets of a community, both natural and constructed, that contribute to the health and quality of life of residents. The GREEN Task Force members will work together to ensure that the region’s green infrastructure network are equitable, resilient, and they seek to improve quality of life in Southeast Michigan Communities.

The Task Force is led by co-chairs Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud.

In response to his appointment, Freed said, “Our natural resources are not only our greatest community treasure, they are also economic drivers. As the father of two, I want to work with regional partners to help ensure our kids inherit a vibrant and sustainable community.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Recall On Popular Contaminated Sausage

Some concerning news today for those who enjoy a popular brand of sausage. There has been a recall on approximately 7,560 pounds of Bob Evans Italian Pork Sausage.

The recall is issued over a possible contamination of foreign materials, thin blue rubber has been identified and announced by the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The products identified are the 1-lb chubs containing Bob Evans Italian Sausage with lot code XEN3663466 and a “USE/FRZ BY” date of 11/26/22, and a timestamp between 14:43 and 15:25.

If you or someone you know has this product in their home, be sure to check the dates and times given. See your family doctor if you have consumed this product and are having adverse reactions. Although currently there have been no reports of illness or injury.

For more information visit: fsis.usda.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Magna Expanding its St. Clair Facility and Creating 920 Jobs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Tuesday to announce three investments by Magna in St. Clair, Highland Park, and Shelby Charter Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. In total, the projects are expected to generate a capital investment of more than $526 million and create 1,569 jobs for Michigan residents.

In St. Clair, Magna Electric Vehicle Structures employees along with St. Clair County stakeholders joined to celebrate the expansion of their location. They are adding 740,00 square-feet to their St. Clair facility, and the expansion of their operations at the plant will bring an additional 920 new jobs to St. Clair County.

Magna currently has 13 open positions listed on the St. Clair County EDA’s Hot Jobs website, ranging from Maintenance positions to Human Resources to Engineers.

During the press conference at Magna, Dan Casey, St. Clair County EDA President and CEO, said they would be working with multiple organizations to assist Magna with filling open positions.

Casey also said, “The confidence Magna has shown in our community for this expansion is a tribute to our region’s strong automotive manufacturing success and DNA. We are on the cusp of growing EV industry trends across the globe, and St. Clair County is glad to be a small part of the industry’s growth, as well as ensuring mobility and electric diversification in our region that will provide jobs for our residents for years to come.”

St. Clair Mayor, Bill Cedar said, “The City of St. Clair is very excited to have won this significant project. So many states and communities are competing for projects in the growing EV sector. I’m extremely proud of our city council, county officials and economic development partners for aggressively competing to win the
Magna project.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

If Wood Is How You Heat Your Home It’s Time To Stock Up

It’s projected that this will be a winter with colder temperatures than the more mild temperatures of winters past. If  wood is the primary method used to heat your home you may want to stock up, due to firewood supplies being less than usual.

Due to market forces, and competing demands for firewood-friendly hardwood material, it’s becoming more difficult for consumers to find fuelwood. Options to obtain fuelwood include: Firewood Scout, as well as state and national forests.

To prevent spreading harmful forest pests or diseases, try to harvest wood sources from your local area if possible. 

For more information about collecting fuelwood from your state forests read here: Fuelwood Permit FAQ Document

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

How Climbing Can Provide Winter Clothing For Youth In Need

The drop in temperature is letting us know winter is on its way. Many of our local youth, teens and young children, struggle with having warm clothing to protect themselves from the elements. Port Huron Museums in partnership with Kids In Distress Services are holding an event to help keep our children warm this winter.

The Sunset Tower Climb for K.I.D.S (Kids in Distress Services) will take place Friday, November 11th from 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM. Tickets are free, but donations of diapers or towels (bath or hand) are welcomed. 

Guests will be climbing the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse at dusk to see a beautiful sunset from a different perspective. Clothing items provided for those in need consist of clothes, hats, mittens, and gloves, as well as deodorant and other personal hygiene items.

For more information on the event and how you can help, visit: kidsindistressservices.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Teens Start Nonprofit to Help Other Girls

Two sisters in Port Huron Schools have started a nonprofit to assist their classmates with feminine hygiene products. Cassidy Middleton, a Port Huron Northern junior, and her sister Kenzie, a 7th grader at Holland Woods Middle School, collaborated with their mother, Heather Carleton a teacher at Northern, to start “The PHN at PHN”.

“The PHN at PHN” stands for The Period Hygiene Network at Port Huron Northern. Cassidy, Kenzie, and Ms. Carleton have received over 500 donated items this month, and they have placed them in the girl’s restrooms. Students who need products may take them free of charge.

In a press release, students noted that their mission is “to eliminate lost instructional time and embarrassment over the need for menstruation products.” They also said that the service “is proven to increase attendance and improve a young woman’s self confidence.

Port Huron Northern Principal Alycia Shagena said, “We are always so proud of students who step up and support others. These girls have shown thoughtfulness and really made an impact on their peers.”

Those who wish to donate can find The PHN at PHN on Instagram and Facebook, drop items off at Port Huron Northern or Holland Woods Middle School, or order things through the group’s Amazon wish List.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand