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Local News

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

Clara Barton And Her Notable Contribution To History

When it comes to women in history there are tons of women to be recognized who have made notable contributions to our world. Without Clara Barton, we may not have one of the most recognizable organizations in the world today.

Clara Barton was born in 1821 in North Oxford Massachusetts. She spent her early career as a teacher before working at the U.S Patent Office in Washington D.C. where she was one of the first women to work for the federal government.

Barton served as a nurse in the Civil War and earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.”

On May 21, 1881, Barton founded the American Red Cross where she served as President for 23 years before retiring. She passed away on April 12, 1912. We can thank Clara Barton for the American Red Cross that we all know today.

Source: redcross.org

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Wayne State Offers Free Tuition For Families Earning 70K Or Less

Furthering your child’s education after high school can be a costly investment. Wayne State University in partnership with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are offering their Wayne State Guarantee. 

The Wayne State Guarantee provides tuition assistance for eligible students, so that they have zero out-of-pocket expenses for their college education.

The grant is open to all Pell Grant-eligible Michigan residents as well as those families earning $70,000 or less and have $50,000 or less in assets. 

The award is renewable for up to four years, with the option to apply for a fifth year if you are on track to graduate that year.  

The Wayne State Guarantee will cover the full cost of tuition as well as fees such as, matriculation, registration, and student service fees. 

For more information, visit: wayne.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Visually Impaired Can Participate In National Reading Month

The month of March is National Reading Month. Reading is an extremely valuable skill that allows individuals to understand and communicate with the world around them, but what about those individuals suffering from blindness or other visual impairments?

The Braille and Talking Book Library has a free program that will allow those individuals with visual impairments the freedom to read or listen to their favorite books. 

You can sign up to receive free audio and braille books, or download their BARD mobile app which will allow you to download the books there. They have more than 135,000 audio and braille books to choose from. 

Even if you’re not visually impaired, and just can’t manage to hold on to a book for too long due to other medical reasons, you can take advantage of this opportunity as well.

To find out more information, visit: michigan.gov/BTBL or call 1-800-992-9012.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join The TAFL Blue Water Ducks Cheer Clinic

Do you have a young child interested in becoming a cheerleader? The Cheer Coaches of Blue Water Ducks Cheer Program are offering a clinic that will get them started in pursuing their passion.

On Saturday, April 29th they will be holding registration at Port Huron Northern High School located at 1799 Krafft Rd, Port Huron. Registration time is 9:30 a.m., and the clinic will be from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The event will be for students in K – 7th grades.

There will be a limited number of t-shirts given at registration so get there early. Students will learn a two 8 count dance, 2 chants, tumble skills/drills, and stunts. 

Registration forms can be found on the bluewaterducks.com website and must be mailed in with payment via cash or check, or you can register at the door. Tickets are $20 per person with no refunds. 

For more information, visit: bluewaterducks.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill Easter Egg-Stravaganza Coming Soon

Spring is near and Easter is on its way, so why not take the family for a fun-filled Easter themed event at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill.

Located at 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, Blake’s Orchard is a popular location known for their amazing donuts, apple picking, and cider. 

On Sunday, April 2nd, they will be hosting their Easter Egg-stravaganza event from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be plenty of fun activities for children and adults such as the Easter egg hunt through the orchard, photos with the Easter bunny, free face painting, crafts, and a small animal petting farm. You and the family can also enjoy a meal inside of the Tasting Room. 

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit: blakefarms.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell