Local News

Something many of us may take for granted is having a hot meal readily available. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are a necessity that many don’t have access to on a daily basis. Our friends at Mid City Nutrition Soup Kitchen are holding a fundraiser to help those who may be struggling to find their next meal. 

Empty Bowls 2022 is their 19th annual fundraiser that offers participants a meal of soup and bread with their ticket purchase along with their choice of a handmade bowl crafted by local artists.

The event will be held Thursday, September 22nd, from 4:45 – 7:15 PM at the Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron, MI. Tickets may be purchased for $25 at the door or in advance at Mid City Nutrition or St.Clair County Community Mental Health. You may also pay by credit card by calling (810) 982-9535.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

A St. Clair mom and attorney is looking for parents interested in giving their child a private education based on a classical curriculum provided by Hillsdale College.

Kelly Oldford has young children, and she knows what kind of education she wants to give them. Unfortunately, the rigorous liberal arts instruction that she feels is the best way to educate young children isn’t taught anywhere near her home.

That’s why Oldford decided to to pursue starting the Huron Classical Liberal Arts (HCLA) Academy with a goal of opening a Pre-K- 5th grade private school in the fall of 2024. HCLA Academy plans to add a new school year each year after they start, eventually becoming a Pre-K – 12th grade academy.

Oldford is in the research phase of her endeavor, and she’s hoping to connect with other parents in St. Clair and Macomb county who are interested in enrolling their children in HCLA Academy.

Hillsdale Curriculum is focused on what they call “An American Classical Education” which emphasizes reading original documents and classic literature, and providing regular instruction in art and music in all levels of learning.

Students also study Latin throughout middle school, using a classic Latin curriculum in 6-8th grade, and they use Singapore Math, which uses a progression approach to the teaching of mathematics and is focused on mastery.

Although Hillsdale is a Christian College, there is no religious instruction in their Pre-K – 12th curriculum. Oldford said HCLA Academy will not be a religious or Christian school.

“I am interested in finding parents who are willing to commit to this type of school with me. I’ve gotten really positive feedback, but I need parental support and motivation in order to get this off the ground,” said Oldford.

Parents interested in learning more and getting on the waiting list for Huron Classical Liberal Arts Academy can visit huronclassical.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The investigation continues on a recent E. Coli outbreak that has affected multiple individuals across four states. Residents in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania have reported becoming ill after visiting local Wendy’s restaurants. 

Those affected reported eating sandwiches containing romaine lettuce. To date, there have been 37 people sickened, and 10 people hospitalized due to the outbreak. Investigations are ongoing, as there may be more states affected by the outbreak. 

Locally, Wendy’s restaurants have responded to this potential outbreak by not serving any lettuce on their menu items.

If you feel you experienced gastrointestinal illness after eating lettuce at a Wendy’s restaurant, please submit a report at iwaspoisoned.com.

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Great Lakes Water Authority was expecting delivery on Tuesday for the last section of new pipe needed for repair of their 120-inch water main. Due to a delay from the manufacturer, the pipe will arrive in sections over the next few days.

GLWA needs 48 more feet of new pipe to repair the damage to the water main that services residents all over Southeast Michigan. When the pipe burst on Saturday, August 13th, 23 communities experienced low to no water pressure, and Burtchville Township lost water service completely.

The project was expected to be completed by September 3, 2022, but the delay in receiving the new section of pipe will extend the repair process. GLWA will re-evaluate the timeline when all new pipe is delivered.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Catalytic converter theft has been on the rise, and the greater Port Huron Area has experienced several incidents over the last 6 months.

Three men were recently arrested after a concerned citizen notified police of suspicious activity in their neighborhood in the 2600 block of Kraft Road.

The citizen reported observing a person cutting a catalytic converter off a vehicle, and their description helped police locate the suspect for a traffic stop.  During the traffic stop, police found a catalytic converter, a saw, and a large quantity of methamphetamine.

The three men arrested range in age from 22 – 33, two are from Detroit and one is from Eastpointe. They are all facing larceny charges, and the youngest, Daniel Dean Kettles, is facing a charge of Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer Causing injury, as the officer was injured while trying to catch him when he attempted to flee the scene.

Catalytic converters are one of the more expensive parts of a car, and they are often stolen to be sold at scrap yards for their high value.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand