Local News

Becky Kerrigan has been named the Employee of the Month for September. Kerrigan has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 18 years and is currently a unit secretary in the Mental Health Unit.

Kerrigan was nominated by her coworkers for her teamwork and knowledge. “She is our go-to person,” one colleague said. “She remains calm, even in the most stressful of situations.” Her nominators also commented that she’s “always available to answer question about even the most complicated matters,” and “she always has everyone laughing with her sense of humor and funny stories.”

In addition to her work at McLaren Port Huron, Kerrigan has volunteered at the Suicide Prevention Walk to Remember for the past 10 years, and joins the McLaren team for the annual Rotary International Day Parade.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron Hospital

Gov. Whitmer highlighted key components in the bipartisan supplemental package this week, providing insight on programs to help advance the state and its residents. The funding will help boost Michigan’s economic potential by lowering the cost of college tuition for students, attracting investors and transformational projects, as well as providing funding for the mental health of Michigan’s law enforcement.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is one component of the bipartisan supplemental package, with the goal of making it more affordable for families who have students interested in attending college. This will help the state achieve its Sixty by 30 goal, which is to increase the number of working-age adults with a college degree or skill certificate to 60% by 2030. 

The graduating class of 2023 will be the first to take advantage of the new scholarship which will give students the skills and education needed to compete in today’s ever-evolving labor market. President of the Michigan Community College Association Brandy Johnson says, “The more we invest in our students, the more prosperous our state will be.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Each year on September 30th, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honors the Indigenous children and families who never returned home, as well as those who survived residential schools in Canada.

The history of residential schools is a dark and unfortunate part of Canadian history. The residential school system which operated from the 1800’s into the 20th century, would forcibly separate children from their families and teach them to not acknowledge their culture or speak their native languages. 

The goal is to rebuild trust and support the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, as well as providing them with equitable employment and economic development opportunities. Businesses are also asked to provide skills-based staff training in anti-racism and intercultural competency.

There were a variety of events, conversations, and actions, to not only acknowledge and commemorate those affected, but to inspire change towards a better future for the Indigenous population as a whole. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

Have you ever wanted to experience nature without leaving the city limits? Well now you can do just that with the re-opening of the Belle Isle Nature Center. 

After being closed for a number of years, the Belle Isle Nature Center is back better than ever after a $2.5 million dollar renovation. Featuring new updates such as climbing tunnels and live animals, there are plenty of activities to enjoy for the whole family. Admission is free, so be sure to put it on your calendar to visit this fall. 

They also host a variety of programs for children and families such as Nature Tots and family hikes. All programs are free, but you must pre-register to participate. Business hours are from 10 AM – 5 PM daily. 

For more information visit their website: belleislenaturecenter.detroitzoo.org 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join the conversation with Jessie Wiegand and Pete Lacey, Senior Vice President of St. Clair County Community College, to learn more about the Wolverine Invitational coming to SC4 this weekend.

Learn more about the Wolverine Invitational at sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Winter is on the way, which brings its own set of challenges and issues when it comes to maintaining and repairing a home. The Community Development Division in the City of Port Huron is helping its elderly residents get their homes winter ready with their Elderly Repair Program.

The program is available for seniors 62 years old and up, and they must be a resident of the City of Port Huron. Services include furnace and hot water repair/replacement, roof and hot water tank replacement, porch repair, and more. The program will provide assistance of up to $10,000. 

For more information: City Of Port Huron Planning Dept  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell