Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports Makes Recommendations

Note to reader- Title IX : “Title 9”

The Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports has made its first recommendations after three years of research and development. The Task Force has been looking at ways to support and promote opportunities for women and girls in sports in Michigan.

Task Force Chair, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, made the announcement at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week. Benson said that “it’s critical that women and girls in Michigan are provided what they deserve – high quality and equitable opportunities to participate in sports as athletes, coaches, and administrators.”

The Task Force recommends that Federal Title IX laws be expanded and modernized, as the landmark law is now 50 years old. They also recommended that investment in talent and leadership pathways be made to explicitly support the growth of women and girls in and through sports. Another recommendation was to engage the public, youth sports, and business communities to support solutions for equitable opportunities.

A link to the full report can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/35lawens/WIS-Task-Force-Exec-Summary-Web.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Magna Sponsors St. Clair’s Blue Water Offshore Powerboat Races July 29-31

The Blue Water Offshore Racing Association has announced that the St. Clair River Classic Offshore Powerboat Race will be returning to the St. Clair River this summer thanks to a second year of sponsorship from Magna.

Steve Brunner, the president of the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association said, “Partnerships with the local community are critical to the continued success of our event, as we have reshaped how the event looks and is produced. We are extremely excited about this continued partnership with Magna.”

The auto supplier, Magna, which has recently completed construction on a new plant in St. Clair, is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the mobility sector. It is currently supplying battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer electric vehicle.

Chris Hinman, the general manager of Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan said, “We are thrilled to be able to sponsor such an exciting event that’s within two miles of Magna’s newest manufacturing operation. It’s a great opportunity for us to support the community and potentially attract new and future employees.”

The races will be held July 29th through 31st in St. Clair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Fishing, Kid’s Fishing Clinic, Kid’s Fishing Derby June 11th

June 11th and 12th are part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “Three Free” Weekend that offers free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry for both Michigan residents and those visiting from out of state.

DNR Director Dan Eichinger said, “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ Weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

A pair of local events are geared toward kids who might want to give fishing a try.

The City of St. Clair is holding its River Activity Day with the Cargill Kid’s Fishing Derby from 7:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at Pine Shores Golf Course.

Port Huron Township is hosting the 30th Annual Free Fishing Clinic for Kids at the William P. Thompson Pond on 40th Street from 11:00 to 2:00 with free fishing poles and bait available, free food, and fun informational booths.

More information about the local events and the statewide “Three Free” Weekend can be found at the links below.

https://porthurontownship.org/news/kids-free-fishing-clinic

https://www.stclairrec.com/events/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/31a44b6

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DTE Does Not Anticipate Any Brownouts This Summer

If you’ve heard reports that there could be blackouts or brownouts during the days of highest demand on the electrical grid this summer, DTE says not to worry.

In a statement to customers, DTE Electric President and Chief Operating Officer Trevor Lauer said that there is plenty of power for the region that DTE covers and that the report from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator actually refers to the whole power grid that contains fifteen states and one Canadian province.

That grid as a whole could have issues, and in response, DTE might have to ask for voluntarily reduced consumption so that DTE can supply for the gaps in the region, but they do not anticipate any forced power outages.

In the letter, Lauer said, “As the largest energy producer in the state of Michigan, DTE has the energy needed to serve our customers – plus reserves – even during the hottest days of summer. We do not expect rolling brownouts or any issues with generating the electricity you need to live your life all summer long.”

Lauer also mentioned that the Blue Water Energy Center power plant in East China will launch in June and will be the cleanest, most efficient natural gas power plant in the United States.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Suspect Arrested in Burtchville Twp. Drug Bust

The St Clair County Drug Task Force concluded an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in the St. Clair County area on 6-2-22.  The investigation led to a residence in the 3600 Block of Myrtle in Burtchville Twp. 

On 6-2-22 a search warrant was planned to be executed at the location.  Just prior to the warrant being served the target of the investigation left the residence on a motorcycle, and he was taken into custody at Gratiot and Kraft roads in Fort Gratiot. 

While searching the motorcycle, methamphetamine and a large amount of cash were located.  The search of the residence and outbuildings on Myrtle resulted in the discovery of a large amount of Methamphetamine, 2 long guns, ammunition, packaging materials, and a scale. The street value of the meth is in excess of $25,000.  

The suspect is currently lodged in the St. Clair County Jail awaiting his current charges.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force

Sheriff Mat King St Clair County Sheriff Drug Task Force

How Bad is Port Huron’s Drug Problem wsg. Sheriff Mat King

 

Is the drug problem in Port Huron as bad as some people think? How do you know if there is drug activity in your neighborhood? Why does it seem like the police aren’t doing anything about the report you called in?

Sheriff Mat King answers questions about what the community can do to help law enforcement find and catch drug dealers along with the unique aspects of fighting drug crime in our area.

Learn more about the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Task Force here:

https://www.facebook.com/stclaircountysheriff.org

Report suspected drug activity by calling (800) 243- DRUG

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand