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Local News

New Pipe to Arrive Today for Repair of GLWA Water Main

The Boil Water Advisory for all communities affected by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) water main break has been lifted, and workers anticipate the arrival of the replacement pipe today.

Crews worked over the weekend to remove the damaged section of the 120-inch water pipe and prep for the new piece. Shortly after the initial break, GLWA ordered all available pipe to complete the repair, but more pipe needed to be manufactured to complete the project.

The additional 48-feet of pipe is expected today, and if all goes well, the project will stay on track and be completed by September 3, 2022.

Only one area, a business in Greenwood, is still under a Boil Water Advisory, and GLWA cautions that another advisory could be issued before the repairs are complete. They are asking all 23 communities who were initially affected by the break to limit their outdoor water usage until repairs are complete.

If there is any significant drop in water pressure during the repair process, the Boil Water Advisory will be reissued.

For more information about what do do after a Boil Water Advisory, visit St. Clair County’s website here:

https://stclaircounty.org/Main/ViewPR.aspx?id=2521

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

St. Clair County Says Goodbye To One Of Its Most Inspirational Leaders

Losing a loved one is never easy. The laughter and good times linger in our minds as we grieve and cope in the best way we can. Port Huron lost one of its most influential community leaders last week. Marguerite Stanley was 98 at the time of her passing, living a full life that touched numerous individuals and influenced others to find greatness inside of themselves.

A brief history of Ms. Stanley’s accomplishments include being a contributing columnist for the Michigan Chronicle in Detroit as well as a community columnist for the Times Herald in Port Huron. In 1968 she became the first African American from the area to host Across the Tracks, a regularly scheduled TV show which addressed local minority issues. Stanley also hosted a radio talk show titled “Come Ride With Me.”

The list of her contributions goes on, acquiring many awards and accolades over the years. One of her most recent contributions can be found in the Port Huron Museum. “From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area” is an exhibit that showcases the contributions of African Americans from past to present. The Stanley Legacy Wall showcases the names of those who have made contributions in the Port Huron community in areas such as business, education, entertainment, and more. 

Survived by more than 120 plus family members, the Stanley legacy will continue going strong and inspiring others for years to come. The family will gather to honor and say their final goodbyes today, and we here at WGRT send our condolences as well in honor of Ms. Marguerite Stanley. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Seed & Soul Society Yard of the Year Photo by Choze Powell

Winners of this Year’s Coveted Yard of the Year Contest Selected

The annual “Yard of the Year” contest put on by the Beautification Commission in Port Huron, has selected this year’s winners. The contest awards residential and commercial participants for maintaining beautiful homes and yards. Residential winners receive the coveted wooden yellow tulip, and business owners receive a plaque that they can display. 

This year’s commercial winner was 2401 North Blvd. in Port Huron, home of the community garden put into place by Seed & Soul Society, the Southside Initiative, and the landowner. Seed and Soul Society is a nonprofit that empowers local communities towards sustainable agriculture and mutual growth, and the Southside Initiative is a community group committed to social and economic issues in the South End of the City of Port Huron.

“We are grateful to all who have supported us and we thank you for the opportunity to grow in this neighborhood,” says Heather Fagan, President and Co-Founder of Seed and Soul.

Categories are broken into central, north, and south. The residential winners of the central category are: Micheal and Melanie Belleman, Douglas Bishop, and Michaelene Dye.

Winners of the north category are Paul and LuAnn Carpo, George and Deborah Moss, and Scott and Nancy Nelson.

Winners of the south category include Scott and Karen Harris, Catherine Lammertz, and Noel Suarez.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

SC4 and WMU Sign Health Transfer Agreement

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and Western Michigan University (WMU) have signed a major agreement to create a smoother process for SC4 graduates who transfer to WMU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health.

Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from WMU now can take a pre-public health pathway at SC4, which includes the first 60 credits of the program and results in earning an Associate of Science on their way to the four-year degree. Students would then transfer to WMU to take the 62 minimum remaining credits of the bachelor’s degree program.

Unlike many other health care careers, public health professionals do not focus on individual patients or clients. Instead, they seek ways to prevent diseases, change people’s behavior, pass laws, increase access to health services, and increase awareness to at-risk populations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WMU to offer SC4 students a clearer and more concise path to a career in public health,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “This agreement and partnership will help students seamlessly transfer to WMU by minimizing the loss of credits and duplication of coursework.”

Prospective students can learn more about and apply to St. Clair County Community College online. Contact the SC4 team with questions at starthere@sc4.edu or 810-989-5571, or schedule an advising appointment online.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Health Department Offering Free Vision & Hearing Screenings for Preschool-Kindergarteners

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering free vision and hearing screenings for any child entering preschool or kindergarten in the fall of 2022.

Call ahead to schedule an appointment with a technician beginning on August 23 at (810) 987-5300.  Screenings start on Monday, August 29 through Friday, September 2, 2022. Beginning in October, appointments at the Health Department can be made for the 1st Monday and the 4th Wednesday of each month. The Health Department is located at 3415 28th Street in Port Huron.

Why should children be screened?

  • All children must have a vision and hearing screening done before entering kindergarten.
  • Screening can help your child succeed in school. An undiagnosed vision and/or hearing problem can interfere with your child’s development.
  • St. Clair County Health Department under the direction of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing children with vision and hearing screenings to ensure they have the skills necessary to succeed in school and learning.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent temporary difficulties from becoming permanent problems.

For more information call (810) 987-5300. To learn more about Health Department services, visit: www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department