Local News

Scarecrows, pumpkins, and food oh my! Coming this fall, September 24th, from 10 AM – 3 PM.  It’s Scarecrow Saturday, located in Fort Gratiot at the Fort Gratiot Pond. 

Make sure you get into the spirit of the fall season by bringing friends and family out for this free celebration. The event is sponsored by Eastern Michigan Bank, as well as other local businesses such as Jersey Mike’s and Moran Automotive. 

Music at the event will be provided by Mad Hatter Entertainment, it will also feature pony rides, magic shows, a petting zoo, and more! Food trucks and concessions will be available as well, and be sure to grab a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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