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Local News

New Technology to Help Child Protective Services Improvements

The Michigan Children’s Protective Services division of the Department of Health and Human Services is getting a technology overhaul that is meant to move caseworkers away from the computer and toward the children they are helping.

The new technology is intended to be streamlined and more effective. It will replace the current system over the next four to five years. The new system is partially funded by an IT development Grant and contracted to Deloitte Consultants, LLP. The vendor has to prove success with the initial rollout to continue with the next phases of the overhaul.

CPS’ new director, Demetrius Starling said, “This change will allow our workers to spend more time with children and families, which is our priority. This new system will provide more reliable information technology to the state employees who investigate child abuse and neglect allegations and help youth in foster care and those facing juvenile justice cases.

Some of the change is spurred by new federal mandates for reporting and data collection. Federal grants are paying for about half of the cost of the development of the new system. The new approach aligns with the complete transformation of CPS. The division has been under federal court oversight for over a decade.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Cecil Williams Art on the River

Art on the River Back June 11 – 13, 2021

Port Huron, MI — After last year’s string of cancelled events, plans are moving forward for the return of summer festivals, art shows, and more. Art on the River is planning to bring art, music, and fun to Kiefer Park along the St. Clair River on  June 11th, 12th, & 13th.

This year’s featured artist is Cecil Williams, whose preferred media is stained glass and painting in oils. His paintings are exhibited in many locations around the United States and even as far as Germany. Mr. Williams will be creating a painting exclusively for Art on the River.

Art on the River is a grass-roots art show and music festival hosted by the community group Citizens for a Vibrant Community. This family friendly event includes art workshops, vendors, food, and dancing. This year’s music lineup includes a D.J. Dance Party on Friday night and Eliza Neals, Larry McCray, and Tommy Castro and the Painkillers on Saturday.

To learn more, visit the website <HERE> . https://www.artontheriverph.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Have You Seen Nadine Moses?

Casco Township, MI — Nadine Moses has been reported missing from her Casco Township home, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help to locate her.

Moses is 84 years old and is known to have memory problems. She left her residence sometime yesterday (May 4th) morning driving a 2011 dark blue Ford Edge with a MI plate: C8932.

Family members have been unable to contact her, and she has been entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) as missing.

If you see her, or can provide police with any information on her whereabouts, please contact the sheriff’s office at (810) 985-8115.

Optimist Skate Park Getting Closer to Construction

Port Huron, MI — A lot of planning and fundraising is paying off for Port Huron’s new skatepark. The design concept was revealed at a virtual meeting last week and received a lot of constructive feedback from bikers and skaters in the community.

The meeting was the third design workshop as the skatepark gets closer to construction. Those in attendance were biking and skating enthusiasts who are dedicated to making the park the best it can be.

The skatepark will be located at Optimist Park off of 10th Avenue not far from downtown. It is designed for bikes, skateboards, and inline skates and is meant to be a destination for all levels of thrill-seekers.

With a $750,000 price tag, the skatepark is being funded with community support and grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. foundation. The project will be unique in that it will have a rain garden and will be incorporating green stormwater practices.

Micah Shapiro, the designer with Grindline Skateparks, said that the park will be more than just for Port Huron but will also have a regional draw. Parking and amenities like lighting and water stations are part of the concept.

The design is expected to be finalized this month. Bids for construction are hoped to go out this summer.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vaccine Clinics in St. Clair County May 5-8

The St. Clair Health Department and its partners are offering the following vaccine clinics throughout the county this week:

Wednesday, May 5:

  • Marysville: Knight Club 2-7 PM, Walk-in, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, 18 and older
  • Capac: Council on Aging Office 10 AM – 3 PM, Schedule an appointment <HERE> or walk-in, Moderna vaccine, 18 and older

Thursday, May 6: 

  • Marysville: Marysville Fire Department 3-6 PM, Schedule an appointment <HERE> or drive-ups welcome, Pfizer vaccine, 16 and older. Parental consent needed for under 18.

Saturday, May 8:

Additional Clinics:

  • Algonac, Capac, Memphis School Districts: parents in these districts can contact their school offices for more information about vaccine clinics at their buildings on Wednesday, May 5th
  • Marysville: Knight Club 2-7 PM every Wednesday in May, Walk-in, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, 18 and older

 

TEC Students Awarded Medals at SkillsUSA

St. Clair County, MI — Students attending the Digital Media Technology program at St. Clair TEC learn a variety of media production techniques including audio, video, photography and graphic design. This year’s class included two teams of students who won awards at the SkillsUSA virtual contest.

Kristian Duffy from Port Huron Northern and Maria Falleti from Marine City achieved a Bronze Medal for Audio Production.

Noah Atherton from Port Huron Northern and Zachary Floyd from Virtual Learning Academy won a gold medal for Digital Cinema Production, and they will represent Michigan at the National Virtual SkillsUSA competition in June. Their winning project can be viewed <HERE>.

Students at St. Clair TEC compete in Skills USA to improve their skills and develop a competitive edge in vocational and technical career areas. Skills USA also heavily focuses on developing positive attitudes, professional skills, and teamwork.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand