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Local News

Smile Cookie Campaign Supports Pathways Health Centre for Children

Sarnia area Tim Horton’s restaurants are bringing back Smile Cookie week to support Pathways Health Centre for Children, one of 550 Canadian charities, hospitals, and community organizations supported through the program.

Now through September 20th, Tim Horton’s restaurant owners in Sarnia will donate the full $1 from every freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile cookie purchased to support Pathways Health Centre for Children.

Pathways Health Centre for Children provides services to over 2,600 children and youth throughout Lambton county with physical, developmental,  and communication needs. They provide a wide range of essential developmental services to equip children and their families with the strength they need to face challenges.

Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised a record $9.8 million across Canada. You can visit TimHortons.com/smilecookie for a list of charities that benefit from the Smile Cookie Campaign.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Virtual Workshop for Caregivers

Life Skills Centers Memory Care Services and the Area Agency on Aging 1B will hold a free virtual workshop to support those caring for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, September 29th from noon to 1:30.

Dementia caregiver expert Jill Gafner Livingston will offer tips and tools on managing the stress of care giving. Her inspirational seminar is designed with the family caregiver in mind and will encourage positive thoughts and behaviors.

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit that supports older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers in southeast Michigan. They help people access the services they need to remain living with dignity in their own home or with family caregivers.

To learn more about the event, visit the Events page at WGRT.com.

State Sells Bonds to “Fix the Darn Roads”

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced closing on the sale of an $800 million bond issue. The sale is the first step toward a road rebuilding project throughout the state.

The bonds are expected to cover the cost of the repair of the freeways with the highest use, starting with a $60 million I-496 rebuild.

The total $3.5 billion bond sale is planned to finance 122 major highway projects, including the rebuilding of I-69 in St. Clair County, which is already in progress.

The bond sale was endorsed by Moody’s Investor Services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A statement from Moody’s said, “Michigan’s state trunkline bonds are not susceptible to immediate material credit risks related to coronavirus because of strong coverage of debt service and limits on additional leverage. The longer-term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis.”  

The state’s all-in true interest costs are 2.727%. The $800 million sale is expected to generate $1.017 billion in proceeds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Port Huron Area Schools Closed for 14 Days

Parents of students at Port Huron Northern, Fort Gratiot Middle School, and Keewahdin Elementary received a message tonight informing them that in-person classes are cancelled at all three schools for the next 14 days. The message from St. Clair County Health Department Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, and Superintendent of Port Huron Schools Jamie Cain, said that a small number of COVID-19 cases were identified and confirmed at the schools.

The three schools will transition from a hybrid model to an all-virtual format for 14 days starting on Tuesday, September 15th. No students should report to the building on the 15th, but the building will be open on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, September 16th for students to pick up supplies or receive support from staff.

Meal services will continue, and food may be picked up from the Port Huron Performing Arts Center on Tuesday between 9-11 AM or 5-7 PM. Five days of breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled unless students receive word from their coaches.

Nomination Period Open to Recognize Outstanding School Support Staff

If you know of a school support staff member who has gone above and beyond in their job, you have a chance to nominate that person for the Michigan Education Support Staff Professional of the Year Award and the national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award

The Award is intended for school support staff who work as paraprofessionals, in clerical services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, technical services, and in the skilled trades.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “School support staff greatly contribute to the success of our students and schools – ensuring students arrive at school safely; that they are fed; that their schools are clean; and that they have assistance in classrooms. It is important to recognize our education support staff professionals and value their contributions to student success.”  

Parents and students as well as public and private entities can nominate support staff from now until September 25, 2020. Nomination forms can be found at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

OT Operation Transformation

Operation Transformation Planning a Fundraising Open House

Port Huron, MI — Operation Transformation will be having an Open House as their annual fundraiser this year. Instead of a banquet, the Open House will give patrons a chance to show their support while practicing social distancing.

The Open House will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from September 28th to October 1st at the Operation Transformation building at 1904 Poplar Street.

Operation Transformation brings together churches and volunteers to meet the needs of the community through various networking and direct service ventures. They have been around since the year 2000.

Guests are invited to drop in to the Open House to watch a video about the work that OT does as well as bid on silent auction items and get a snack. Donations will be gladly accepted and the first $500 each day will be doubled. The Open House needs to raise 50% of the yearly budget.

This year’s video highlighting the work of OT will be available to watch on optrans.org. There will also be live and silent auctions. Details can be found on Operation Transformation’s website and facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland