Local News

A local school is being recognized by the United States Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2019.  John F. Farrell Elementary School in Emmett was one of 362 schools across the country honored with this year’s award. The Superintendent for Yale Public Schools, Kenneth Nicholl, said he received an email on Thursday from the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, letting him know that the school was selected as a winner. 

Mr. Nicholl said, “The teachers are rockstars,” and  “The [administration is] proud of the performance by staff and the kids.” The school was honored in the category of exemplary academic performance. According to Nicholl, he believes Yale schools are “one of the best-kept secrets in the thumb.” Nicholl and other administration officials spent time Friday personally thanking each teacher at the school. Thirteen schools in Michigan received the honor. 

Betsy DeVos said, “As National Blue Ribbon Schools, these schools demonstrate what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its September 2019 Employee of the Month, Sheila Warden. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Sheila is a Patient Account Registrar and has been with LHMC since 2018. She was nominated by a volunteer who commented, “Shelia is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.  In my opinion, she is also one of the best patient registrars this hospital has ever had. When I volunteer on Tuesdays and Fridays, there have been numerous occasions where a patient commented to me what a thorough, caring and genuinely nice person Shelia was to them during the registering process.  I received these comments after Shelia would request that I walk them to the lab, rehab, or the atrium waiting room. Many comments included how instantly at ease Shelia made them feel. Shelia is a very kind and caring person. I feel fortunate to know her.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Sheila, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

A new business has opened its doors in Marysville at the Market Square shopping center. True Balance Chiropractic and Wellness is now ready to serve customers in the area.  Several were there to welcome the new business at the grand opening event Wednesday evening including Marysville Mayor, Dan Damman. 

The primary chiropractor at True Balance is Dr. Ramika Ford. She’s new to the area, hailing originally from Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Ford said her office will take a little different approach in terms of where the chiropractic adjustments take place. She described a semi-open setting, with no rooms or closed doors.  She also said there is a therapy room so she and her staff can show a patient how to stretch or use certain chiropractic devices. 

The buildout for the new office was completed by her father who is a contractor. Dr. Ford named the business True Balance Chiropractic and Wellness because, as she puts it, “People need balance in almost all aspects of life.” She is accepting new clients and is open Monday through Friday, and by appointment on the weekend.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

For more than 15 years, the Enriching Community Lives program through Community Enterprises of St. Clair County has helped adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities experience many different activities, and the group is now enrolling for the fall semester. The semester runs from October through the end of March. Services are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. According to the Community Enterprises website, the program encourages community inclusion, greater independence, and increased self-esteem. 

Associate Director of the Community Enterprises Carrie Kerbrat said the program has evolved over the years. Around 200 people per week participate in the program activities. Kerbrat said the most popular activity by far is bowling at the Zebra Lounge in Port Huron. Using the organization’s staff and 20 vehicles, the program also takes participants to the YMCA for swimming or fitness. Other opportunities include art, pottery, theatre, sign language, and more. The program is funded through St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH).  

Phragmites are a harmful wetland grass that has been causing problems for many residents in southern St. Clair County. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the aggressively growing and invasive grass outcompetes and blocks a marsh’s native vegetation and provides little or no food for wildlife that live there. Phragmites can grow up to eighteen feet tall causing a visual obstruction. The vegetation is sharp and has been known to cut skin. When the plant material dies, the remaining shoots become a fire hazard as well.  

 Cindy Babisz, Building Department Clerk for Clay Township, said that St. Johns Marsh was almost completely choked out by the Phragmites a few years ago.  Three different chemicals, which are now applied regularly to the invasive vegetation, seem to be solving the problem. Babisz said the chemicals used are approved by the state of Michigan. She said they don’t pose a health risk to wildlife or the residents. Now, according to Babisz, the St. Johns Marsh area has almost returned to the way it used to be before the infestation.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

The former White Oaks Golf Course in Wales Township may soon become a training facility for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17. The 53-acre former golf course was located near the corner of Goodells and Sparling Roads.  

The Wales Township Planning Commission met on Tuesday at the township hall to hear plans from the IBEW for their new training facility. According to Wales Township Deputy Clerk Linda Waddy, Dean Bradley of the IBEW put on a presentation to the board, and many residents were in attendance. Waddy said, “Overall the response from residents was positive.”  

IBEW was granted a special land use permit by the commission. The next step for the group is to have its site plan approved. That approval is expected to take place at the township’s October 15th meeting. 

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.