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Local News

Masquerade Ball for Mallory

Mallory Milhoan is a 12-year-old from Lakeport who is fighting quite the battle, but not without the community behind her. It began in 2016, with a diagnosis of scoliosis. At the time she only had a 34° curve, so doctors gave her a back brace and monitored the young girl. Unfortunately, the back brace was not helping as she grew and the condition only continues to get worse. Now at an 84° curve, the condition is crushing her right lung and putting other organs in the area at great risk. 

She’s not been in the fight alone, though. On November 2nd the community is putting together a fundraising masquerade ball for Mallory and her upcoming procedures. On November 22nd, Mallory will undergo her first surgery to lessen the chances of a second surgery that could paralyze her from the neck down. Organizers are asking the community to rally behind Mallory. According to an organizer, Robin Mattox, Mallory asked for a Masquerade Ball dance, she knows this might be the last chance she ever gets to attend a dance while being able to walk. Funds from the event will be used towards unpaid medical expenses. You can find more information on Facebook at the page “Mallory Milhoan’s Journey.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

St. Clair County Commissioners at the White House

A few of St. Clair County’s Board of Commissioners recently attended a conference at the White House. The aim of the conference was to talk about greater cooperation between local and federal leaders. County Commissioner Board Chair, Jeff Bohm, along with commissioners Dave Rushing and Jorja Baldwin attended the event. The three county representatives had several national figures address them and other leaders in the West Wing. Among those that spoke were the Director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, and Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.  

St. Clair County District 2 Commissioner, Jorja Baldwin said, “The speakers and panel discussions were specific to challenges almost everyone in the room faces in their own counties.”  She added that, “The question and answer period allowed them to share concerns, and most were answered with actionable advice. Baldwin felt that “with the contacts they made, [it will enable county officials] to grow their network to include federal allies to assist their office on a range of topics.”

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is Coming to Port Huron Township

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is coming to Port Huron Township. The franchise was founded in Florida in 1997 and now has over 700 locations nationwide. The restaurant will offer food including wraps, bowls, sandwiches, breakfast, and of course a selection of smoothies. 

Director of the Port Huron Township Downtown Development Authority, Paul Maxwell, said they “are happy to have them here, it’s been a Godsend.” Maxwell explained that the location of the new restaurant, was a run-down property, and he was grateful that it was being repurposed. Maxwell added that the original site was too small for zoning purposes, but was later rezoned to make way for the restaurant. He said, “it’s a great location, right across from Port Huron High School. Maxwell also said the franchise is looking for a location in Marysville as well. According to Maxwell, the cafe will bring 40 new jobs to the area from entry level to management positions.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Wills Sainte Claire

C. Harold Wills, or C.H. Wills, was an early associate of Henry Ford and the chief contributor to the design of the Model T. It might be a familiar name to many Blue Water residents, because after leaving Ford, he began his own automobile company in Marysville, Michigan. From 1921 to 1926, Wills constructed his own automobile, aptly naming it, Wills Sainte Claire.

In the years since, a museum was established in Marysville that houses the largest collection of Wills Sainte Claire automobiles in the world. Museum Director, Terry Ernest said the museum was “established to remind people of the fantastic history that Marysville has in the automaking industry.” Ernest explained that at one time, Wills owned 4500 acres of land that eventually became what is known today as, Marysville. He added that Wills laid out various subdivisions in the city to give his workers a place to live while working for his company, and dubbed it the City of Contented Living.

On October 24, the museum will host a lecture by Roger Luksik, Vice-President of the Packard Motor Car Foundation. Mr. Luksik will give a presentation on the Packard Proving Grounds that were in Shelby Township. The Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit began using the Shelby area in 1927. The area had a concrete oval track, and various test roads with varying conditions on which to test the vehicles. The in-depth presentation will take place at the Wills Museum at 7 p.m. October 24th. Tickets are needed for the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Shane Hernandez Announces Run for Congress

State Representative Shane Hernandez has announced this week he plans to run for Congress. In a campaign video posted on YouTube, Hernandez said he’s running because he believes in the American dream because he’s lived it and wants to “protect it.” Hernandez referenced his service as a legislator in Lansing saying that he fought for what was right and got results.

In his time as a representative, Hernandez said he has opposed every effort to raise taxes, defend the unborn, and stand up for individual liberties. Hernandez currently represents the 83rd District in the Michigan House of Representatives, and serves as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and House Fiscal Governing Committee. He was a graduate of Cros-Lex High School and Lawrence Tech, and currently lives in Port Huron with his wife, Renee, and two children. 

Congressman Paul Mitchell announced in July that he will not seek re-election for Michigan’s 10th District in the United States House of Representatives leaving the seat open for the 2020 election. Hernandez is the first candidate to publicly declare to be running, however, according to the Federal Election Commission, records indicate five others already have filed paperwork to run for the seat.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Manufacturing Excellence Awards Recipients Announced

The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) recently announced the recipients for their annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Donna Russell-Kuhr, CEO, President and Co-Owner of PTM Corporation in Ira Township was named Manufacturing Woman of the Year. 

This is the first year the MMA has given out the award. Chuck Hadden, President and CEO of the MMA said the association, “added the Manufacturing Woman of the Year Award as a way to raise awareness of women in manufacturing so that future leaders might follow in their footsteps.” 

According to the MMA’s website, the association does not judge the nominations. There is an independent panel of judges from across the industry who score nominations. Hadden added that, “Michigan would be a far less exciting place without manufacturers, and the Excellence Awards is [MMAs] chance to thank, celebrate, and to honor the hard work they do every day.” Russell-Kuhr will receive the award at the MMA’s black tie gala, which will be held November 7th at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.