Local News

Scott May, a Port Huron High School graduate and former RESA TEC student, finished in 22nd place in the world for CNC milling at the WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia. The competition took place August  22nd–27th and showcased trade skills from construction and building technology, creative arts and fashion, information and communication technology, and more. In his profile interview with World Skills USA, May said he loves that his skill allows him “to create nearly anything one can imagine.” He also said that the more one perfects skills in the trade, the more knowledge of things one has to create, and that’s what drives him to perfect his talents. May has been involved with SkillsUSA since he was a junior in high school. Through the rigorous training that goes into competing, he says he’s improved his soft skills as well as his technical skills. Last year, May won the national SkillsUSA title in CNC milling, representing St. Clair County TEC. At the bi-annual WorldSkills Competition this year, thirty-one young people from around the world competed in CNC milling at Kazan. 

The Imagination Station at Greig Park in St. Clair is set to be rebuilt next week, September 10-15th. The rebuild is happening thanks to a volunteer-organized committee that has been planning since early this year. However, due to low numbers of volunteers signed up to help with the rebuild, the committee was forced to make a decision that will increase the costs of the project. Play By Design will be sending project leaders out a day early to start the build with committee members and volunteers, but the group says they are “still in dire need of volunteers throughout the week.” The group is counting on the same community that came together 25 years ago to build the original Imagination Station, to make it happen again next week. 

For residents interested in contributing to the project, the rebuild committee is asking for anyone that is willing to donate their time for tasks that include anything from skilled trades and painting to childcare and food prep. Out of the nearly 1500 shifts that need to be covered, around a 1000 individual shifts in varying positions still need to be covered. The group of community volunteers is also accepting monetary donations toward the cost of the rebuild. If you would like to volunteer to help with the rebuild, sign up HERE. 

The Port Huron Police Department has some promotion news within the department and a few school safety tips as students head out this week. Officer Adrianne Mynsberge was promoted to Detective on Tuesday. Mynsberge is a 14-year veteran of the PHPD, holding several specialized positions including Crisis Negotiator, DARE and Community Services Officer, and Field Training Officer. With the beginning of the new school year this week, the Department is also reminding residents to be safe and aware. Patrols have been increased in school zones, and drivers are reminded to obey school bus lights, speed limits in school zones, and be mindful of crossing guards. The PHPD wants students to stay on sidewalks, walk with others, and remember not to talk or go anywhere with strangers. Parents are advised to know their child’s route to and from school and should practice the route with them.

Michigan has become the first state in the nation to ban flavors in nicotine vaping products. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a public health emergency and put into place emergency rules that ban flavors in nicotine vaping products to better protect the state’s children from addiction, this according to a press release by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nessel’s office is reporting there’s been a more than 1.5 million increase in the number of students using vaping products in just one year. In a related story, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports the organization is investigating reports of e-cigarette and vaping associated respiratory illness. State epidemiologist, Sarah Lyon-Callo said Michiganders should be aware that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous because the products in them contain harmful chemicals that can result in damage to a user’s lungs, heart, or other body systems.

School days in and around the area are now underway, and attendance is already at the forefront.  September is National Attendance Awareness Month. On their website, Attendance Works says that more than 8 million students are missing so many days of school they are academically at risk. Missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason can translate into 3rd graders being unable to master reading, 6th graders failing a subject, or a 9th grader dropping out of high school. In a newsletter issued by Port Huron Schools, residents were reminded that every member of the community plays a role in reducing absences for students. Rather than approaching absences from a punishment perspective, Port Huron Schools wants students and families to know that they care first and foremost.  The district wants to encourage positive relationships at school so the student feels welcomed and cared for every day upon arrival. The school district said they care about students getting the highest level of opportunity from their educational journey.

September is National Preparedness Month, and FEMA’s theme this year is Prepared, Not Scared. The agency is offering different advice each week during the month of September. This week the theme is Save Early for Disaster Costs. The agency tells us to be financially prepared for a disaster.  According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans don’t have $400 in savings, and setting a small amount aside from each paycheck into an emergency account can be helpful. The agency says it’s a good idea to start talking with your children early about money and include them in discussions about saving for unexpected events.

Americans are also advised to keep some cash on hand in case of emergencies since ATMs and credit card readers won’t always be available when the power goes out. Having insurance with the correct coverage in an adequate amount is also extremely important. On their Ready.gov page, FEMA explains that most homeowners and renters’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Most flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect. Since most of us have a cell phone, snap photos of important documents, including those insurance policies, and your personal belongings to help you file an insurance claim.