Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

State Senator Dan Lauwers Sworn In As Senator Of The 25th District on Wednesday

State Sen. Dan Lauwers was sworn in as senator of the 25th District on Wednesday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman administered the oath of office.  Lauwers was joined in the Senate chamber for the occasion by his wife Kellie, parents Richard and Mary Lauwers, and sister and brother-in-law Anne and Tom Leen.  “I am honored to serve the people of the 25th District,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “I am looking forward to getting to work on behalf of all Michiganders to keep our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.”  Lauwers’ office is located in Room S-2 of the state Capitol in Lansing. Residents may contact Lauwers by phone at 517-373-7708 or toll-free at 1-855-347-8025, by email at SenDLauwers@senate.michigan.gov, or via U.S. mail by writing to Sen. Dan Lauwers, P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.  More information about the senator will be available at his forthcoming website at www.SenatorDanLauwers.com.  The 25th Senate District includes Huron, St. Clair, and Sanilac counties as well as Armada Township, Memphis, New Baltimore, Richmond and Richmond Township in Macomb County.

Couch To 5K Program At The Y

The popular Couch to 5K program has helped couch potatoes get up off their sofas and onto the roads, turning them into runners in just two months. We will get you off on the right foot by working out 3 times a week, beginning with walking and working up to running three miles or more.  Graduation will be the finish line of the Y’s Leprechaun Loop run on March 16. Classes include warm up, core fitness, walking, running, stretching and cooling down. Class registration includes entry into the Leprechaun Loop run – because whatever you are now, you become a runner when you get your first race number. The running portion will be outside so dress appropriately. This class begins Tuesday, January 15. and is held:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays: January 15 – March 16
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Tues & Thurs) & 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Sat)
Ages – 18 – 99
Member – $45.00
Non-Member – $75.00
To learn more about the Couch to 5K, contact the YMCA of the Blue Water Area at 810-987-6400 or
visit www.bluewaterymca.com for more information.

Lake Huron Medical Center Presents Healthy Aging Series: Let’s Get Organized

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) will host Healthy Aging program: Let’s Get Organized! On Wednesday January 16, 2019.  Getting organized is one of the top New Year’s Resolutions every year and millions start out with good intentions to do so.   This year don’t give up on your resolution!  “Let’s Get Organized” will be presented by Teri Closs, owner of As You Wish Organizing. Teri will be giving organization tips; covering everything from closets to important paperwork.  Join us for the Healthy Aging program:  Let’s Get Organized, on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Lake Huron Medical Center in the Lighthouse Join Café at 2:00 PM.  There is no cost to attend, refreshments will be served and social time enjoyed.  Lake Huron Medical Center is proud to present the Healthy Aging series that promotes safety and supports independence for our area seniors.  To learn more about this program or other senior services offered through Lake Huron Medical Center, please call: 810-216-1035. For more information on the programs and services offered through Lake Huron Medical Center, please visit www.mylakehuron.com.

Michigan Powerball Lottery Players – Check Your Tickets

Michigan Lottery players should check their tickets to see if they’re the lucky winner of a $250,000 Powerball prize.  A lucky player matched four white balls and the Powerball – 07-24-33-49-50 PB: 4 – Jan. 10, 2018 to win $50,000. Thanks to the Powerplay, the prize was multiplied by five for a $250,000 prize. The player purchased the winning ticket at Cleary’s Pub, located at 117 East Grand River Avenue in Howell.  The winner should contact the Michigan Lottery Public Relations Division at (517) 373-1237 to schedule an appointment to collect the big prize. The prize must be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Lansing.   Powerball tickets are valid for one year from the drawing date. If the prize isn’t claimed (today) Thursday before the ticket expires, the money will go to the state School Aid Fund.  Powerball plays may be purchased for $2 each at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com. A “Power Play” option that multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times to a maximum of $2 million may be added to any Powerball play for only $1. The Powerball drawing takes place at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday and may be watched live online at: http://www.powerball.com. Powerball tickets are sold in 44 states, Washington D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. 

United Way Of St. Clair County Preparing For Campaign Celebration

United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) prepares for its 2018 Campaign Celebration that will be at 5:00pm on January 31, 2019.  Campaign Chair, Mayor Dan Damman, of Winston & Damman, has selected Alexander’s Premier Banquet Facility, 1200 Gratiot Boulevard in Marysville, to host the event.  The Celebration will be a night of inspiration and recognition of the 60 dedicated Campaign Cabinet volunteers and the multitude of generous contributors who made this year’s Campaign a great success.  Over the past five months, UWSCC’s enthusiastic volunteers met with community members to share its mission and Campaign goal and encourage them to be involved.  They are passionate about helping their neighbors in need to excel beyond their barriers.  Last year, UWSCC was able to help fund 36 essential health and human service programs throughout St. Clair County.  Many of which, deeply rely on the compassion of our residents and funding through UWSCC.  The magnitude of the impact UWSCC has on our community is directly related to the generosity of its contributors.  These affiliated programs, which help to improve the quality of life of those in need, served over 11,500 people last year alone.  The Campaign Cabinet has seen the positive impact the funding they raise has on individuals, year after year, and were inspired to raise the bar for the county’s goodwill.  This year’s Campaign has seen many new contributors and increased Employee Giving Campaigns through payroll deduction.  The passionate volunteers of UWSCC are on a quest to extend its reach further into our community to help more people than ever.  They are looking forward to the unveiling of the 2018 Campaign total at the Campaign Celebration this month.  Join them by submitting your reservation to Amy Lutz at marketing@uwstclair.org or by calling 810.985.8169 ex110 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.  RSVP is required by January 21, 2019.