Thumb Food Policy Council Welcomes Heather Bearden And Dena Ellis As New Board Members

The Thumb Food Policy Council has expanded its leadership team with the addition of two new members, Heather Bearden and Dena Ellis.

Heather Bearden, who currently serves as the Regional Outreach Manager at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, brings a wealth of experience in food security and outreach. Her expertise will be invaluable in the council’s mission to address food insecurity in Thumb counties.

Dena Ellis, a Purchasing Representative at SEMCO Energy, joins the council with a strong background in procurement, contributing her skills to ensure the efficient distribution of resources to those in need.

The Thumb Food Policy Council, a collaborative effort encompassing Tuscola and Huron counties, is actively working to engage more voices from Thumb counties to combat food insecurity. The council’s efforts extend to residents of Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Lapeer counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Salvation Army Opens 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration For Local Families

The Salvation Army is extending a helping hand to local families in need this holiday season with the commencement of their 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration. 

From October 16th to November 3rd, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 2000 Court St, Port Huron, individuals and families can register to receive Christmas assistance.

During the registration process, applicants are required to provide vital information, including their name, address, phone number, birthdate, and the last four digits of their social security number. 

Additionally, email addresses should be shared, along with the names, and number of children in the household. Details about children in the household, including sizes and gift interests, are also necessary. Lastly, applicants must disclose their household’s income.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program aims to spread the joy of the holiday season by providing support to those facing financial challenges.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dean Transportation Promotes School Bus Safety During National School Bus Safety Week

Dean Transportation, a company with over five decades of experience in transporting students across Michigan, is actively advocating for the importance of school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week, running from Oct. 16th to Oct. 20th.

This year’s National School Bus Safety Week features a student poster contest, with the selected poster, “Safely Rolling to my Destination,” created by Avrie Siedschlag from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The poster provides essential safety tips for students boarding, riding, or disembarking from school buses.

Michigan’s Operation Safe Stop program will run in conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, aiming to educate drivers on sharing the road with buses to enhance student safety during loading and unloading at bus stops. Dean Transportation also plans to show appreciation for school bus professionals through various promotional materials and social media posts.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Education Invites Applications For 10 Cents-A-Meal Program to Boost Nutrition For Kids And Local Farms

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has officially launched the application process for the highly anticipated “10 Cents A Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms Program.” This initiative, now in its second year, aims to bolster the nutritional quality of children’s meals while supporting the local agriculture and food business economy.

The state-funded program provides grants of up to 10 cents per meal to schools, early care and education settings, and non-school sponsors for their purchases of Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans. 

MDE Farm to Program Consultant, Cheyenne Liberti, emphasized the potential impact of the program this year, with expanded participation and enhanced communication between grantees and food vendors. The program strives to facilitate the sourcing of local produce from Michigan farms, benefiting both students’ nutrition and local agriculture.

For more information, visit: tencentsmichigan.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Whitmer Press Conference April 6, 2020

Governor Whitmer To Lead Efforts As Chair Of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors And Premiers

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been named the next chair of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP), a bipartisan and transnational coalition of regional leaders. 

This prestigious appointment reflects Governor Whitmer’s commitment to preserving the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunities for millions of people. Governor Whitmer, who has spearheaded historic investments in safeguarding the Great Lakes from pollution and enhancing climate-resilient infrastructure, expressed her enthusiasm for the role. She underscored the importance of addressing challenges such as invasive species and the climate crisis. 

Outgoing chair, Wisconsin Governor Evers, praised Whitmer’s dedication to protecting the region’s vital natural resources and announced her appointment as the next leader of GSGP. Whitmer’s leadership promises to strengthen efforts to safeguard this invaluable freshwater resource for future generations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Last Chance To Visit Sanilac County Museum’s Haunted Village

The Sanilac County Museum’s Haunted Village has been a spine-tingling success, and for those who haven’t experienced the thrills yet, there’s still a chance.

The museum has announced one last chance to embark on a hair-raising adventure through the Haunted Village on Saturday, October 21st, from 7 – 9 p.m., there is a $5 per entry fee per individual.

The Haunted Village offers a multitude of spooky attractions, including a Super Spooky Trail and a Family-Friendly Trail, a Creepy Doll Contest, Cartoon Cinema, a Crazy Skeleton Train, Spider Ward Cottage, Wednesday’s Schoolhouse, and The Pumpkin House.

The event features a creepy cast, including Zeek the Zombie, The Gatekeeper, Boogha the Creepy Baby Doll, and more. In addition, the Creepy Cafe will be offering treats including popcorn, hot cocoa, hot cider, and a s’mores kit.

For more information, visit: sanilaccountymuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell