St. Clair County Health Department Phasing Out Their COVID-19 Hotline

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is concerned with the health and well being of residents living in the area, and are announcing that they will be discontinuing the use of their COVID-19 hotline phone number and email.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were still learning about the effects of the virus and how to deal with the situation. Although they are discontinuing the hotline, those with COVID-19 related questions and inquiries can still call or contact the main office via telephone or email. 

Public Information Officer, Jennifer Michaluk says, “Over 50,000 calls/emails have been received over the past three years of our pandemic response and the hotline served its purpose as a helpful community resource.” 

If you have questions or concerns in regards to COVID-19 you can call or email the St.Clair County Health Department at: (810) 987-5300/healthdept@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Support The Hunter Hospitality House Hope Blooms Fundraiser

Fundraisers are one of the ways nonprofit organizations raise money to continue the service that they provide for the community. The Hunter Hospitality House is calling on the support of the community to continue their exceptional service. 

Their Hope Blooms annual fundraising dinner will be taking place on Thursday, April 27th at the Blue Water Convention Center located at 800 Harker street, Port Huron. The event is from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., with an optional early start time of 4:30 p.m. 

The Hope Blooms fundraiser will feature a delicious dinner, music from Jimmy DeHeno and Still Running, a $1000 cash drawing, raffle items, and more!

Hunter Hospitality House provides free lodging for qualified guests who require specific medical services or treatments. 

Ticket prices are $65 each and can be purchased online or by check.  

For more information, visit: hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$35M In Funds Set Aside For Nonprofit Relief

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic affected many, including businesses and nonprofits, as well as the average citizen trying to make a living. The Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund is looking to provide funding from their $35 million in funds for those nonprofits that served their communities during the pandemic. 

The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) have announced the launch of the “intent to apply” phase of the fund, which focuses on assisting small charitable nonprofits. The relief fund is a two-part grant program with an additional $15 million in grants available to larger nonprofits later this year.

To be eligible, organizations must be a Michigan-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a fiscally sponsored project by a 501(C)(3). MNA membership is not required. 

To fill out the intent to apply, visit: MiNonprofitrelief.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

WGRT Wins Alignable’s 2023 Local Business Person Of The Year

We here at 102.3 FM WGRT would like to give a big thank you to the individuals and businesses on Alignable who voted to make us the 2023 Local Business Person of the Year!

Alignable is an online network that hosts more than 7 million members, and millions of connections across more than 35,000 local communities. Members use Alignable to get industry answers, connect with other businesses local or nationwide, and increase buzz for their business.

There was a top five list released by Alignable featuring WGRT’s Sales Account Manager, Vickie Lemonis winning the first place spot, followed by WGRT News Director, Choze Powell in second place. Third through fifth place in order were: Jim White of Luxury Bath By Mobility Remodelers, Michele D Jones of Country Style Marketplace, and the Economic Development Alliance (EDA). 

Again, we would like to say thank you to those who voted, and a huge congratulations to all those who were nominated! 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Rep. Harris Plan For School Safety And Student Mental Health

With all of the recent news surrounding violent attacks occurring at our schools, State Rep. Mike Harris along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to bolster safety  at Michigan K-12 schools and to support students’ mental health.

After months of in-depth work by the House’s Bipartisan School Safety Task Force the legislation is being presented with the hopes of helping in these areas involving our students. 

The package is designed to organize a unified approach with their plans being outlined as follows:

  • Establish the School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
  • Dedicate school staff to student safety and mental health.
  • Plan for safety.
  • Expand and improve OK2SAY.
  • Improve responses to school safety crises.

 Rep. Harris says, “This integrated, statewide strategy was thoroughly vetted by experts, and it will help strengthen school security, improve safety training, expand mental health resources, and build other supports for students and staff.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering Two Influential Members Of The Port Huron Community

The late Rev. Alex Crittenden and his wife Ruby, who recently passed away in January approximately one year after her husband, are prime examples of African Americans who have made contributions to their community without being a household name. 

Mr. Crittenden moved to the City of Port Huron in 1969 to become a teacher. He served not only as a teacher for the Port Huron Area School District (PHASD), but he also served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Reverend at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Crittenden was also awarded the Spirit of Port Huron Brotherhood Award in 2012. He was also involved with multiple organizations such as the NAACP and Operation Transformation.

His wife, Ms. Ruby Crittenden, was also a teacher in the PHASD. She was the first African American teacher to teach at Port Huron Northern. Ms. Crittenden was also Co-Founder of Couples Christian Ministry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell