Black History Read-In Event Coming To SC4

Literacy and education is vital in producing qualified individuals to sustain and add value to any community. To help in the area of reading and literacy, the St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will be hosting an event with that goal in mind. 

In 2020, St. Clair County had an African American population of 2.28% according to datausa.io. Of that percentage, only 1.79% of African Americans graduate from universities. 

To honor Black History Month, as well as spread the importance and awareness of literacy and education, SC4 will be hosting its Read-in event that will feature Detroit-raised artist and guest author Solomon Johnson. 

The event will be held Saturday, February 4th, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theater. The free event is open to the public and students K – 12. Attendees are asked to register in advance by filling out the registration form or by sending an email to dei@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Area Firefighters Help Put Out Sarnia Blaze

The City of Port Huron is one of only two border communities in the country that have a mutual aid agreement with another city in another country. That city and country happens to be our neighbors in Sarnia located in Canada. 

A fire broke out at the Fairwinds Lodge retirement home located at 1218 Michigan Avenue in Sarnia this past Sunday shortly after 11 p.m. Fire stations from Port Huron, Point Edward, and St. Clair Township all provided additional support to help put out the blaze which lasted until approximately 1:30 a.m.

The 120 residents were evacuated with no loss of life, and are safe and accounted for. We would like to give a big thank you to all of our heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCCMH 2023 Creative Arts Contest For Local Youth

There is a new art contest for the youth of St. Clair County. The goal is to educate the youth as well as adults about the value of connecting mind and body for those who live with mental illness or other developmental disabilities, as well as those dealing with substance abuse.

The 2023 Creative Arts Contest sponsored by St. Clair County Community Mental Health features three different themes and age ranges. The contest is open to all students in St. Clair County.

For the elementary students there is the Bookmark Contest, middle school will have a Writing Contest, and High School will have an Art Contest. Each category will feature cash prizes, gift certificates, or other rewards. 

The deadline for the 2023 Creative Arts Contest is Friday, February 3rd. 

For more information, visit: scccmh.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Oldies Get Goodies Program Offers Free Goodie Bags For Local Seniors

When we reach a certain age life moves at a different pace. Some are not able to do the things they once did or go the places they used to go, but that doesn’t mean that our senior population doesn’t still enjoy a good time or a good gift. 

The Port Huron Recreation Department along with the Blue Water Lodge have put together a program that is sure to put a smile on their faces. 

The “Oldies Get Goodies” program will cater to residents of Port Huron, Port Huron Township, Fort Gratiot, Burtchville Twp., and Clyde Twp. A free goodie bag will be delivered to your door weekly for four weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 29th, until February 19th. 

The bags will contain items such as journals, puzzles, gardening kits and more! The registration deadline ends tomorrow. Those who are interested can register at porthuronrec.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Right To Life of Michigan Offers Scholarship Opportunity

Students looking for extra scholarship funds have the potential to earn up to $750 through the Right to Life of Michigan (RLM) Educational Fund.

RLM will award $500 to any pro life Michigan student to be used towards tuition, books, or other supplies. In addition, Right to Life of St. Clair County will award a $250 scholarship to the winner that is chosen in the local contest. 

To be eligible, students will have to fill out an application and provide a list of his/her participation in pro life activities. They must also submit a 300-400 word essay about what the next generation can do to promote a positive pro life message. 

The winner will be selected by the state committee, with an excerpt of the winning essay being shared in the (RLM) news as well as their website.

To find out more, visit: rtl.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Consumption Guidelines For Rainbow Smelt And Carp To Protect Your Health

Being located on the Great Lakes is a blessing for local fishermen, but it’s important to know the potential health effects of consuming certain types of fish in the area.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released updated information for their Eat Safe Fish guidelines which recommend limiting the amount of smelt and carp ingested from certain local areas. 

There have been elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) found in the smelt as well as elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) found in carp. These chemicals can build up in the fish which then can cause a buildup in humans. The effects of these chemicals in humans aren’t fully known, but may cause neurotoxicity, thyroid disruption, and reproductive toxicity, to name a few. 

For a complete list of areas that are safe or unsafe, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell