Michigan Youth Challenge Academy Gets Teens on Track for Success
The Michigan Youth Challenge Academy has produced its 46th class of graduates. The program is a voluntary alternative education program for Michigan 16–18-year-olds. The program helps participants work toward getting their high school diploma or GED and offers graduates participation in the Michigan Job Challenge program.
Youth in the program are involved in physical fitness, community service, classroom instruction, and drill and ceremony formations.
U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said, “This program provides young people with vocational training and fundamental life skills necessary to be successful in life.”
Caleb Barber of Macomb County participated in the program. His mother, LaTonya Barber, said that her son was hesitant at first, but now is planning to go back next month for the job program. She said while it is hard as a parent to let your child leave for the military-style program, she knew that she was leaving him in good hands.
Barber recommends the program, saying that her son has greater confidence to navigate decision making, and she expects him to make a positive impact.
Class #47 will begin on July 17, 2022. To begin the application process, interested youth and parents are invited to attend an upcoming virtual orientation. These orientation sessions are a mandatory part of the application process. To schedule an orientation, please contact: Joan Miller at 269-968-1368 (Western Michigan and Upper Peninsula) or Frank Vasquez at 269-968-1397 (Eastern Michigan and Upper Peninsula).
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Port Huron Township Fire Millage On the August Ballot
Port Huron Township is asking residents to approve an increase in the fire millage in the August primary election. The increase will take the current mills levied from 1.5 to 3.0.
Port Huron Township Fire Chief Randy Vesper explained that the increase is needed to allow the hiring of three more full-time members. The increased funding would ease the strain on Port Huron Township’s General Fund while the Fire Department would be able to establish a more consistent workforce and maintain its level of service.
There is currently a shortage of volunteer and paid-on-call personnel, and calls for service continue to increase. Being a volunteer firefighter or a paid-on-call firefighter requires a cumbersome amount of training in everything from Hazardous Materials to Emergency Medical Response.
It has become difficult for potential volunteer firefighters to obtain the required training and the requirements continue to increase with state and local mandates.
If the millage does not pass, the three new hires won’t happen, but the millage increase would be back on the ballot in November.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Over 200 Million Vehicles Have Crossed the Mackinac Bridge
A lot of cars cross the Mackinac Bridge every day, but who’s counting? The Mackinac Bridge Authority is counting, and they decided to recognize the 200 millionth vehicle that crossed the bridge.
Fifty million vehicles have crossed since 2009, with an average of 11,600 vehicles crossing per day.
To commemorate the crossing of the 200 millionth vehicle, the Bridge Authority surprised the occupants of the car that achieved the milestone with a gift basket and the photo op of a lifetime.
The Dalman family of Tawas City was on their way to Pictured Rocks on Wednesday, June 15th, when they were stopped.
Mackinac Bridge Authority Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason said, “It’s our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it’s only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge’s 65-year history. “
Gleason added, “The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it’s remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.”
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
Financial Literacy to Be Part of Required High School Curriculum Starting in 2024
A bipartisan bill was signed into law requiring high school curriculums to include a financial literacy course. The bill is meant to prepare high school students for the future and empower them to handle their finances prudently.
The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Diana Farrington, a Utica Republican, said, “Personal finance education will serve as a launchpad for Michigan graduates lifting off into adulthood, so they won’t be caught off guard by the financial decisions that await them.”
Farrington said, “The course will teach students how to manage their finances. They’ll be prepared to make smart, everyday budget choices — and equipped to handle the challenges that come their way. Establishing a core class dedicated to financial literacy has been a years-long labor of love for me, and I’m truly excited for the students who will fly to new heights through a fuller, richer education.”
High schools will need to figure out how to meet the requirement of a half-credit of personal finance education by 2024, starting with that year’s ninth graders.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Time to Nominate for Yard of the Year
Does your neighbor deserve the coveted yellow tulip for their stunning landscaping skills? It’s time to nominate your favorite homeowner or business for the City of Port Huron Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15, 2022, and they can be submitted to the Port Huron City Clerk through mail by writing the nominee’s name and address on a sheet of paper or by filling out the nomination form available <HERE>. You can also email nominations to beautifyph@porthuron.org.
The Beautification Commission selects members from the local Master Gardeners group to judge the nominees. Residential winners are recognized with a wooden yellow tulip to place in front of their homes. Business owners or nonprofit winners receive a plaque.
Judging takes place from the street at the end of July, and the awards will be distributed in September.
For more information, visit PortHuron.org