United Way of St. Clair County Accepting Grant Requests

The federal government just released $95,359.00 of grant money for St. Clair County emergency food and shelter programs, and the United Way of St. Clair County is accepting grant requests from eligible organizations.

The funding is allocated annually by congress through a provision in the federal budget that targets the needs of families impacted by unemployment and emergency medical events. This year’s amount designated to St. Clair County was influenced by the unemployment rate in the county.

All organizations that provide emergency food and shelter services can apply for the grant online at uwstclair.org/EFSP. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM on January 25, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Public Meeting for Upcoming M-29 Construction Planned

The Michigan Department of Transportation is inviting the public to attend a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to M-29 in St. Clair County. The meeting is planned for January 21st at 5:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

MDOT is in the design phase of reworking M-29 from Church Road to Palms Road, with resurfacing to improve the pavement condition, roadway drainage improvements, widening to accommodate a center left-turn lane through the project limits, and maintenance to the Swan Creek bridge.

MDOT is also proposing a “road diet” for a four mile stretch of the road that runs through the community of Fair Haven. The “road diet” would convert around 1500 feet of a four-lane section to one lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane. MDOT says that the proposition offers better safety by calming traffic.

The work is expected to be completed in 2025 and also includes safety improvements with signal upgrades, sidewalk ramp improvements compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and continuous sidewalks through Fairhaven.

Click here to join the Microsoft Teams virtual public meeting

          How to attend a live event in Microsoft Teams

To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316.

Conference ID: 623 646 983#

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Rep. Andrew Beeler Starts Term

State Representative Andrew Beeler was sworn into the Michigan House on Wednesday to represent the 83rd District. Although national politics has focused largely on activity at the Capitol over the last week, Beeler says his main focus is on his district and the people he represents.

After the swearing in ceremony, the 101st Michigan Legislature had its first session, and House Speaker Jason Wentworth spoke and set the tone for future sessions. According to Beeler, Wentworth encouraged the Legislature to help improve the transparency and accountability of government, and inspired the group to shore up the people’s faith in [government] institutions.

When asked what it was like to be in his first session representing the 83rd District, Beeler said, “It was a really humbling moment. What really hit home for me was that I am here on behalf of my community.”

Beeler went on to say, “I think that after all the campaigning and all the door knocking and going through the issues back and forth, in that moment there was a calm. [There was] humility understanding what an honor it is not only to be in that chamber but also to represent the 90,ooo people who live in the 83rd District, my home and my neighbors.”

Beeler is still working out the details on how his constituents can best communicate with him. For now, he will keep people informed through his social media and through local news sources, and he is available by email at andrewbeeler@house.mi.gov and by phone at 517-373-0835.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4 Scholarships Available for 2021-22 

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College has opened up the application period for a multitude of scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year. The links to the scholarships can all be found in one place on the college’s website.

Scholarship eligibility varies, but there are scholarships specifically for first year students or second year students, those in the nursing program, those in engineering, criminal justice and many others. Some require proof of financial hardship; others do not. Some are targeted toward graduates of specific high schools, including Blue Water Middle College. There is even a scholarship offered by the Port Huron Garden Club for students intending to major in horticulture or a similar field.

The cost per credit hour at SC4, including the technology fee, is around $168 for residents of the “college district”, which includes school districts completely within the county, and $289 for those outside of the district, plus additional fees that vary by course, according to the latest data on the college’s website.

A link to the SC4 scholarship page: https://sc4.edu/scholarships-available-for-sc4-students/.

The deadline for application is March 14th, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water YMCA Helps RESET for 2021

If you’re ready to actively put 2020 behind you, the Blue Water YMCA wants to help you RESET for 2021. Their RESET Challenge is designed to help transform the spirit, mind, and body beginning on February 1st.

The Y’s Healthy Living Sr. Program Director, Jenny McElwain, said, “Everyone’s ready for a new focus, a reset, after 2020. We want the RESET Challenge to engage the entire community in moving and feeling better.”

The challenge includes 150 minutes of physical activity a week for 6 weeks and comes along with three encouraging texts each week filled with motivation, challenges, and workouts. RESET Challenge participants can also enjoys some free classes to further inspire them in their fitness goals.

The Blue Water YMCA’s new Executive Director, Josh Chapman, begins his position this week, and he’s encouraging the community to participate. “It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals, feel better and stronger,” said Chapman.

You can learn more about the RESET Challenge at www.bluewaterymca.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Knowlton Ice Museum Now Officially Owned by Community Foundation

Port Huron, MI — The Knowlton Ice Museum in Downtown Port Huron has officially entered a new phase. It’s operations and ownership have been handed over to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, along with an ample endowment. The Community Foundation currently owns a growing portfolio of properties in the region.

Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation, said, “We’re really excited about the Knowlton Museum being neighbors with the future ‘Wrigley Center’ development in downtown Port Huron and the opportunities that may present. We look forward to exploring options to allow families and tourists to interact with the collection in new and exciting ways. But for the time being the regular seasonal schedule will continue.”

The collection was curated by Mickey and Agnes Knowlton, the founders of Party Time Ice. It is thought to be the largest known collection of ice harvesting and processing historical items, with many items dating back to the days when ice was harvested off of the St. Clair River.

Winter hours at the Museum are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland