Parks & Rec Hiring Summer Workers

Port Huron, MI — Teens looking for a summer job can start applying to Port Huron Parks and Recreation. After a long wait and a reliance on virtual activities, the Rec Department is anticipating the return of sports, swim, and art classes along with other events this summer.

As in-person programming returns, the Parks & Rec Department is hiring coaches, lifeguards, programmers, day camp workers, and more. Applications are available on the City of Port Huron’s Website <HERE>.

Emily May started working for the department as a lifeguard in 2014. Now, she has worked her way up to a position as a Recreation Coordinator. In a press release, Emily said, “This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for a fun, active summer job that will give them lifelong friendships and help them make a difference in our community.”

The City of Port Huron is also hiring police officers, seasonal laborers and lawn maintenance staff, and parking booth attendants.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

DNR Predicts Heavy Natural “Winter Fish Kill”

Don’t be alarmed if you see dead fish in our waterways in the Blue Water Area. That is the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams, and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”

Lake Huron is likely to have less fish kill, as it has substantial depth. But, canals, rivers, and streams in the area are susceptible to a more visible fish kill. Deep snowpack, as is the case on local rivers, can also increase fish kill as sunlight cannot get to the bottom of the water.

The dead fish that might be showing up soon have probably been dead for a month or so, according to the DNR. This winter caused significant stress for fish with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

The DNR welcomes reports on fish kills, so they can monitor the health of the waterways. Reports can be made at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Flower Baskets Coming to Beautify Downtown

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Downtown Development Authority will be adding hanging flower baskets throughout Downtown Port Huron. The project was approved in September of 2020 and will begin to beautify the city this spring.

Ninety-two iron hangars will be installed to hold the flower baskets which were purchased from Eckert’s Greenhouse in Sterling Heights. Eckert’s is a family owned and operated greenhouse that is known for providing hanging baskets in other cities such as Ludington and Clawson.

The baskets will feature a “Labor Saver” feature which enables them to be watered every other day, and the DDA is working on strategies to keep them well-tended and healthy.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

East China Virtual Academy Gives Options to Students and Families

East China School District in St. Clair County is launching the East China Virtual Academy, ECVA. The Academy will offer online instruction using East China teachers and will have a full K-12 course catalog. Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year. 

Teacher Jason Perrin, one of the organizers of the project, said that the district began planning before the pandemic with the hope of offering more options and flexibility. The Academy will be housed in the new Innovation Center. He said, “As educators, we know students are individuals and what works for one student may not be the best fit for another. ECVA will be an option for all students no matter what their academic goals may be.”

Online instruction options will be available for full-time virtual students, drop-in high school students who take courses outside of the traditional classroom, and for students who need to make up credits.

When asked if he thinks online learning is here to stay, Perrin said, “Yes! Online/Hybrid learning is an important option to have for students and families that are looking for alternative approaches to traditional education and many families have realized it works for them during pandemic learning.”

Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Moved Back to Red-Control Zone

Sarnia, Ontario — After a week of being in the Orange-Restrict level of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework, Sarnia has been moved back to the Red-Control Zone. This move places more stringent measures on businesses and individuals and is the highest level of control before a lockdown is enforced.

Cases of COVID-19 stayed relatively low in the Sarnia area until they began to rise dramatically in December. As of Wednesday, there were 94 active cases of the virus in Lambton County.

The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given to all residents of long-term care, retirement, or elder care homes who wanted one, so the Province is now focused on immunizing that group with its second dose and giving first doses to essential caregivers of seniors and health care workers along with adults in Indigenous populations and recipients of chronic home health care.

For more details about vaccine priority groups and Red-Control Zone restrictions, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Magna International Building Manufacturing Facility in St. Clair

The Magna International company is building a brand new factory in St. Clair. The manufacturing facility is expected to add over 300 jobs to the region with its $70.1 million investment. Magna plans to manufacture complex battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, an electronic propulsion vehicle.

The location of the 345,000 square foot building in St. Clair County is a victory for both the county and state as several Midwest locations were vying for the investment. Magna currently employs over 10,000 people in Michigan. They manufacture a variety of components for the auto industry, including complete vehicles, and have been part of the industry since 1957.

Finding local people to fill the jobs is a priority. Dan Casey of the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance said, “We’re excited to see more Industry 4.0 jobs coming to St. Clair County. We look forward to working with Magna Electric Vehicle Structures to develop new training resources to support the company’s growth.” 

A link to information about jobs with Magna:

https://www.magna.com/company/careers

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland