“March is Reading Month” Brings Reading Proficiency and School Funding into Focus

March is here and with it comes “March is Reading Month”. Schoolchildren nationwide look forward to the chance to spend some extra time with a good book and enjoy the activities and reading contests that go along with the special month.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Every year the country uses this month to promote reading and imagination. I am proud to declare March as Reading Month in Michigan and I encourage everyone to find time to read. This month, we should recommit ourselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.”

There is a more serious side to the month beyond “read-ins” and book sales, and that is education funding that gives teachers the resources they need to make every child a good reader.

Michigan ranks below the national average when it comes to 4th-grade reading proficiency, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. By 8th and 12th grades, Michigan students are slightly above average.

Michigan’s budget plan for this fiscal year is the largest public-school allocation in Michigan history, and that includes $1.7 billion to go directly into schools.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black History Banners Installed in Downtown Port Huron

Those who travel down Huron Avenue and Military Street in Port Huron might notice something new. Banners in honor of Black History Month have been installed in Downtown Port Huron. The banners honor the rich history of those who have made outstanding contributions to the Port Huron area and the Black community as a whole. 

Twenty banners have been put up throughout Downtown displaying names, faces, and quotes from those in the Black community who have had an impact on the Blue Water Area. They also highlight the diversity and growth within the whole community. 

The banners feature people like Helen Floyd, a lifelong educator and community activist, quotes from Frederick Douglass, a 19th-century abolitionist and social reformer, and reference to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an historian and scholar who is considered the “Father of Black History”. People who see the banners might be inspired to do a little research to learn more about those featured in the project. 

Black History Month may be designated to February, but the banners will remain up longer. The banner installation is a collaborative effort between the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP, Port Huron Black Lives Matter, and the St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (S.C.O.R.E.) Organization with sponsorship from various community members.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings March 3rd – Support the Red Cross

Buffalo Wild Wings is teaming up with the Red Cross of Michigan to support the organization’s mission to save lives and help communities. On March 3rd , 10% of the sales at Buffalo Wild Wings locations throughout Michigan will be donated to the Red Cross.

Chief Executive Officer, Mary Lynn Foster said, in a press release, “Through the trials of the last year, our local Red Cross volunteers and blood donors stepped up to care for their neighbors. From emergencies like family home fires to critical blood shortages, our local heroes were there to help. For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.”

From July 2019 through June 2020, the Red Cross helped more than 1,200 families experiencing local disasters and distributed almost 200,000 pints of blood from generous donors.

The local Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Ft. Gratiot will be participating in this promotion along with the other 51 locations throughout Michigan. In Ft. Gratiot, the restaurant is offering carry out along with dine in services at 25% capacity and limiting parties to 6 or less per table.

Sheri Gress one of the Managers of the Ft. Gratiot location said, “We are looking forward to welcoming in guests to enjoy our amazing food and meet our wonderful staff, all while supporting the Red Cross.”

Reporting for WGRT  – Jessie Wiegand

 

Real IDs Required for Air Travel Starting in October

Real IDs will be required for commercial air travel starting October 21st of this year. The deadline was extended due to the pandemic, but it is back on the calendar and many travelers will need to take action.

A Real ID can be a state Driver’s License that has enhanced security protocols so it is less likely to be counterfeit or copied. The Real ID can also be a passport, a DHS Trusted Traveler Card, or an Enhanced ID.  Michigan residents who have an Enhanced ID, which allows travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport, do not need a new ID.

Real ID cards will be distinguished with a gold star in the upper right corner, although those issued before 2017 may not have the star, but are still valid. To get the Real ID, several documents will need to be brought to a Secretary of State Branch. A government-issued birth certificate with raised seal or stamp, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.

A Real ID will also be needed to enter federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases.

For more information:

https://www.michigan.gov/SOS?fbclid=IwAR1cPin_wkZjQzG4xI-M8h9Rtyo3hC17kRRUHnbLDJ-Ry0vyATl3mKOG2DY

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dave McElroy Begins Role as GM for Blue Water Transit

Dave McElroy started his position as General Manager for Blue Water Area Transit Center (BWATC) on March 1st. McElroy took over for Jim Wilson who recently retired.

McElroy said, “I’m honored to be chosen by the Board of Commissioners as the new  General Manager of BWATC. I plan to continue the tradition of providing St.  Clair County with the exceptional transit service as established by both my  distinguished predecessor, Jim Wilson, and the professional and dedicated  staff of BWATC.”

McElroy is a Port Huron native and has been involved with BWATC for more than 12 years, serving most recently as the Commission’s Assistant General Manager and Finance Director. He has also been an active member of the community serving on boards for both the YMCA of the Blue Water Area and the area’s Regional Trails.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Woman Shoots Man During Alleged Break In

Port Huron, MI — On February 28, 2021 at 5:07 a.m. neighbors in the 900 block of Huron Avenue called  Central Dispatch advising a disorderly male was yelling for help in the street. Minutes later, a 31 year old female resident in the 900 block of Huron Avenue called 911 stating she just shot  someone trying to break in her home. The female was home alone with a small child.  

Port Huron Police arrived and found a 35 year old male Richmond resident shot in the neck at  the corner of Huron Avenue and Beers Street. Officers provided medical attention until Tri – Hospital EMS arrived and transported him to McLaren Port Huron Hospital. He was later  transferred to McLaren Macomb Hospital and is in stable condition.  

The female shooter was interviewed and released. She did not know the male and it is not  known why he was trying to enter her home. No charges have been sought on either party at  this time, as the case is still under investigation. Once the investigation is complete, it will be  forwarded to the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office for review. 

If you have any information on this shooting call CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688. Anonymous  texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411  or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an apple or android device. Tips can also be  emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org. 

Submitted by Port Huron police Department