U.S. Reps Choose Region Over Politics in Urging Selfridge as Space Force HQ

A possible United States Space Command Headquarters in the region has brought together U.S. Representatives Paul Mitchell and Elissa Slotkin. The rare collaboration across party lines has Mitchell, a Republican, and Slotkin, a Democrat, lobbying the Air Force to locate the HQ at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County’s Harrison Township.

Congressman Mitchell, who represents the 10th District, said. “The road to military readiness starts in Michigan, and Selfridge is the optimal location that would best serve the mission of USSPACECOM and Air Force personnel. I urge the Air Force to select Selfridge as home to the new USSPACECOM Headquarters.”

Congresswoman Slotkin, who represents the 8th District, said, “I’m glad to partner with Representative Paul Mitchell and our colleagues in the Michigan congressional delegation in a bipartisan push to bring these jobs and opportunities here to Michigan.”

 The letter to the Air Force highlighted the strong manufacturing business climate in the region, the defense industry corridor, and the infrastructure already in place at Selfridge.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Community Improvement Plan Making Progress

Sarnia, ON — The City of Sarnia is making progress with its Community Improvement Plan modernization project. The plan lays the groundwork for public investment that stimulates private investment to reach specific community goals.

The background report is now completed. The report addresses crime, affordable housing, pedestrian and bike-friendly paths, streets and traffic, redevelopment opportunities, preservation of heritage, and the importance of talking to residents. The residents who helped craft the report also mentioned the “need to be bold” and focused on Mitton Village, Northgate, and the Downtown and waterfront district.

The next part of the Community Improvement Plan process is the Virtual Online Workshop which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  After the workshops, the preliminary recommendations will be presented to Sarnia’s City Council as part of this Council Strategic Planning Session. Then, a meeting will be held to receive public comments on the proposal program before the final plan is presented for consideration in December.

The full details of the Community Improvement Plan can be found at speakupsarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Area Mourns Passing of Jim Whymer, Beloved Local Sportswriter and Advocate

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is mourning the loss of Jim Whymer, who passed away on September 24th, at the age of 64. Whymer had been a fixture in the local sports reporting scene since the 1970s.

Whymer has been lauded as an advocate for area youth sports and a genuine friend to athletes, who went out of his way to connect with individual athletes and tell their stories. He was often seen officiating youth sports and recently worked as part of the athletics department at St. Clair County Community College.

Local parent, Stacy Thompson, recalled the special quality that Whymer had, saying, “He never forgot a kid he wrote about. He was an amazing man- such a loss for the community.” Thompson said that Whymer referred to her son with his team nickname, long after he had graduated. Such a story is common throughout the entire region as those who were involved in youth sports recall Mr. Whymer’s ability to make connections and reach out.

Mr. Whymer fought cancer for six years. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Patty, along with three children and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

IRS Urges Non-Filers to Register for Economic Impact Payments

The IRS mailed approximately 9 million letters throughout the U.S. urging people to see if they are eligible for Economic Impact Payments. Just over 270,000 were mailed to Michigan residents. The letters went out to people who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may qualify for the government payment.

The letter includes information on eligibility criteria and directs people to the IRS website. An individual is likely eligible for an Economic Impact Payment if they are are U.S. citizen or resident alien, have a work-eligible Social Security number, and can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return.

Economic Impact Payments are up to $1,200 for individuals and married couples can receive up to $2,400. Those with qualifying children who were under the age of 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

To address fraud concerns, the IRS has included a copy of the letter on their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Spirit of Port Huron Award Winners for 2020

Five individuals and one civic organization were announced as the Spirit of Port Huron Award Winners for 2020. There was no official ceremony this year, but the winners were announced at the September 28th meeting of the Port Huron City Council.

The Brotherhood Award went to Pastor Kimberly Brown, a minister at Zion Cathedral of Praise, the founder of St. Clair Organizing for Regional Equity (SCORE), and a contributing member of the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County. She also has over 20 years of experience as a clinical therapist and is a partner in the newly established Zoe Counseling & Consulting, PLLC.

The Rotary Club of Port Huron won the Civic Award this year for their significant contribution to making the city a better place to live, work, and play.  The Rotary Club supports many nonprofits through grant-funding and is instrumental in providing a platform for local civic leaders and groups to share information about positive things happening throughout the city. They also provide volunteers for many area events and are the fundraiser, organizer, and host of the International Rotary Parade.

Luke Marion, owner of MI Gardener and Bella Bolla Pizza, received the Economic Progress Award. Luke started his entrepreneurial journey in high school and his family has now opened three successful businesses in Downtown Port Huron. His energy and vision for creating community are evident on his YouTube channel, where he educates and empowers people to become successful gardeners, and in the brick-and-mortar locations he has established in the Downtown Area.

The Good Neighbor Award recipient is Lisa Sheline. Lisa was nominated for her thoughtfulness and compassion which she demonstrates in her role as coordinator of the Faith Lutheran Church food pantry. When the Coronavirus Pandemic hit, Lisa responded to the increased needs in the community by organizing pop-up food distributions that have served over 1,000 individuals.

Gabrielle Hayes was nominated by Port Huron Fire Department Lieutenant Kevin Robinson for her courage and quick response to her father’s health emergency. Gabrielle called 911, gave firefighters valuable information at the scene, and bravely took care of her younger siblings while rescue workers assisted her father. Her actions resulted in a better outcome for her father and she was a great role model for everyone involved.

The Youth Service Award went to Candalaria Tibble who has displayed outstanding citizenship through multiple community service activities. As an active member of the Civil Air Patrol Auxillary, she has participated in Wreaths Across American, provided passenger security at the Goodells 4-H fair, and supported such organizations at the St. Clair County Child Abuse & Neglect Council and the Salvation Army. She has also been a part of Special Olympics for over seven years, and her passion to give back to her community is an inspiration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting Event

Friends of the St. Clair River, in partnership with ReLeaf Michigan and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, is looking for volunteers to help plant trees along the Blue Water River Walk. The event will take place on October 17th from 8:45 – 12:00 PM.

The Blue Water River Walk is a riverside haven for wildlife and native plants, and this is a hands-on opportunity to add healthy plant life to the landscaping. New trees will improve air and water quality, reduce storm water runoff, and provide many other benefits to the park and the community.

Volunteers are asked to pre-register as a “family unit” or “unit of folks” who have been socially distant together, and equipment sanitization and social distancing will be maintained. Masks are required, and the event will take place rain or shine. Visit scriver.org to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand