business news

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy Celebrates 60 Years Of Educational Excellence And Community Spirit

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy in Port Huron proudly marks its 60th anniversary as a cornerstone of educational excellence and community enrichment. For six decades, the academy has been instrumental in shaping young minds and fostering personal growth.

To commemorate this milestone, a series of celebratory events and activities have been organized, inviting alumni, current students, parents, faculty, parishioners, and community members to join in the festivities and reminisce about their experiences.

Kicking off the anniversary celebrations is the Spring Carnival scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the school premises. The carnival promises a fun-filled day with various games, bounce houses, raffles, a touch-a-truck area featuring law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, and more, along with delicious food.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Rotary Club Unveils Plans For 104th Rotary International Day Parade

The Port Huron Rotary Club has announced its eagerly anticipated plans for the 104th Rotary International Day Parade, slated for July 17th, at 6:30 p.m. This long standing tradition, older than both the Detroit and New York Thanksgiving Day parades, promises to be a spectacle of community spirit and celebration.

Themed “All Hands On Deck – A Century of Sailing,” this year’s parade commemorates the 100th running of the Bayview Yacht Club Port Huron-to-Mackinac sailboat race. Leading the procession as Grand Marshals are Casey and Carrie Harris.

Interested participants can register at phrotary.com or paradeday.net. The parade will follow its traditional route, commencing at Huron and Glenwood Avenues in downtown Port Huron and concluding at Court St., albeit on a slightly shorter route compared to previous years.

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches REFS Program To Support Adult Learners’ College Access

Michigan takes a proactive stance in bolstering adult learners’ access to higher education with the introduction of the Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists (REFS) Program. 

Spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), this initiative aims to enhance FAFSA completion and enrollment among adults aged 21-24 in community and tribal colleges.

Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing REFS’ role in guiding students through the FAFSA process and college enrollment. Funded by MiLEAP’s Office of Sixty by 30, MCAN will receive $500,000 to execute the program, focusing on marginalized populations not currently engaged in initiatives like Michigan Reconnect.

Retired educators are encouraged to apply, leveraging their expertise to support adult learners in achieving their educational aspirations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cedar Point Kicks Off 155th Summer Season With Thrilling Attractions And Special Michigan Bundle Offer

Cedar Point launched its 155th summer season. Excited thrill-seekers can make their way to the park to experience the adrenaline-pumping rides, including the renowned Millennium Force®, Steel Vengeance®, and the brand-new Top Thrill 2™ triple-launch strata coaster.

Michigan residents have a special treat in store with the Michigan Bundle, offering single-day admission, free parking, and unlimited drinks for just $49.99. This deal is valid throughout the summer season and into September, providing ample opportunities for fun in the sun.

With over 71 rides, including three dedicated kids’ areas and 18 heart-stopping roller coasters, Cedar Point promises non-stop excitement for visitors of all ages. The park has embraced cashless transactions, accepting credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

Cedar Point’s summer season runs until Sunday, October 27th, so be sure to enjoy the festivities before it ends! 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sam’s Club Unveils Groundbreaking Tech To Eliminate Checkout Queues

Sam’s Club is revolutionizing the shopping experience with its latest technological innovation, announced at CES, aimed at resolving a common member concern: waiting in line for receipt verification at exit points. The new system, which will utilize AI and computer vision, promises to eliminate queues at club exits, offering unprecedented convenience to members.

This move builds on Sam’s Club’s commitment to enhancing member experience through digital solutions like Scan & Go™. The technology seamlessly verifies purchases without the need for manual checks by associates, ensuring a smoother checkout process.

Excitement buzzed at CES as Sam’s Club revealed plans to further refine and expand the technology across its nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year. With this groundbreaking advancement, Sam’s Club solidifies its position as an innovator in the retail segment, prioritizing convenience and efficiency for its members.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lakeside Mall To Close Doors On July 1st, Making Way For $1 Billion Redevelopment

Miami-based Lionheart Capital’s retail subsidiary Out of the Box Ventures declared the impending closure of Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, setting July 1st as the final day of operations. This move initiates a significant redevelopment endeavor valued at $1 billion for the site.

Allison Greenfield, Lionheart Capital’s principal and chief development officer, expressed excitement for the mall’s transformation into a mixed-use development, emphasizing collaboration with the city for an urban center that respects the region’s character.

Sterling Heights City Council previously endorsed a memorandum of understanding with Out of the Box Ventures in November 2022. The redevelopment, named Lakeside Town Center, is slated to include residences, retail spaces, dining areas, parks, a hotel, and offices.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2025, with Mayor Michael Taylor affirming the city’s commitment to resident engagement throughout the transformative process.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell