Downtown Port Huron

New Beginnings Theater Announces Auditions For Historic MLK Celebration Production

Are you ready to take the stage and be part of a historically-based production? New Beginnings Theater is thrilled to announce auditions for their upcoming production at the MLK celebration at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) on January 15th, 2024.

Auditions are open to individuals aged 8 and above and will be held on October 24th, 25th, and November 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre, Room 36.

Aspiring actors will be required to read from a script and audition for various roles, including iconic figures like Ruby Bridges, Harriet Tubman, Freedom Riders, dancers, and crowd members. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of a memorable MLK celebration production.

For more details, contact Debra McNair at (810) 858-1420 or email at dofpromise1@yahoo.com. 

WGRT Limelight With Choze Interview: https://wgrt.com/debra-mcnair-new-beginnings-theatre/

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 And Hispanic Alliance To Host Hispanic American Heritage Celebration

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan (HASM) are gearing up to host a vibrant celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures. Titled “Introducing the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan: Our past, presence, and future!” 

The event will take place on Friday, October 27th, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

The festivities begin with a panel discussion moderated by Thelma Castillo, CEO and President of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, featuring panelists from the Hispanic Alliance. Among them is Jessica Totty, HASM president and SC4 alumna.

Following the discussion, attendees will be treated to live music by Detroit’s renowned Latin Jazz ensemble, PanaMO. The event will also feature delicious samples of food from Doña Marina’s LLC.

The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, visit: sc4.edu/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

PH Country Style Market - Photo by Jessie Wiegand

Country Style Market Announces New Business Hours Amid Slow Season

In an unexpected turn of events, downtown businesses have been grappling with a significant decline in foot traffic since Labor Day weekend, leading to staff reductions and altered operating hours. While a slight dip in sales during September is customary, the current situation is unprecedented.

Country Style Market, a staple in the area, has seen eight employees resign due to the dwindling hours and a bleak outlook for foot traffic recovery. Consequently, the market is forced to adjust its hours of operation.

Effective immediately, Country Style Market will be closed on Sundays and Mondays, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Announces Road Resurfacing Project, Impacting Multiple Streets

The City of Port Huron is set to embark on a comprehensive road resurfacing project, beginning this week. 

The affected segments, including Howard Street, Pine Street, Wall Street, and more, will witness new asphalt pavement, select concrete curb and gutter replacements, and ADA accessible sidewalk ramp improvements. 

Funded by voter-approved street millage, the construction will necessitate road closures on each segment with “road closed, local traffic only” signage. The anticipated completion date is May 31st, 2024, with a winter shutdown from November 16th, 2023. 

During the winter hiatus, all roads and sidewalks will be accessible until the project resumes in March/April 2024. Residents are urged to plan accordingly for these essential infrastructure enhancements. 

If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Department of Public Works at (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDOT Announces Inspection Of I-94 Business Loop Bridge Over Black River In Port Huron

In a proactive move to ensure public safety, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the I-94 Business Loop (Military Street) bridge spanning the Black River in Port Huron. 

The inspection is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October  9th, with an anticipated completion by Thursday, Oct. 12th.

During the assessment, traffic will be managed with one lane open in each direction. Some delays are expected due to intermittent full closures required for lift testing. This meticulous inspection is aimed at allowing bridge staff to perform routine checks, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the vital transportation artery.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Emerge Fund Opens Entrepreneurial Grant Applications For St. Clair County Businesses

St. Clair County’s entrepreneurial sector receives a boost as the Emerge Fund, a venture of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and St. Clair Economic Development Authority (EDA), announces the opening of its grant applications. 

The Emerge Fund seeks to support entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and existing small businesses within the county looking to launch or expand their operations.

From October 2nd to October 20th, interested parties can apply for grants with a maximum request of $5,000. The actual funding allocated will be determined based on the overall business impact and potential milestones. 

The Underground is a designated SmartZone operated by the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that aims to foster growth and innovation in St. Clair County.

For more information, visit: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell