education

Port Huron City Manager James Freed Gives Thanks To Residents

The citizens of Port Huron have overwhelmingly renewed their support for public safety and government transparency. 

City Manager, James Freed expressed his gratitude for the citizens’ recognition of the good stewardship of their tax dollars, stating that the city has delivered on its promises to protect and increase staffing levels for the Fire and Police departments. The city’s dedication to transparency in governmental finances was also highlighted, with all financial reports, budgets, and audits posted on the city’s website. 

The millage funding was also used to leverage additional state and philanthropic grants. The city has seen a rebirth and vibrancy of the McMorran Theatre, Arena, and new Plaza, Additionally, the city has invested rapidly in its parks and playgrounds, bringing innovative play and safe spaces to neighborhoods.

Freed also offered remarks regarding the voter approval of the sale of the Municipal Office Center, stating that the city will now work to attract a qualified buyer and negotiate the highest and best use for the property. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The History Of Cinco De Mayo: The Reason For The Celebration

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the fifth of May, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and the United States. 

It commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle was fought during the Franco-Mexican War, which began in 1861 when Mexico declared a temporary ban on the repayment of foreign debts.

Under the leadership of Napoleon III, the French saw this as an opportunity to establish a French presence in Mexico and install a French-friendly government. However, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French in a stunning upset, despite being outnumbered and outgunned.

The victory at the Battle of Puebla was a significant morale boost for the Mexican army and helped to rally support for the resistance against the French. 

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride. Festivities typically include parades, traditional food and music, along with dancing and drinking.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Help For Taxpayers Who Missed The Tax Filing Deadline

Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline still have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. 

Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services programs, said taxpayers who have an outstanding refund shouldn’t hesitate to file a return, and that the department will work with taxpayers who have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment to find payment options. 

The Treasury recommends filing a return to claim an outstanding refund or avoid interest and penalties, and paying as much as possible. 

Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can request a penalty waiver, make monthly payments through an installment agreement, or file an Offer in Compromise application. The last three options should be filed separately from the state income tax return. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/treasury or michigan.gov/incometax.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron High School Offering Summer Wrestling Camp

If you’re looking for programs to enroll your student in during summer vacation to keep them busy and teach them new skills, look no further than Port Huron High’s Summer Wrestling Camp. 

The camp will be from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 29th – Saturday, July 1st. It will be held in the Port Huron High School gym, located at 2215 Court Street, Port Huron. Ages for participants are 6 – 18.

The cost for the event is $80 and can be paid via Cash App, Venmo, or cash. The cost includes the training fee, lunch, and a camp shirt. Payment must be made by June 2nd to guarantee a t-shirt. There will also be three special guest clinicians at the camp sharing their unique wrestling experiences with the students. 

For more information contact Coach Wardlow at: bwardlow@phasd.us or call (951) 259-0817.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

High School Students Recognized And Awarded By The Ottawa Chapter DAR

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage society organized in 1906 whose members share a love of country and a rich heritage. The members are lineal descendants of a patriot who gave aid or was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. 

Daughters of the American Revolution are dedicated to preserving American history, securing America’s future through better education, and promoting patriotism. 

They have recently recognized four local high school students who qualified for the DAR Good Citizen and Youth Citizenship Awards. The students were nominated by their school counselors and teachers. 

Winner of the Good Citizen Award is Matthew Zammit of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School who was awarded $300. The other three students are Tyler Jamison (Port Huron Northern), Tyler Chisolm (Cross-Lex), and Jeremy Matthieu (Port Huron Northern) who each received a medal for the Youth Citizenship Awards. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Program LIVESTRONG Helps Recovering Cancer Survivors

The American Cancer Society estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases and 609,000 cancer related deaths in 2021 in the U.S. There were also 1.9 million survivors. The YMCA of the Blue Water Area offers a program to help those who are survivors, as well as those who are currently battling the effects of cancer. 

Their LIVESTRONG program focuses on the client. It offers a free, 12-week program that meets for 90 minutes two times per week. They offer exercise methods to help restore fitness and lectures on wellness and other topics to help survivors recover their health and strengthen their emotional fitness.  

LIVESTRONG’s Disease Prevention Coordinator, Sheila Volker says, “The program’s value to our community is that it helps our participants reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis.”

The LIVESTRONG program is just one of the many programs offered by the Blue Water Area YMCA, and another reason to donate to the YMCA, as they depend upon the generosity of the community to keep these programs in place. 

If you would like to give in support of the Blue Water Area YMCA, visit: bluewaterymca.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell