environment

A Seat At The Table: Collaborative Exhibit Invites Local Artists To Share Perspectives Through Chair Art

In an effort to celebrate the diverse and remarkable contributions of people of color in St. Clair County, Port Huron Museums in collaboration with the Port Huron NAACP Youth Council, announce their  upcoming temporary exhibit, “A Seat At The Table,” which beckons local artists to creatively express their worldview through chair art. 

The exhibition, hosted at the Carnegie Museum at 1115 6th Street, Port Huron, invites participants to decorate a chair or seating element, transforming it into a tangible representation of their unique perspectives.

Eager artists anticipate the opportunity to contribute to this immersive celebration, displaying not only their work, but also a piece of their hearts. The exhibition is scheduled to run from February 9th to March 10th, offering a dynamic platform for minority local voices to be heard.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Jazmyn Thomas Appointed Deputy Director Of Planning And Community Development In Port Huron

The City of Port Huron proudly announces the appointment of Jazmyn Thomas as the new Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development. 

Ms. Thomas, already overseeing community development strategies and federal funding disbursements, will now extend her role to include economic development, inspection, and planning. 

Passionate about community involvement, she serves on various committees, including the Community Foundation’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Port Huron Police Department’s Community Resource Champions Committee, and the St. Clair County Diversity Initiative. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Jazmyn enjoys traveling. City Manager James Freed commended Ms. Thomas, stating, “Her knowledge of federal programs and sophistication are unmatched. We are tremendously lucky to have such talent within our ranks.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Treasury Sets January 29th As Official Start Date For 2024 Tax Season

The Michigan Department of Treasury declared that the 2024 tax season will kick off on Monday, January 29th. From that date onward, the agency will initiate the processing of individual income tax returns for the state. 

Taxpayers have the flexibility to file their state income tax returns through various channels, including online submissions, assistance from tax professionals, or the traditional method of mailing paper forms and documentation. 

It’s crucial for individuals to ensure that their state income tax returns and any owed taxes reach the department by April 15th, 2024—the deadline synchronized with the Internal Revenue Service. Failure to provide accurate documentation may result in delayed processing, prompting taxpayers to file amended returns later. Employers are reminded to dispatch W-2s and 1099s to employees by January 31st to facilitate a smooth tax filing process.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Employees Rally Together, Raise $10,000 For United Way Of St. Clair County

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is celebrating the outstanding generosity of its dedicated employees, who united to raise an impressive $10,000 for the United Way of St. Clair County. The funds were garnered through a company-wide initiative, showcasing the employees’ commitment to community welfare.

The LHMC staff showcased their philanthropic spirit by organizing diverse fundraising activities, ranging from raffles to themed lunches and a spirited “Pie in the Face” contest, where a leader bravely faced a pie for raising the most funds. The enthusiasm displayed by employees surpassed expectations, emphasizing their dedication to supporting this commendable cause.

Jose Kottoor, CEO of LHMC, along with several organization members, presented the donation to Matt Markham and Paul Miller, local radio personalities and the 2023 Chairs for the United Way Campaign. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Afterschool Partnership Applauds Governor Whitmer’s $50 Million Boost For Afterschool Programs

The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) expresses gratitude for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent announcement of a groundbreaking $50 million in grants to bolster after school, out-of-school time, and summer learning programs across Michigan. Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), this unprecedented funding aligns with MASP’s mission to provide high-quality out-of-school time programming for every student in the state.

MiLEAP, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education, awarded $50 million to 783 sites, benefitting 126 out-of-school time programs in the 2023-24 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant initiative. This initiative aims to expand OST program participation and alleviate costs for families.

Erin Skene-Pratt, MASP’s executive director, emphasized the invaluable impact of out-of-school time programs on students’ academic performance, behavior, and future earning potential. Despite the increased grants, there remains a critical need for sustained, consistent funding, with over 750,000 Michigan youth on waitlists.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Unveils Groundbreaking Roadmap To Rural Prosperity

In a historic move, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Rural Prosperity has unveiled the “Michigan Roadmap to Rural Prosperity.” 

Representing the first-ever comprehensive report from the State of Michigan, the roadmap focuses on addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. The vision outlined in the roadmap emphasizes creating resilient, connected rural ecosystems that foster long-term prosperity. 

Key strategies include diversifying the workforce, improving individual health and economic well-being, supporting local service delivery capacity, expanding housing opportunities, building resilient infrastructure, and fostering regionally driven economic development. 

The report underscores the significance of collaboration between state agencies, decision-makers, and rural communities in overcoming the complex, structural challenges. Michigan aims to be a trailblazer in promoting responsible stewardship of natural assets, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its rural areas.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell