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Woodland Developmental Center Seeks Local Student Volunteers for Summer LINK Program

St. Clair County RESA’s Woodland Developmental Center is calling upon local students to participate in its annual Summer LINK Program, offering a unique opportunity for grades 8 through 12 to engage with students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Led by School Social Worker Chelsey Hull, the program aims to foster empathy and community connections while providing valuable support to students. 

Emphasizing personal and professional growth, the program offers hands-on experience in special education practices and communication skills development. Participants will assist educators, guiding students through skill-building activities and social engagements.

Applications for the Summer LINK Program are now open until May 10th, available at Woodland’s Main Office or through contact with Chelsey Hull at (810) 455-4366 or email: hull.chelsey@sccresa.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lakeside Cemetery Plot Cleanup Deadline March 31st

As the end of March approaches, residents with loved ones resting at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron are reminded to remove all winter decorations and non-conforming items from grave sites by March 31st. 

The goal of the clean-up is to keep the cemetery from becoming an eyesore due to old decorations and tributes left by family members and friends. Failure to comply will result in removal and disposal by cemetery personnel starting April 1st, without further notice. Only patriotic flags and flowers are permitted on cemetery plots, with all other items strictly prohibited. 

The City of Port Huron has urged visitors to familiarize themselves with Lakeside Cemetery rules available on the city’s website. Families are encouraged to honor the guidelines to maintain the cemetery’s tranquility and dignity for all visitors and residents alike.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Court Rules City Manager’s Facebook Page Not Subject To First Amendment

In a landmark decision involving Port Huron City Manager James Freed and Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke, the Supreme Court has established a standard for determining the applicability of the First Amendment to government officials’ social media accounts. 

The ruling, issued on Friday, clarified that speech by government officials can only be subject to First Amendment scrutiny if the individual possesses authority to speak on behalf of the state and exercises that authority on the platform in question. This standard, applicable to all government officials, provides clarity on the boundaries of free speech in the digital age. 

The ruling reinforces the Sixth US Court of Appeals’ decision to support James Freed, emphasizing that his social media activity did not align with his official duties as city manager of Port Huron. 

The case will be remanded back to the Sixth Circuit Court for future review. “I am very pleased with the outcome the justices came to. The court rejected the plaintiff’s appearance test and further refined a test for review by the 6th circuit. We are extremely confident we will prevail there once more,” says Freed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Michigan Launches MiTN: New Online Financial Disclosure System For Elected Officials And Candidates

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has introduced the Michigan Transparency Network (MiTN “Mitten”), an innovative online platform mandating elected officials, candidates, and their spouses to publicly disclose financial details for the first time. 

Rolled out during Sunshine Week, dedicated to government ethics and transparency, MiTN represents a significant stride towards accountable leadership. Following the adoption of Proposal 1 by voters in 2022, Michigan now joins the majority of states in enforcing personal financial disclosure requirements. 

Under the new laws, officials like the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Representatives are obliged to file reports, shedding light on their financial interests and interactions with lobbyists. With deadlines set for April and May, MiTN aims to enhance governmental transparency and bolster public trust in Michigan’s leadership.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Go Green! The Origin And Evolution Of St. Patrick’s Day

The legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, transcends centuries and continents, evolving from ancient traditions to modern-day festivities. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick’s journey from slavery to sainthood reshaped Ireland’s spiritual landscape.

Since the 9th or 10th century, March 17th has marked the Roman Catholic feast day in his honor. Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t grace Irish soil but emerged in a Spanish colony, now St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. Fast forward to 1772, Irish soldiers in New York City began a tradition, marching to honor their patron saint, according to history.com.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound, characterized by parades, pub crawls, traditional recipes like Irish soda bread and corned beef, and the ubiquitous donning of green attire, uniting people worldwide in homage to Irish heritage.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

St. Clair County Technical Education Center Excels At Regional SkillsUSA Competitions

St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) celebrates its students’ exceptional performance at the recent Regional SkillsUSA competitions.

Across diverse program areas like Automotive, Collision Repair, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Welding, TEC students showcased their prowess, clinching numerous medals and accolades. Principal Lesley Murphy lauded their hard work and thanked educators, advisors, and families for their support. 

The top three winners will advance to the state contest, joined by those who medaled at the local SkillsUSA event. A total of 68 students are set to participate in the state contest scheduled for April 12-14 in Grand Rapids. TEC extends congratulations to all competitors and wishes success to those progressing to the statewide competition.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell