local news

Rep. Harris Plan For School Safety And Student Mental Health

With all of the recent news surrounding violent attacks occurring at our schools, State Rep. Mike Harris along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to bolster safety  at Michigan K-12 schools and to support students’ mental health.

After months of in-depth work by the House’s Bipartisan School Safety Task Force the legislation is being presented with the hopes of helping in these areas involving our students. 

The package is designed to organize a unified approach with their plans being outlined as follows:

  • Establish the School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
  • Dedicate school staff to student safety and mental health.
  • Plan for safety.
  • Expand and improve OK2SAY.
  • Improve responses to school safety crises.

 Rep. Harris says, “This integrated, statewide strategy was thoroughly vetted by experts, and it will help strengthen school security, improve safety training, expand mental health resources, and build other supports for students and staff.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering Two Influential Members Of The Port Huron Community

The late Rev. Alex Crittenden and his wife Ruby, who recently passed away in January approximately one year after her husband, are prime examples of African Americans who have made contributions to their community without being a household name. 

Mr. Crittenden moved to the City of Port Huron in 1969 to become a teacher. He served not only as a teacher for the Port Huron Area School District (PHASD), but he also served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Reverend at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Crittenden was also awarded the Spirit of Port Huron Brotherhood Award in 2012. He was also involved with multiple organizations such as the NAACP and Operation Transformation.

His wife, Ms. Ruby Crittenden, was also a teacher in the PHASD. She was the first African American teacher to teach at Port Huron Northern. Ms. Crittenden was also Co-Founder of Couples Christian Ministry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

1st U.S. Based Business For Canadian Firm Coming To Capac

The City of Capac will soon be home to Ontario-based company, Axiom Manufacturing when they open their doors for business within the next few weeks. 

After months of lying vacant, the building held by former tenant Keihin North America was purchased by Axiom Manufacturing which plans to invest $13.3 million into the business venture. Axiom has already secured $50 million in new business.

The plastic manufacturing company plans to open sometime in March. The company could provide a much needed boost to the economy of Capac by creating new jobs, as well as providing jobs for residents who were laid off by the previous owners. 

This will be Axiom Manufacturing’s first U.S. based business. Capac Village Manager, Travis Youatt says, “Council has agreed to give the company a 12-year tax break, which was key in making this deal happen.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Jeep Owners Club 4th Annual Polar Bear Run

It’s time for the Blue Water Jeep Owners Club (BWJOC) to put on their 4th Annual Polar Bear Run, a worthy cause geared towards helping our local children. 

The Blue Water Jeep Club began in 2012 when a group of strangers came together to meet for coffee. Since then they have been helping raise money for causes such as the annual Roof Sit in Port Huron, The Salvation Army, and Blue Water Community Action. 

Their annual Polar Bear Run is used to help raise funds to continue supporting these organizations and the well being of our children. 

The Polar Bear Run is a free event that takes place Saturday, February 25th, at the Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Kitchen located at 1106 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville. The event will be held from 12 noon – 4 p.m.

The 4th Annual Polar Bear Run will feature live music, ice-carving, raffles, games, and more!

For more information visit: bluewaterjeepowners.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Goodwill Industries Celebrates Success In Passing ISO-9001 Audit

Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County has something to celebrate and be proud of with their passing of the ISO 9001 Audit. 

Goodwill Industries is required to maintain ISO 9001 certification to maintain their manufacturing clients in the automotive industry. This certification affects their revenue and employment opportunities. 

After meeting with a member of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center), it was suggested that they perform an internal audit. The audit was performed, which simplified their documentation burden and helped maintain adequate records.

As a result of passing the ISO 9001 third-party audit with zero issues, Goodwill Industries has managed to retain sales of $200,000 as well as retaining 40 jobs.  

Goodwill Industries Operations Manager, Dan Blue says, “Working with the Center has been extremely helpful. We can now focus more time on meeting our customers’ needs.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Mario Day Party Coming To The St. Clair County Library System

The St. Clair County Library System is putting together a fun filled, family friendly event next month to bring something different and unique to the community.

The Mario Day Party, based around the characters from the video game Super Mario Bros. will take place Saturday, March 11th so make sure you mark your calendars. The fun begins at 11 a.m until 1 p.m. and will be at the Donald E. Dodge Auditorium located at 200 Grand River Ave #203, Port Huron. 

There will be plenty of Mario themed activities for children and teens of all ages. There will be crafts and games such as, creating your own Yoshi egg and Piranha Plant, the “floor is lava” area, Goomba stomp, and Bowser ring toss. Visitors will also be able to play Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch and a live-action Mario Kart track. Participants of the live-action Mario Kart must sign a waiver. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell