local news

9th Annual Chili and Coats Giveaway Serving The Community

With temperatures plummeting, it is essential that everyone have a warm coat and accessories to bear the Michigan winter. To help meet the need, Zion Cathedral of Praise in collaboration with other community organizations, is holding their 9th Annual Chili and Coats Giveaway.

On Saturday, November 19th, the community is welcomed to attend the event located at Woodrow Wilson STEAM Academy, 834 Chestnut Street in Port Huron. The event will be held from 10 AM – 1 PM. 

Guests will be greeted with a hot bowl of chili along with the winter clothing giveaway consisting of hats, gloves, coats, and other winter clothing items. There will also be a turkey basket giveaway, as well as a food truck, so bring boxes, bags, or other items to carry your food.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lunch Program Returns To STEAM Academy At Woodrow Wilson

Sometimes our children may have certain issues or problems at home that they don’t feel comfortable sharing with those closest to them, but will often open up to a mentor or other trusted adult. The Lunch Buddies program at the STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson returns to give students the chance to spend time with a trusted mentor.

The Lunch Buddies program was a popular program that students enjoyed attending prior to the pandemic. Its return allows adults and leaders in the community to register and spend 25 – 30 minutes during lunch period to partner and have lunch with a designated student. Volunteers can sign up for weekly or bi-weekly appearances. During that time they may be a social support, help the students with school work, or just share helpful life lessons. 

For more information on how you can be a mentor, email Principal Shyla Eagle at: seagle@phasd.us

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hunting Season Begins, Be Safe With These Tips

With Michigan’s firearm deer hunting season beginning yesterday, many will be out and about making their attempts at bagging that elusive buck, either for food, or simply for bragging rights. Whatever the case, make sure that you and your loved ones are safe when going out into the woods this season. 

Following these helpful tips will definitely help the novice hunter, as well as reinforce the knowledge that veteran hunters have known for awhile.

  • Make sure you inform someone of where you will be and what time you expect to return.
  • Be sure to have a reliable form of communication available.
  • Wear bright, hunter’s orange colored clothing and dress warm to avoid exposure.
  • Be sure your firearms are well maintained and obey basic gun safety.

These are just a few tips to help keep you safe as you enjoy this hunting season.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron High School Teacher Earns Prestigious Recognition

When it comes to education and ensuring that students get the help needed to enter college, Port Huron High School (PHHS) has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools in the state of Michigan for improving its FAFSA Completion rate.

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has recently recognized Holland Woods Middle School substitute teacher Brandon Wardlow with the Ombudsman Award. The Ombudsman Award is a prestigious award given to individuals who have a passion for college access and success, have persevered over challenges, and have proudly represented Americorps to their community. 

Wardlow was recognized for his work during the 2020-2022 school years. There were also others from the community who were acknowledged for their support of this initiative, Cliff Thomason, Kevin Totty, Marion Stewart, and Tyrone Burrell.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Receive Robotics Funding

The opportunity for our children to learn new and cutting edge technology is critical in today’s day and age. Port Huron Schools are now able to continue their robotics program with the help of grants received from the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund (PHSEF) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). 

The PHS Endowment Fund granted $6,898 for the enhancement of the robotics programs at the elementary and middle school levels. The MDE grant was contingent on matching funds, which were met, enabling additional elementary and middle school robotics programs as well as updating current programs. 

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Catherine Woolman says, “Every student has access to robotics programming this year, which allows students at all levels to further pursue their interest in this field.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The City of Flint Looks To Redevelop Former Buick City Site

The Buick City site was the former home of Buick Motor Company up until 2010, and has since sat vacant. There are currently plans in place to turn it into an in-demand, move-in ready facility. As one of the most blighted and contaminated industrial sites in the state, redevelopment has now become a top priority for the state of Michigan and the city of Flint. 

The Flint Commerce Center, an entity of Ashley Capital, plans to turn the facility into a 275,000-square-foot industrial building that, when fully developed, will represent one of the largest investments for the north side of Flint in decades. The facility is expected to generate up to $300 million and create between 2,000-3,000 new jobs. 

In addition to getting rid of the blight and contamination, the facility will also address the shortage of industrial space as well as offering opportunities to attract new business to the state.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell