local news

Lynnea McFadden Takes Director Job at Friends of the St. Clair River

The Friends of the St. Clair River organization has added a Director of Programs and Services to their roster, with the hiring of Lynnea McFadden.

McFadden has a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Central Michigan University.

McFadden told us that she is very excited to join Friends of the St. Clair River, saying, “I join Friends of the St. Clair River combining my backgrounds in Conservation Biology and education.  Much of my past experience lies in private landowner conservation efforts across the state as well as teaching environmental science at Saint Clair County Community College.”

McFadden said she is excited for the opportunity to further enhance local natural resources and work with partners and community members to boost conservation efforts within the Blue Water area to maintain safe and healthy drinking water, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.

Visit scriver.org to get involved with Friends of the St. Clair River.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PH Victory Day Planned for August 12th; Sign Up By June 10th

Victory Day is a tradition in the Port Huron area, and this year’s event is already in the works. The annual football game that includes participants of all abilities is scheduled for August 12, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Victory Day is described as an evening of education, inspiration, and fun. Children and young adults with special needs, aged six to 26 are invited to register by Friday, June 10th.

Victory Day will feature all the things that make a football game fun: marching band, cheerleaders, and jerseys. Participants will have a chance to run or catch a pass to score a touchdown with play-by-play announcing. Each child will get a medal after the event to remember the special day.

Sports teams, service groups, and staff from Port Huron High School will volunteer to make the day memorable for participants and families.

For more information about getting signed up for Victory Day, go to the PH Victory Day Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/phvictoryday

Reporting from WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Chuck Gaidica To Judge MI Favorite Snack Competition

The MI Favorite Snack Competition will feature legendary Detroit broadcaster Chuck Gaidica as the emcee and judge for the competition.

The contest will feature snack food creators from across Michigan. Port Huron’s All Star Services, a sponsor of the contest, will narrow down the entrants to a group of finalists. The finalists will present their snacks on September 17th in the hopes of being named “MI New Favorite Snack” and winning a cash prize.

Having Gaidica as the judge adds a new level of excitement. Blue Water Area Chamber CEO/President Thelma Castillo said, “Having someone of Chuck Gaidica’s stature involved in this event is really special. He is such a familiar and beloved person in our state. As a state wide competition, it was important to have a celebrity participating who truly represents Michiganders.”

Gaidica was the weatherman on Channel 4, WDIV, in Detroit for 27 years. He is considered “one of the most trusted figures in Michigan” after decades of issuing “cuddle alerts” and tornado warnings and keeping an eye on the sky.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren, Port Huron Schools Partner with STEAM Project

A new partnership is blossoming between McLaren Port Huron and Port Huron Schools. Two students in the Biomedical STEAM Project Lead the Way have been hired by McLaren Port Huron after completing a paid internship over the past semester.

The program is offered at both Port Huron Northern and Port Huron High Schools. McLaren sponsors the Biomedical STEAM programs at the schools with plans to expand to twelve internships per semester. Jobs include physical therapy, medical imaging, inpatient nursing, laboratory work, and facilities and clerical positions.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO at McLaren Port Huron said that the hospital is “excited to partner with Port Huron Schools to not only expose students to the variety of health care careers that exist, but also to give them real opportunities to find a career in a thriving organization right here at home.”

The program is exclusive to Port Huron Schools. Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Catherine Woolman said, “To develop local talent is a high level and unique advantage our district has due to our partnership with McLaren.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Click-It-Or-Ticket and Commercial Vehicle Checks Underway

Local law enforcement is increasing patrols for both seatbelt use and commercial vehicle enforcement. The Click-it-or-Ticket campaign is underway, as is the Commercial Vehicle Alliance International Roadcheck.

Click-it-or-Ticket is an enhanced effort to catch those who choose to drive without wearing a seatbelt. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office will have patrols dedicated to seatbelt enforcement from May 16th to June 5th.

Sheriff Mat King said, “We can’t overstate the importance of wearing your seatbelt. It’s the law, but more than that, it is the simplest thing you can do to help save yourself from injury or death in the event of a crash.”

The Michigan State Police have been utilizing weigh stations and rest areas to inspect commercial vehicles, focusing on finding defective equipment and checking driver hours of service. More than 65,000 drivers of big rigs and buses are expected to go through the checkpoints.

Commercial drivers should be prepared to show their operating credentials and hours of service. Officers will be looking for anyone operating under the influence of substances as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

CityFlatsHotel Boutique Hotel to Open in June

The CityFlatsHotel is gearing up for a mid-June opening of the 18-room boutique hotel. 

Cathy Mills, Managing Director of CityFlatsHotel, says, “It’s so exciting to see the progress that is taking place every day and to compare the uniqueness of each room. The colors and décor are very contemporary, and our amazing interior design team made sure that each room looks different from the others. With custom-made furnishings and bedding, guests who stay with us, again and again, will have a different experience in every room.”

Mills said that the unique rooms and modern décor are one of the reasons for their “Stay Different” motto. Rooms have views of downtown Port Huron or the Black River.

Port Huron’s Martin Construction completed renovations on the former Michigan National Bank building, built in 1927. The furnishings are designed by Charter House.

The building is also home to restaurants and a ballroom that seats 300 guests. It is located at 405 Water Street in downtown Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland