local news

Take Survey to Share Thoughts on Broadband Internet Throughout Downtown Port Huron

The City of Port Huron is taking a survey to gauge the interest in broadband internet service throughout downtown.

Jazmyn Thomas, Community Development Program Administrator, said that Port Huron has Block Grant funding from the federal government that could be used to fund the broadband project.

Thomas explained that eligible projects must have a COVID tieback and benefit low to moderate-income persons. The universal broadband service downtown would allow people to use pocket parks, public meeting areas, or their vehicles to get work done and allow for social distancing.

If the broadband project happens, Thomas said Port Huron would be pioneering the effort as no other community has used the federal block grants in such a way.

Downtown Development Director Natacha Hayden said, “The pandemic compelled a high need for quality broadband services for essential things like work and school in many communities.” Hayden pointed out the challenges with connectivity that can happen with such close proximity to the Canadian border.

City of Port Huron Broadband Internet Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WQJRBV

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Roy Klecha Retires from Northstar Bank Board of Directors

Northstar Bank has announced the retirement of a longtime member of its Board of Directors. Roy Klecha is wrapping up his 47-year career in the banking industry.

Klecha started at Commercial and Savings Bank in 1974. He served as President of Seaway Community Bank since it started in 2001 and served as the CEO of Northstar Bank from 2013 to 2016. He served on the Board of Directors since 2001.

Along with being a leader in regional banking, Klecha served the Algonac Rotary Club, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, St. Clair County Blue Meets Green, St. Clair Downtown Development Authority, St. Clair Theatre Guild, St. John River District Hospital, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and United Way of St. Clair County.

Debbie Cunningham, President and CEO of Northstar Bank said, “We celebrate and thank Roy for his 20+ years of service and invaluable contributions. Roy’s dedication to our customers, community, and Northstar Bank has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Five Green Guardians to Be Recognized at St. Clair County Earth Fair

The 2022 Green Guardians have been announced. Green Guardians are those who work to enhance, preserve, and protect the natural environment in the Blue Water Area.

The winners are Jan Vincent of Lavender Creek Farm, LLC; Don Strauss of the St. Paul Lutheran Community Garden; Mike Shuler, a volunteer with the Blue Water Conservation District’s Spring Tree Sale; The Richmond Schools Lee Elementary Green Club; and the Memphis Elementary School Makerspace/STEAM Lab.

Melissa Kivel, a member of the Earth Fair committee, said, “We’re proud to formally recognize and celebrate the work being done by these people to clean up and support our local natural resources. Our community is a cleaner, healthier home for both humans and wildlife because of these environmental superheroes.”  

The winners will be recognized during the 2022 St Clair County Earth Fair at Goodells County Park on April 29th and 30th. The Green Guardians Award started in 2017.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

LINK Summer Program Links Teen Volunteers with Woodlands Students

The LINK Summer Program is looking for students who have an interest in working in a classroom at Woodlands Developmental Center over the summer. The LINK Program gives interested 7th-12th graders hands-on experience working with students living with developmental disabilities.

The student volunteers will be “Linked” with the Woodlands students to help them learn independence skills and socialization.

After some training sessions, LINK volunteers will work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through July and into August. Participants will get a free t-shirt and lanyard.

LINK can build valuable experience and career exploration for those thinking of a career in teaching, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or the medical field. Community service hours can be earned through the program.

The application process includes an essay and a letter of recommendation. Applications are due by May 16th.

For more information, call or email Chelsey Hull, School Social Worker, at 810-455-4366 or hull.chelsey@sccresa.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Police High School Youth Academy Planned for Summer

The Port Huron Police Department is holding their High School Youth Academy from July 25th through 29th for students who have an interest in a career in law enforcement. Plenty of hands-on training will be offered.

Officer Dennis Huisman, School Resource Officer with Port Huron Schools and Port Huron Police Department, said, “The highlight of the High School Youth Academy is to get teenagers interested in a career field that they might not have thought much about or were interested in but did not know where to start.”

Huisman said, “The Youth Academy helps build those early relationships between police officers and future police officers. Even students who attend who do not want to be police officers walk away with a better understanding of what police officers do every day.”

Huisman said this is the fourth year for the Academy. It will be held at Port Huron Northern High School. The camp is a full forty hours and should help students decide if a career in law enforcement is for them, and if so, how to get started on their career paths.

Signup information can be found at the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/PHyouthacademy

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Looking for A Fun Summer Job? St. Clair County Parks Job Fair April 20th

Looking for the perfect summer job in beautiful outdoor settings? St. Clair County Parks and Recreation might have the job for you. The Department is looking to hire workers to assist in seasonal park operations.

The County is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, April 20th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Goodells County Park. They will be holding onsite interviews to match candidates with available jobs.

The county offers a flexible schedule and a variety of work opportunities. Student applicants must be at least sixteen years old and need to have a valid driver’s license.

Diane Barbour, Director of Human Resources for St. Clair County, said, “The beautiful St Clair County Parks are always changing. With new trails, kayak and canoe launches, and increasing water access, working for St. Clair County Parks is a great opportunity to enjoy the summer.”

County Parks operates Goodells, Columbus, Fort Gratiot, and Woodsong County Parks, Fort Gratiot Light Station, Wetland County Park, the Marine City Dredge Cut, and the Wadhams to Avoca Trail.

For more information, visit the link below.

https://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/parks/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland