local news

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

YMCA of the Blue Water Area Opens September 14th

Port Huron, MI — Owners of gyms and fitness centers in the state were finally given the green light to open their businesses on September 9th, and the  YMCA of the Blue Water Area is preparing to open its doors on September 14th.

The Y may look different due to safety measures being enforced throughout the building, and the reopening will come in phases. The YMCA team will make decisions regularly on the services being offered with guidance from local health officials and the state government.

Those who have placed their memberships on hold are encouraged to contact Member Relations Coordinator Laurie Irwin to restart their memberships for opening day.

The YMCA offers many different membership levels for individuals, youth, seniors, and families, and you can begin a new membership anytime.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update September 4, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases as of September 4, 2020 at  9:00 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 104,395 confirmed cases; 6,519 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 810 confirmed cases; 52 deaths
  • Ontario: 42,686 confirmed cases;  2,812 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 340 confirmed cases; 25 deaths

St. Clair County currently has 57 active cases of the virus, and 2% of hospital beds in the county are being used for COVID-19 patients.

Governor Whitmer signed executive orders yesterday extending the State of Emergency until October 1st. She also named September 9th as the reopening date for gyms, pools, and sports practices and competitions.  All re-openings are subject to strict precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Lambton County currently has 2 active cases, and the county hasn’t had a COVID-19 related hospital admissions since May.

The City of Sarnia asks for help from the community regarding disposing of personal protective equipment. Masks, gloves, paper towels, tissues, wipes, and plastic bags belong in the garbage, not in the blue box.

 

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Animal Control Accepts Over 80 Dogs from Kenockee Twp. Resident

An investigation into a citizen complaint led to the surrender of over 80 dogs in Kenockee Twp. this week. St. Clair County Animal Control (SCCAC) Officers began investigating the situation, and the owner willingly surrendered the animals.

The staff at SCCAC have placed the dogs in shelters so they can receive medical assessments and appropriate care. The public will be notified when the animals are available for adoption.

According to Melissa Miller, the new Director of of SCCAC, “Dogs are required to have adequate shelter and protection from the elements, access to clean water and food.”

St. Clair County Animal Control will provide and update on the situation upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Virtual Job Fair Coming Back to SC4

Port Huron, MI — The last virtual job fair held at SC4 was so successful the college is bringing the event back. Because of the virtual format, the event unfolds in a 3 week process.

Through September 11th, employers can register to participate in the event. Beginning September 14th – 18th, job seekers can review a list of job openings and select dates and times to meet with prospective employers. Finally, the virtual hiring event takes place on September 22nd & 24th.

The virtual job fair is  a partnership among the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, the City of Port Huron/McMorran, Macomb/St.Clair Michigan Works! and the blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Registration information for employers and job seekers is available at www.sc4.edu/virtualjobfair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4 Program Gets $1.3 Million Grant

Port Huron, MI — The TRIO Student Support Services Program at St. Clair County Community College has received a $1.3 million grant. The program provides opportunities for academic success and is intended to motivate students toward completing their educational goals after high school.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and had previously been awarded money in 2010 and 2015. It is one of eight TRIO programs nationwide that is funded by the Department of Education this year.

TRIO serves mainly low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Shawne Jowett, interim director of the program at SC4, said, “These students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own challenges, but with the help of the TRIO program, and as importantly, the support they give each other, they’ve been successful at achieving their college goals at SC4.”

The program served 140 students last year. More information can be found at sc4.edu/trio.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland