marysville

Early Voting Begins For Michigan’s Aug. 6 Primary Election

Starting Saturday, July 27th, and running through Sunday, August 4th, registered Michigan voters can cast their ballots in person at early voting sites for the August 6th Primary Election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting the convenience of early voting options available at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

“Every citizen has the power to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Benson said. “Michigan voters have two Saturdays, two Sundays, and a whole week in between to vote early.”

Early voting sites function like Election Day polling places, with ballots counted throughout the period but results withheld until election night. Voters can also hand-deliver absentee ballots to early voting sites, local clerk offices, or secure drop boxes.

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Salvation Army Hosts “Cars & Kettles” Event At Mainstreet Memories

The Salvation Army of St. Clair County proudly presents “Cars & Kettles™ at Mainstreet Memories, Wheels on the Waterfront” event, set for Saturday, July 27th. 

This “Cars and Coffee” style car show, held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Desmond Landing in Port Huron, will feature a stunning variety of classic, antique, and supercars. The event aims to unite car enthusiasts with the community’s passion for building stronger ties and supporting those in need.

Cars & Kettles™ offers sponsors an excellent opportunity to show their support for the Salvation Army’s vital work. The event not only showcases beautiful vehicles but also emphasizes the importance of community support in addressing day-to-day challenges faced by many.

For sponsorship details and additional information, please contact Cars & Kettles™ Event Chair Gerry Mason at: (810) 989-0057 or via email at gdblues@yahoo.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Initiative To Boost Child Welfare Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with five public universities to provide financial stipends to social work students who commit to working in under-resourced communities after graduation. 

This initiative, backed by $1.7 million in federal Title IV-E funds, aims to address the critical shortage of child welfare workers in the state. Students will receive $5,000 per semester to support their education in exchange for their future service.

The universities involved include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. These institutions will provide financial support and educational resources to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work, committed to careers in public, private, or tribal child welfare in Michigan.

For more information, email: marlamg@umich.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Biden Exits 2024 Presidential Race Endorses Vice President Harris

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 race for the White House following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden’s decision, coming less than four months before the election, has dramatically shifted the political landscape, according to mlive.com.

In a statement, Biden emphasized his intention to serve out the remainder of his term and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Nearly 30 minutes after announcing his exit, Biden threw his support behind Harris. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” he said in another post on X. 

Harris praised Biden’s decision as a “selfless and patriotic act” and pledged to “earn and win” her party’s nomination, vowing to defeat Trump and his “extreme Project 2025 agenda.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Issues Swimming Advisories For Six Beaches

UPDATE: ALL SWIMMING ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN LIFTED

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued swimming advisories for six beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. The affected beaches are Chrysler Beach in Marysville, Holland Beach, Lakeside Beach, Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, and Keewahdin Beach and Fort Gratiot County Park Beach in Fort Gratiot.

E. coli, a common bacteria indicating fecal contamination, can increase after storms or strong winds due to storm water runoff and wave activity. The SCCHD will collect water samples until E. coli levels meet state guidelines.

Updates are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach.

For more information, contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures $657 Million For EV Transition

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has received $657 million from the Department of Energy to upgrade factories for electric vehicle (EV) production, supporting manufacturing jobs and building EV infrastructure. 

This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles program, promoting American-made hybrid, plug-in, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of this investment in maintaining Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 

General Motors will receive $500 million to upgrade the Lansing Grand River Plant, while ZF North America will get $157 million to modernize its Marysville facility, including up to $10 million from a matching grant from the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. Whitmer praised the grants for driving economic momentum and enhancing Michigan’s manufacturing legacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell