port huron

Governor Whitmer Launches PitchMI To Boost Entrepreneurial Innovation In Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced new initiatives to support Michigan’s innovators and entrepreneurs during her keynote at the Mackinac Policy Conference. 

One of the highlights was PitchMI, a statewide shark-tank style competition designed to address Michigan’s biggest challenges. In collaboration with leading organizations, the state will host a public competition to solicit pitches, investing in the most innovative start-up. 

The first PitchMI event will award $100,000 to a groundbreaking solution aimed at transforming transportation for Michiganders, focusing on safety, affordability, and efficiency. Whitmer emphasized that PitchMI demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to entrepreneurial problem-solving, connecting innovators with capital, and fostering a ripple effect of accelerated innovation. This initiative underscores the state’s dedication to building a dynamic, future-focused economy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

GQT Movies Launches Free Summer Family Flicks Series

GQT Movies is thrilled to announce the 2024 Summer Family Flicks Series at Krafft 8 located at 2725 Krafft Rd., Port Huron. 

Starting this week, families can enjoy free showings of family-friendly movies every Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. for the next ten weeks. The lineup includes popular titles such as Minions: The Rise of Gru, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Sing 2, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.

“Our Summer Family Flicks Series is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage the community and bring families together for a zero-cost movie-going experience,” said Jake McSparin, Vice President of Operations for GQT Movies.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. Concessions will be available at everyday low prices. 

For more details, visit: gqtmovies.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MI Snack Competition Calls For Entries For September 2024 Event

The MI Snack Competition in Port Huron, Michigan, is calling for entries for its September 14th, event. The contest, formerly the MI New Favorite Snack competition, will award over $50,000 in cash prizes, with the top winner receiving a distribution deal with All Star Services.

The deadline for entries is July 12th. Fees are $200 for non-St. Clair County entrants and $100 for local companies. Eligible businesses must be Michigan-based with 10 or fewer employees. All entries will compete in three categories for cash prizes of up to $10,000 per category, with additional $1,000 prizes for St. Clair County competitors.

The MI Snack Competition is presented by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, All Star Services, and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and to register, visit: BlueWaterChamber.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Summer Gasoline Standards Implemented for Michigan Beginning June 1st

Beginning Saturday, June 1st, ozone monitoring will resume in eight Southeast Michigan counties, including Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. 

To combat smog, these counties must now only sell gasoline with a vapor pressure not exceeding 7.0 psi. This measure is part of the summer gasoline program, initiated in 1996 to address ozone level violations in Detroit.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will enforce these regulations to ensure Michigan maintains federal highway funding. “Governor Whitmer’s bold actions to protect our environment are echoed in our efforts at MDARD,” said Director Tim Boring. 

MDARD will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which ends September 15th, to ensure compliance and protect air quality.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Council On Aging Hosts Family Bowling Fundraiser

Get ready for a day of strikes and spares at St. Clair County Council on Aging’s first ever Family Bowling Fundraiser on June 22nd. 

The 9 Pin No Tap event will be taking place at Port Huron Lanes, located at 1718 Hancock Street, Port Huron. Registration starts at 10 a.m. followed by bowling at 11 a.m. Early registration costs $20 with payment due by June 17th, increasing to $25 afterward. The fee includes three games and shoe rental, with prizes for top bowlers. 

Enjoy 50/50 raffles, raffle baskets, and two mystery games for a $1 buy-in. Pizza and pop will also be available for sale. 

For more information, call (810) 984-5061 ext. 129 in Port Huron or (810) 765-3523 ext. 305 in Marine City.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Majority Of Michigan Parents Support Mental Health Sick Days For Students

A new study reveals that 3-in-4 Michigan parents advocate for mental health sick days for children. 

The survey, conducted by Test Prep Insight among 3,000 parents, found that 79% believe children should take days off for mental health reasons, higher than the national average of 73%. Two-thirds of parents feel this decision should be theirs, not the school’s, while 8% support breaks for feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork.

This trend emerges as chronic absenteeism rises, with 26% of public school students missing significant school time last year, up from 15% pre-pandemic. Contributing factors include family travel during school terms and parents’ work commitments. The findings highlight the growing recognition of mental health’s impact on student attendance, urging schools to adapt to these needs.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell