port huron

Port Huron NAACP Hosting Virtual Summit

The Port Huron Branch of the NAACP is celebrating its 61st Annual Freedom Fund with a virtual event. This year’s Virtual Freedom Fund Summit theme is “The Power of Your Vote”, and the event takes place on Saturday, October 24th from 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM.

The goal of the event is to provide a forum for the public to hear from and interact with candidates running for office in St. Clair County. After an opening ceremony and chat with the Port Huron Branch President, Kevin Watkins, there is a session on collaboration among community groups, a session entitled, “The Power of the Vote”, and a speed networking opportunity.

The afternoon sessions feature panel discussions with candidates running for office and a session on understanding the voting laws and absentee voting process in Michigan.

The event is free, but the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP is collecting donations and has a goal of raising $25,000 for its Freedom Fund.

Those interested can learn more and register <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Grand River Open – Majestic Lot Still Closed

Grand River Avenue is back open after roof work was completed by a local contractor. The closure of the road was unrelated to the work being done by DTE on the Majestic Lot.

The Majestic Parking Lot, a popular parking lot for those shopping at Downtown businesses, will continue to be closed until December 2020. The lot is being reconstructed as a result of infrastructure work being done by DTE, and the City of Port Huron is working closely with DTE to keep up with its progress.

Parking is available in the city owned McMorran lots that surround the Blue Water Transit Center. Those large parking lots usually charge patrons after the first two hours, but they will remain open and free to the public during construction. The walk from the McMorran lots to businesses on Main Street is about 2 city blocks .

The City of Port Huron has also established convenience spots along Huron Avenue for customers who are making a quick trip or pick up from a downtown businesses. Those select spots are designated for loading and unloading or trips of 15 minutes or less.

Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 810-984-9730.

 

McLaren Port Huron August Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Kurt Brinker has been named the Employee of the Month for August. Brinker has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 15 years, and is the physical therapist lead for inpatient care.

Brinker was nominated by his peers because he exemplifies the hospital values and always does what’s best for patients and coworkers. Brinker cares about his patients. You can always find him with a patient laughing, encouraging them and reassuring them they are safe and doing great. When a patient has a need, Brinker is proactive and personally talks with Care Management staff so patients have what they need to be safe when they are discharged.

He is always positive and freindly. You can count on him to get any job done in a timely manner. He is an excellent employee, and even better person who deserves this recognition.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

United Way Grant Helps Childcare Providers

Ten childcare providers will receive funds from the United Way of St. Clair County to help with cleaning and sanitization supplies. These grants will relieve the burden on childcare providers to secure supplies and maintain the increased levels of sanitization required for safe operations during the pandemic.

In collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, the funds will be distributed to St. Clair County RESA and go from there to the childcare providers. This is a great example of collaboration between funding sources and community partners.

Grants are still available through the United Way of St. Clair County’s Emergency Services Fund – COVID-19 Relief for any businesses experiencing unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the United Way’s website for more information <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Area Mourns Passing of Jim Whymer, Beloved Local Sportswriter and Advocate

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is mourning the loss of Jim Whymer, who passed away on September 24th, at the age of 64. Whymer had been a fixture in the local sports reporting scene since the 1970s.

Whymer has been lauded as an advocate for area youth sports and a genuine friend to athletes, who went out of his way to connect with individual athletes and tell their stories. He was often seen officiating youth sports and recently worked as part of the athletics department at St. Clair County Community College.

Local parent, Stacy Thompson, recalled the special quality that Whymer had, saying, “He never forgot a kid he wrote about. He was an amazing man- such a loss for the community.” Thompson said that Whymer referred to her son with his team nickname, long after he had graduated. Such a story is common throughout the entire region as those who were involved in youth sports recall Mr. Whymer’s ability to make connections and reach out.

Mr. Whymer fought cancer for six years. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Patty, along with three children and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Spirit of Port Huron Award Winners for 2020

Five individuals and one civic organization were announced as the Spirit of Port Huron Award Winners for 2020. There was no official ceremony this year, but the winners were announced at the September 28th meeting of the Port Huron City Council.

The Brotherhood Award went to Pastor Kimberly Brown, a minister at Zion Cathedral of Praise, the founder of St. Clair Organizing for Regional Equity (SCORE), and a contributing member of the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County. She also has over 20 years of experience as a clinical therapist and is a partner in the newly established Zoe Counseling & Consulting, PLLC.

The Rotary Club of Port Huron won the Civic Award this year for their significant contribution to making the city a better place to live, work, and play.  The Rotary Club supports many nonprofits through grant-funding and is instrumental in providing a platform for local civic leaders and groups to share information about positive things happening throughout the city. They also provide volunteers for many area events and are the fundraiser, organizer, and host of the International Rotary Parade.

Luke Marion, owner of MI Gardener and Bella Bolla Pizza, received the Economic Progress Award. Luke started his entrepreneurial journey in high school and his family has now opened three successful businesses in Downtown Port Huron. His energy and vision for creating community are evident on his YouTube channel, where he educates and empowers people to become successful gardeners, and in the brick-and-mortar locations he has established in the Downtown Area.

The Good Neighbor Award recipient is Lisa Sheline. Lisa was nominated for her thoughtfulness and compassion which she demonstrates in her role as coordinator of the Faith Lutheran Church food pantry. When the Coronavirus Pandemic hit, Lisa responded to the increased needs in the community by organizing pop-up food distributions that have served over 1,000 individuals.

Gabrielle Hayes was nominated by Port Huron Fire Department Lieutenant Kevin Robinson for her courage and quick response to her father’s health emergency. Gabrielle called 911, gave firefighters valuable information at the scene, and bravely took care of her younger siblings while rescue workers assisted her father. Her actions resulted in a better outcome for her father and she was a great role model for everyone involved.

The Youth Service Award went to Candalaria Tibble who has displayed outstanding citizenship through multiple community service activities. As an active member of the Civil Air Patrol Auxillary, she has participated in Wreaths Across American, provided passenger security at the Goodells 4-H fair, and supported such organizations at the St. Clair County Child Abuse & Neglect Council and the Salvation Army. She has also been a part of Special Olympics for over seven years, and her passion to give back to her community is an inspiration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand