port huron

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

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

The Athletic Factory Moves into Trinity Lutheran Church Space

Port Huron, MI — The Athletic Factory, a Port Huron non-profit, is on the move. They will soon be calling the gym at Trinity Lutheran Church home.

Executive Director of the Athletic Factory, Cliff Thomason, said, “This move allows us to have more space for our program. We will have a full-size gym, storage area for our equipment, and a room for tutoring services. With this additional space, we will be able to run our own biddy ball leagues, basketball leagues for middle school and high school, training camps, volleyball leagues, and provide a closer tutoring service location for the south end student-athletes.”

The Athletic Factory was able to run an ACT/SAT test course for 32 students over the summer and continues to train college-bound athletes for success after graduation.

The organization won a $20,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation earlier this year and is looking forward to a successful year in their new headquarters.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Entrepreneur Has Big Dreams for 1219 Military Street

Carol Hall is best known for using her creative skills and fun personality to entertain guests at The Hallway Entertainment. The escape rooms, game show nights, and escape dinners are immersive and unique entertainment experiences for groups looking for a fun activity.

Now she’s focusing on a new project in The Hallway Entertainment’s backyard: the property at 1219 Military Street. Formerly known as Studio 1219, the building was used as an art studio and gallery and run by a nonprofit organization for 15 years.

Carol has been hired by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to re-imagine the space, and she has big plans. She still wants 1219 Military Street to be a gathering place for local artists, but her dream is to expand the offerings to include music and performing arts, and possibly some digital media arts as well.

The south side of downtown Port Huron has been slower to receive the revitalization efforts seen north of the Black River, but this project hopes to add to the foot traffic and entertainment offerings already happening there.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

“Return to School” Planned for Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Area School District has published a “Return to School Plan” and has emailed it to all parents in the district.

The Port Huron School Board approved the offering of both virtual school and a hybrid option where students alternate between in-person instruction and virtual instruction, which is online at home.

For those attending in-person classes, students are divided into two groups. Group A consists of those with last names A-K. Group A will attend in-person classes on Mondays and Wednesdays and every other Friday starting September 11. Group B consists of students with last names L-Z. They will attend in-person classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Friday starting September 18. On the “off” days, students will attend classes online from home.

Families choosing all-virtual instruction can pick up a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches on Mondays at the high schools. For those attending in-person, face coverings will be worn at school and many measures are in place to keep students safe, including adjustments to furniture in classrooms, procedures for lunchrooms, and minimized congregating of students.

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8th. The full plan can be read here.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland