port huron

State Rep. Jaime Greene Denounces Budget Proposal Raiding Teachers’ Retirement Fund

During Teacher Appreciation Week, State Representative Jaime Greene condemned a budget proposal from Lansing Democrats aiming to divert up to $670 million from teachers’ retirement funds to other state priorities. The proposal, brought to vote in the House on Wednesday, met  opposition from Greene, who labeled it as an affront to hardworking educators.

Greene emphasized the significance of the retirement fund, designed to honor teachers’ dedication and service, not to serve as a discretionary fund for political agendas. Despite recent strides in funding other post-employment benefits for retirees, the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System remains burdened with a $24.4 billion debt.

Governor Whitmer’s plan to reduce contributions to the teacher retirement system, if enacted, poses significant risks, with economists indicating a 50% chance of underperformance, potentially leaving retirements underfunded. Despite warnings, Democratic legislators persist in endorsing budget proposals redirecting vital resources away from teachers’ well-deserved retirement security.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Honors Exceptional Staff With Advocator, Innovator, And Educator Of The Year Awards For Ninth Consecutive Year

Port Huron Schools proudly recognized the dedication and innovation of three outstanding staff members during its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year Awards ceremony. 

Georgia Stathakis, a Teacher Consultant in Secondary Special Education, was honored as Advocator of the Year, while Logan Raney, the Choir/Guitar Performing Arts Teacher, received the Innovator of the Year award. Tami Cronce, a Kindergarten Teacher, was celebrated as Educator of the Year.

This esteemed recognition, derived from the district’s core mission actions—Advocate, Innovate, and Educate—spotlights individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective roles. Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas surprised each recipient in their classrooms on May 7th, presenting them with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Mr. Kerhoulas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is one of my favorite days of the entire school year! It is such an exciting way for our district to celebrate our exceptional staff and show our commitment to their success.” 

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches REFS Program To Support Adult Learners’ College Access

Michigan takes a proactive stance in bolstering adult learners’ access to higher education with the introduction of the Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists (REFS) Program. 

Spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), this initiative aims to enhance FAFSA completion and enrollment among adults aged 21-24 in community and tribal colleges.

Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing REFS’ role in guiding students through the FAFSA process and college enrollment. Funded by MiLEAP’s Office of Sixty by 30, MCAN will receive $500,000 to execute the program, focusing on marginalized populations not currently engaged in initiatives like Michigan Reconnect.

Retired educators are encouraged to apply, leveraging their expertise to support adult learners in achieving their educational aspirations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cedar Point Kicks Off 155th Summer Season With Thrilling Attractions And Special Michigan Bundle Offer

Cedar Point launched its 155th summer season. Excited thrill-seekers can make their way to the park to experience the adrenaline-pumping rides, including the renowned Millennium Force®, Steel Vengeance®, and the brand-new Top Thrill 2™ triple-launch strata coaster.

Michigan residents have a special treat in store with the Michigan Bundle, offering single-day admission, free parking, and unlimited drinks for just $49.99. This deal is valid throughout the summer season and into September, providing ample opportunities for fun in the sun.

With over 71 rides, including three dedicated kids’ areas and 18 heart-stopping roller coasters, Cedar Point promises non-stop excitement for visitors of all ages. The park has embraced cashless transactions, accepting credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

Cedar Point’s summer season runs until Sunday, October 27th, so be sure to enjoy the festivities before it ends! 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sam’s Club Unveils Groundbreaking Tech To Eliminate Checkout Queues

Sam’s Club is revolutionizing the shopping experience with its latest technological innovation, announced at CES, aimed at resolving a common member concern: waiting in line for receipt verification at exit points. The new system, which will utilize AI and computer vision, promises to eliminate queues at club exits, offering unprecedented convenience to members.

This move builds on Sam’s Club’s commitment to enhancing member experience through digital solutions like Scan & Go™. The technology seamlessly verifies purchases without the need for manual checks by associates, ensuring a smoother checkout process.

Excitement buzzed at CES as Sam’s Club revealed plans to further refine and expand the technology across its nearly 600 clubs by the end of the year. With this groundbreaking advancement, Sam’s Club solidifies its position as an innovator in the retail segment, prioritizing convenience and efficiency for its members.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Origin Of Mother’s Day: A Celebration Of Motherhood

The beloved tradition of Mother’s Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, owes its existence to the relentless advocacy of Anna Jarvis. Following the passing of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905, Jarvis conceived the idea of a day dedicated to honoring the love and sacrifices made by mothers worldwide.

With the support of Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker, Jarvis organized the inaugural Mother’s Day celebration in May 1908 at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia, alongside a large event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores.

Jarvis’s unwavering determination led to widespread adoption of Mother’s Day across states, towns, and churches by 1912. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, cementing Jarvis’s legacy of devotion to motherhood in the nation’s calendar.

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell