port huron

Woodland Developmental Center Seeks Local Student Volunteers for Summer LINK Program

St. Clair County RESA’s Woodland Developmental Center is calling upon local students to participate in its annual Summer LINK Program, offering a unique opportunity for grades 8 through 12 to engage with students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Led by School Social Worker Chelsey Hull, the program aims to foster empathy and community connections while providing valuable support to students. 

Emphasizing personal and professional growth, the program offers hands-on experience in special education practices and communication skills development. Participants will assist educators, guiding students through skill-building activities and social engagements.

Applications for the Summer LINK Program are now open until May 10th, available at Woodland’s Main Office or through contact with Chelsey Hull at (810) 455-4366 or email: hull.chelsey@sccresa.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE: A Mesmerizing Theatrical Experience For Kids And Families

Prepare for a thrilling adventure as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE comes to the McMorran Theater in Port Huron on March 24th at 1:00 p.m. This unique theatrical performance offers an immersive encounter with astonishingly lifelike dinosaurs and other creatures, captivating both children and adults alike.

Presented by Erth Visual & Physical from Sydney, Australia, the show combines skilled performers, puppeteers, and input from professional paleontologists to create an unforgettable experience. Audiences will marvel at the realism of the puppets and engage in an educational journey through prehistoric times.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stimulate imaginations, inspire curiosity, and create lasting memories for the whole family. Get ready for a fun and educational live show that promises entertainment and enlightenment in equal measure.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

2024 Governor’s Service Awards Nominations Now Open: Celebrating Michigan’s Volunteers And Philanthropists

The Michigan Community Service Commission has announced the commencement of the application process for the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards. These prestigious accolades, bestowed by the Governor, honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their remarkable dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy.

The award ceremony serves as a beacon of inspiration, recognizing the profound impact of volunteering and giving on Michigan’s social, cultural, economic, and environmental landscape. It celebrates the tireless efforts of those who embody the spirit of service, showcasing their exemplary contributions to community well-being.

Nominations for deserving candidates are being accepted until April 5th. Individuals and organizations making remarkable strides in the realm of volunteerism are encouraged to share their stories by submitting nominations through the Governor’s Service Awards application website.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 To Host Annual Job Fair, Connecting The Community With Employment Opportunities

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up to host its annual Job Fair, set to take place on Thursday, April 4th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the SC4 Fieldhouse. The event, which has been a tradition for over 30 years, is free and open to all SC4 students and community members in search of employment opportunities.

With a diverse array of industries represented including manufacturing, sales, medical, and criminal justice, the Job Fair offers a chance for attendees to engage directly with potential employers. The event, held in collaboration with various community organizations, aims to foster connections and facilitate recruitment.

Companies interested in participating can register online for $175, which includes a table and chairs for up to two representatives. 

For more information, visit sc4.edu/jobfair.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Backs Michigan Family Protection Act, Advocating For Surrogacy Rights And Equal Treatment For Families

Governor Gretchen Whitmer stresses the importance of the Michigan Family Protection Act, endorsing a suite of legislation aimed at simplifying family planning processes and ensuring equitable treatment under the law. Addressing Michigan’s unique status as the sole state criminalizing surrogacy contracts, the package seeks to repeal this prohibition while enhancing protections for surrogates, parents, and children. 

In a landscape where reproductive rights face mounting challenges nationwide, Michigan stands out in supporting individuals’ choices regarding family-building. Comprising nine bills, the Act advocates for the legalization and regulation of surrogacy, fair compensation and legal representation for surrogates, and equal treatment for children born through assisted reproductive technology. 

Additionally, it strives to eliminate hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ families, streamlining the process of obtaining parental recognition. The Act underscores Michigan’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments for all families across the state.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Court Rules City Manager’s Facebook Page Not Subject To First Amendment

In a landmark decision involving Port Huron City Manager James Freed and Port Huron resident Kevin Lindke, the Supreme Court has established a standard for determining the applicability of the First Amendment to government officials’ social media accounts. 

The ruling, issued on Friday, clarified that speech by government officials can only be subject to First Amendment scrutiny if the individual possesses authority to speak on behalf of the state and exercises that authority on the platform in question. This standard, applicable to all government officials, provides clarity on the boundaries of free speech in the digital age. 

The ruling reinforces the Sixth US Court of Appeals’ decision to support James Freed, emphasizing that his social media activity did not align with his official duties as city manager of Port Huron. 

The case will be remanded back to the Sixth Circuit Court for future review. “I am very pleased with the outcome the justices came to. The court rejected the plaintiff’s appearance test and further refined a test for review by the 6th circuit. We are extremely confident we will prevail there once more,” says Freed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell