port huron

Jazmyn Thomas Appointed Deputy Director Of Planning And Community Development In Port Huron

The City of Port Huron proudly announces the appointment of Jazmyn Thomas as the new Deputy Director of Planning and Community Development. 

Ms. Thomas, already overseeing community development strategies and federal funding disbursements, will now extend her role to include economic development, inspection, and planning. 

Passionate about community involvement, she serves on various committees, including the Community Foundation’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Port Huron Police Department’s Community Resource Champions Committee, and the St. Clair County Diversity Initiative. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Jazmyn enjoys traveling. City Manager James Freed commended Ms. Thomas, stating, “Her knowledge of federal programs and sophistication are unmatched. We are tremendously lucky to have such talent within our ranks.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Entrepreneurs Invited To Join Small Business Cohort For Growth And Support In Eastern Michigan

Applications are now open for entrepreneurs in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair Counties to join the newly established Small Business Cohort. 

Supported by a $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as part of the Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) program, the Cohort aims to foster the growth of up to forty businesses in 2024. 

Participants will receive coaching, mentoring, and essential support services, including financial assistance of up to $7,000. The Region 6 Small Business Cohort, based at the Port Huron Smartzone and The Underground business incubator, is a part of The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network—a collaborative effort dedicated to accelerating the success of startup and small businesses in Michigan’s central eastern region. 

For more information, visit: edascc.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Employees Rally Together, Raise $10,000 For United Way Of St. Clair County

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is celebrating the outstanding generosity of its dedicated employees, who united to raise an impressive $10,000 for the United Way of St. Clair County. The funds were garnered through a company-wide initiative, showcasing the employees’ commitment to community welfare.

The LHMC staff showcased their philanthropic spirit by organizing diverse fundraising activities, ranging from raffles to themed lunches and a spirited “Pie in the Face” contest, where a leader bravely faced a pie for raising the most funds. The enthusiasm displayed by employees surpassed expectations, emphasizing their dedication to supporting this commendable cause.

Jose Kottoor, CEO of LHMC, along with several organization members, presented the donation to Matt Markham and Paul Miller, local radio personalities and the 2023 Chairs for the United Way Campaign. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Back To The Bricks Backroads Promo Tour Rolls Into Downtown Port Huron With A Display Of Over 300 Classic Cars

Downtown Port Huron is set to be transformed into a classic car haven on Tuesday, June 11th, as the City welcomes more than 300 vintage automobiles for the annual Back To The Bricks Backroads Promo Tour. 

This renowned tour, making its final stop in Port Huron, is a celebration of classic cars and automotive culture. 

Huron Ave, spanning from Glenwood Ave to Quay St, will host the static display of classic cars, inviting local owners to join the event if space permits. Partnerships with organizations like Mainstreet Memories Car Show, Inc., contribute to the event’s success, emphasizing collaboration between various entities to create a memorable experience for the community. 

For information, visit: Back to the Bricks Promo Tour.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Afterschool Partnership Applauds Governor Whitmer’s $50 Million Boost For Afterschool Programs

The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) expresses gratitude for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent announcement of a groundbreaking $50 million in grants to bolster after school, out-of-school time, and summer learning programs across Michigan. Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), this unprecedented funding aligns with MASP’s mission to provide high-quality out-of-school time programming for every student in the state.

MiLEAP, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education, awarded $50 million to 783 sites, benefitting 126 out-of-school time programs in the 2023-24 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant initiative. This initiative aims to expand OST program participation and alleviate costs for families.

Erin Skene-Pratt, MASP’s executive director, emphasized the invaluable impact of out-of-school time programs on students’ academic performance, behavior, and future earning potential. Despite the increased grants, there remains a critical need for sustained, consistent funding, with over 750,000 Michigan youth on waitlists.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Arc Of St. Clair County Gears Up For 2nd Annual “Show the Love” Dinner/Dance Featuring Julianne Ankley

Mark your calendars for a night of love, music, and support as The Arc of St. Clair County prepares for its 2nd Annual “Show the Love” Dinner/Dance on Thursday, February 8th. 

The event, held at Alexander’s Premier Banquet Facility and Catering in Marysville from 6 – 9 p.m., promises an unforgettable evening with a special guest appearance by Julianne Ankley, a celebrated Singer/Songwriter named CBS Detroit’s “Best Of Country Music in Detroit.” 

For $40 per person, attendees can enjoy not only great music but also a photobooth, silent auction, and booze pull. This event is a wonderful opportunity to show love and support for The Arc of SCC. 

For more information, visit: TheArcSCC.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell