port huron

Michigan’s Unemployment Rate Reaches A 23-Year Low

Michigan’s unemployment rate plummeted to 3.6% in June, marking the lowest rate in 23 years. The state’s labor force participation rate showed a continued increase, with an additional 23,000 workers joining the workforce. Furthermore, the economy saw a remarkable surge, adding 76,000 jobs year over year.

Impressively, Michigan’s labor force expanded by a record-breaking 85,000 during the first half of 2023, the highest ever for the first six months of a year since the data series began in the 1970s.

This economic success is attributed to the strategic investments made in manufacturing projects, housing developments, community revitalization, and worker empowerment. The upcoming balanced, bipartisan budget is expected to further boost economic development, lower costs for Michiganders, and improve essential infrastructure. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tri-Share Child Care: A Groundbreaking Program Revolutionizing Access To Quality Child Care In St. Clair County

Discover Tri-Share Child Care, the innovative program transforming the landscape of child care in St. Clair County. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance access to affordable and high-quality child care by cost-sharing among the employee, the employer, and the state of Michigan.

For employers in St. Clair County, participating in Tri-Share means offering a new employee benefit that covers 33.33% of child care costs for eligible employees with dependent children aged 0-12. This initiative helps attract and retain valuable employees, contributing to economic impact and growth in the region.

Eligibility is based on family size and household income, ensuring that employees with incomes between 200% and 325% of the Federal Poverty Level can benefit from this program throughout its duration. This program can help ease the burden of child care expenses for those who qualify.

For more information, call: Bruce Seymore at (810) 982-9511.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Annual St. Clair County 4-H And Youth Fair Brings Something For Everyone

Get ready for the highly anticipated 2023 St. Clair County 4H and Youth Fair, set to take place from July 17 – July 22nd, at Goodells County Park in Goodells.

This exciting event promises a week full of fun-filled attractions and activities for all ages, making it a must-attend for the entire family.

The fairgrounds will feature a wide range of thrilling activities, including carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and delicious food vendors. Attendees can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere as they explore the various animal shows, participate in interactive exhibits, and cheer on the talented youth showcasing their skills in competitions.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local talent, enjoy exciting entertainment, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Mark your calendars and be sure to check out the St. Clair County 4H and Youth Fair!

For more information, visit: stclaircounty4hfair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Record Number of SC4 Athletes Earn NJCAA Academic Awards

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating a historic achievement as a record-breaking twenty-seven of their Skippers athletes have been named recipients of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic awards for the 2022-23 year. 

This is the highest number of academic honorees the Skippers have seen since the early 2000s. To qualify, these student-athletes completed a minimum of 24 credits and maintained an impressive 3.60 GPA or higher.

SC4’s dedication to academic excellence extends to their teams as well. Eight Skippers teams secured NJCAA Academic Team status for the 2022-23 year, boasting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

For the complete list of individual award recipients, visit NJCAA All-Academic Awards, and for team rankings, check out NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

City of Port Huron Commences Water Main Replacement Project on Russell Court

The City of Port Huron has initiated a significant infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of the water main on Russell Court, spanning from 10th Avenue to Stone Street. 

The project encompasses the installation of a new water main, partial replacement of the aggregate roadway, concrete pavement, and the enhancement of ADA ramps, drive approaches, as well as curb and gutter. The project is funded through the City of Port Huron’s utility fund.

To facilitate the construction activities, temporary road closures will be implemented. 10th Avenue in the vicinity of the project area and Stone Street will be closed for specific periods. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour signs to navigate around the work zone. 

Russell Court will remain closed to through traffic throughout the duration of the project. Completion of the entire undertaking is expected by August 25th.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at: (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For The Amateur Sand Sculpting And Cornhole Contest At Blue Water SandFest

The Blue Water SandFest is coming to town again, and you are encouraged to register for the Amateur Sand Sculpting Contest and Cornhole Tournament taking place Saturday, August 5th, at the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park.  

Children, teens and adults are welcome to try their hand at creating a unique sand sculpture. Awards will be given to first, second and third place. Registration is $10 per person for the sand sculpting contest, with the registration deadline being July 31st for both events.

The Cornhole Tournament also takes place Saturday, August 5th. Teams with participants ages 18 and up are invited to enter the contest. Registration is $50 per team. Tournament play is bracket with a two-game elimination. Check-in begins at 12:30 PM, with games starting promptly at 1:00 PM. The tournament is limited to 32 teams, so register today!

For more information, visit: bluewatersandfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell