port huron

Michigan $10,000 Down Payment Assistance Program Expanded

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has announced an expansion of its MI 10K DPA program to help low and middle-income homebuyers purchase homes. The program, which provides down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers, was previously offered exclusively to 236 zip codes, but will now be available statewide.

Housing affordability is a major issue in Michigan, with 48% of renters and 18% of homeowners paying more than 30% of their income on housing. By expanding the MI 10K DPA program, the MSHDA hopes to make homeownership more accessible for Michigan residents.

To qualify for the MI 10K DPA program, borrowers must complete a Homebuyer Education class and have no more than $20,000 in liquid cash assets. Restrictions and income limits also apply. Reservations made prior to the expansion for the $7,500 DPA program will remain in effect. 

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/homeownership.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Get Ready For Art On The River

Citizens for a Vibrant Community is hosting the annual Art on the River festival in Port Huron, Friday, June 9th – 11th. The three-day event will feature a variety of local artists, crafters, and musicians on the shores of the St. Clair River at Merchant Street and Kiefer Park.

The family-friendly festival offers attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on art workshops, listen to live music, and enjoy a variety of food options. The event’s schedule includes art and craft displays, as well as beverage tents throughout the weekend.

The hours for the event are:

  • Friday- 3pm – 9pm
  • Saturday- 10am – 11pm
  • Sunday- 10am – 4pm  

Art on the River is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the artistic talents of the local community and the beauty of the St. Clair River while spending time with family and friends.

For more information, visit: artontheriverph.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sports Cars, Hot Rods, And More At Upcoming Mainstreet Memories Car Show

The Mainstreet Memories Car Show is back on Saturday, July 29th, from 10am – 4pm at the Acheson Ventures Waterfront Property in Downtown Port Huron. 

If you own a pre-48 hot rod, street rod, pro street, pro touring or rat rod, you are welcome to participate in the show. The registration process is straightforward, and all years, makes, and models of vehicles are welcomed. The deadline for registration is July 3rd.

The entry fee for the event is $15 for pre-registration before the July 3rd deadline, and $20 for day-of-show registration. Pre-registered entries will receive premium goody bags. 

Music will be provided by Scott Kool, along with door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. There will also be local restaurants, food trucks, a pancake breakfast, a corn roast, hospitality tent, and a farmers’ market. All donations from the event will support the Council on Aging, Inc. Parking will open at 7 am. 

For more information, visit: mainstreetmemoriesph.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan National Guard Updating Facilities For Women Service Members

Michigan National Guard (MING) has received $26 million in federal funding to upgrade facilities used by the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG), to address inequities that exist in the facilities provided to Michigan’s women service members. 

The project will ensure that adequate facilities for women service members are available at armories across Michigan with one of them being located in Port Huron. 

US Senator Gary Peters secured the funds from the National Guard Bureau to modernize the facilities, which were primarily designed for men, leaving women service members with inadequate facilities for drill and other activities. 

The modernization project will include necessary improvements such as new toilet and shower facilities and lactation rooms. Governor Gretchen Whitmer also allocated $55 million for modernization efforts and called for a match from the National Guard Bureau. 

“When we modernize Michigan’s military facilities and invest in our troops, we send a clear signal that we support the entirety of our force and their ability to effectively carry out their missions,” said Senator Peters.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michiganders Who Text And Drive Beware

A report states that around 660,000 people in Michigan try to use their phones while driving, leading to approximately 1.6 million crashes each year.

To address this, three proposed bills, House Bill 4250, 4251, and 4252, aim to prohibit the use of any mobile device while driving, including social media, filming, and taking phone calls. There are a few exceptions, such as dash cameras and cell phones secured in a mount, and using phones to report an accident or crime.

First-time offenders would receive a $100 civil fine, with $250 for each subsequent offense, and fines would be doubled if a violation occurs during an accident. The bill has already been passed in the Michigan House of Representatives and is now moving to the Senate.

Motorists are advised to utilize built-in Bluetooth capability or invest in adapters for non-Bluetooth-capable cars to make phone calls while driving, but otherwise, cell phone use while driving in Michigan may soon be illegal. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marcia Haynes Advocates Of The Year Awards To Honor Local Individuals And Organizations Who Advocate For Alheimer’s And Dementia

If you know someone or have a loved one dealing with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you are aware of the challenge and strain that it can put on a family or individual. 

Marcia Haynes is one of the individuals whose life was dramatically changed after her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Marcia was his caretaker and advocate until his passing. Her passion for supporting Dementia and Alzheimer’s research, and caring for families impacted by the conditions led to her establishing the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County.

On Wednesday, May 24th, beginning at 11:30am, the Inaugural Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association Luncheon will take place at the Port Huron Golf Club, located at 4101 Fairway Drive, Fort Gratiot.

The event will feature lunch followed by an awards ceremony to honor Marcia’s work as well as other individuals and organizations who advocate for those living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Tickets are $50 per person, if you have any questions, call (810) 990-9558.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell