port huron

Veterans Be On The Lookout For The Pact Act Luncheon In Port Huron

The St. Clair County Veterans PACT ACT event is happening on Wednesday, May 10th, at the Port Huron Elks Lodge #343. The free event aims to encourage veterans to apply for new health care benefits with expedited enrollment and to initiate claims.

The Veteran’s Administration is conducting a nationwide outreach campaign to ensure that every veteran and survivor receives the health care and benefits they have earned. The event will provide information about these new benefits and assist veterans with the application process.

Doors open at 10:00 am and close at 2:00 pm, a free box-type lunch will be provided, including a Ham, Turkey, or Vegetable Wrap, bag of potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and a bottle of water. The event will take place at the Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 located at 3292 Beach Road, Port Huron.

For more information, visit: sccvet.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$2,080 Checks For Michigan Families Claiming State Earned Income Tax Credit

Nearly 700,000 families in Michigan that receive the state earned income tax credit may be eligible for a direct payment later this year. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that would significantly increase the Michigan earned income credit from 6 percent to 30 percent of the federal income tax credit. 

However, the bill cannot take effect until next year. Republicans withheld votes because Democrats had included in the bill a provision to send money to a controversial business development fund.

State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), who sponsored the new bill, said that it would provide a one-time direct payment to all families that had previously claimed the lower credit. The payment could be as much as $2,080 to a family of four.

If the bill passes the state House, it will go to Gov. Whitmer for her signature. This new measure aims to ensure that low-income families get the assistance they need.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Blue Water Area YMCA Food Programs Help Feed Those In Need

While most of us take having enough food for granted, one in seven children in Michigan face hunger. The numbers are even higher in St. Clair County, where 28% of children do not get enough to eat, according to the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices.

Thankfully, there are individuals in the community fighting to reduce these alarming statistics, including Cheryl Flanagan. For over a year, Cheryl has volunteered at the Blue Water YMCA to feed local children.

As a Y member for 35 years, Cheryl was eager to get involved in something meaningful after enduring the COVID pandemic’s restrictions. She soon began working with the Y’s food program, preparing meals for over 500 children per week at several locations, including Cleveland Elementary School, Port Huron Housing, and eligible kids in daycare at the Y.

The Blue Water Area YMCA is on the front lines of providing healthy meals to our children that may be experiencing food insecurity.

If you would like to donate to the Blue Water Area YMCA to help support programs like these, visit: bluewaterymca.com/give.

Port Huron’s 7th & 10th Street Bridges Undergoing Maintenance

The City of Port Huron’s Streets Division has announced the annual maintenance washing of the 10th and 7th Street Bridges beginning Monday, May 8th at 11:00 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 12th at 6:00 a.m.

During this period, the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, but motorists can expect periodic lane closures in both directions. The work will be carried out at night to minimize the impact on the public.

The City of Port Huron apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and encourages motorists to exercise caution while driving through the work zones. If there are any further questions regarding this matter, residents are advised to contact the Department of Public Works.

The maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges is a routine procedure carried out every year to ensure the safety of the structures and maintain their longevity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron City Manager James Freed Gives Thanks To Residents

The citizens of Port Huron have overwhelmingly renewed their support for public safety and government transparency. 

City Manager, James Freed expressed his gratitude for the citizens’ recognition of the good stewardship of their tax dollars, stating that the city has delivered on its promises to protect and increase staffing levels for the Fire and Police departments. The city’s dedication to transparency in governmental finances was also highlighted, with all financial reports, budgets, and audits posted on the city’s website. 

The millage funding was also used to leverage additional state and philanthropic grants. The city has seen a rebirth and vibrancy of the McMorran Theatre, Arena, and new Plaza, Additionally, the city has invested rapidly in its parks and playgrounds, bringing innovative play and safe spaces to neighborhoods.

Freed also offered remarks regarding the voter approval of the sale of the Municipal Office Center, stating that the city will now work to attract a qualified buyer and negotiate the highest and best use for the property. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Employment Opportunities Coming Soon At Wrigley Hall Job Fair

The City of Port Huron’s newest entertainment venue, Wrigley Hall, is set to open soon and they’re looking for great people to staff a variety of businesses through their upcoming Job Fair. 

The Wrigley Center is looking to hire individuals who are passionate about their shared values of teamwork, community, excellence, and fun!

There will be on-the-spot interviews for full, part-time, and seasonal positions from businesses such as Taco Cat, Donã Marina’s, The Far Eats, and more. Positions include: Assistant General Manager, Events Coordinator, Cooks, Bartenders, Shift Supervisors and more!

The Wrigley Hall Job Fair will take place Wednesday, May 17th, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and again on Thursday, May 18th, from 11 a.m – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wrigley Hall is located at 318 Grand River Ave, Port Huron.

For more information, visit: wrigleyhall.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell