St. Clair County

Celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month This March

Many Americans can trace their roots back to the country of Ireland with  relatives coming to the U.S. looking for a better life for their families. The month of March has now been recognized as Irish-American Heritage Month.

During the period between 1846 – 1851 over 600,000 individuals arrived in New York, with approximately 70% of them being Irish. This was also the time of the Irish Potato Famine in which roughly one million Irish perished due to a mold that destroyed the potato crop. Approximately another one million relocated their homes with some landing here in the U.S.

Some famous Irish-Americans include Henry Ford, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney, and Ronald Regan. 

Irish-American Heritage Month began back in 1991 with the goal of honoring the contribution of Irish immigrants and their descendants, in their role in helping to shape the country.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The City Of Port Huron Ranked 37th Most Expensive In Michigan

If you are familiar with the Blue Water Area, you are well aware of the beautiful beaches, parks, and attractions the region has to offer. Here is some information that you may not know about the Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes, Port Huron.

According to LivingCost.org the average cost of living is in the top 21% of the most expensive cities in the world, and is ranked 37th out of 59 most expensive cities in Michigan.

With a population of 29,000 individuals, Port Huron is the 1550th largest city in the U.S. 

It is ranked 5130th (Top 55%) in the list of best places to live in the world, 1924th in the U.S., and the 54th most livable city in Michigan, which puts it near the bottom in the state with only five other cities in a lower position.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

March Is Women’s History Month Let’s Celebrate

There would be no life without our hard working mothers giving birth to us all and nurturing us to be the best that we can be. With the month of March being Women’s History Month, WGRT would like to give a big thank you to our female listeners for tuning in to our station.

Women’s History Month is a time set aside to acknowledge and recognize the achievements and contributions that women have made in our society throughout history. 

It began in 1982, designated as “Women’s History Week,” by 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month.

Gone are the days when women could not vote, or participate in certain areas of society. We encourage young girls and women of all ages to believe in themselves and to embrace the power of their femininity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

2023 State Of The County Address Held In Port Huron

St. Clair County has a total population of approximately 160,000 people. An annual conference is held to give a review of how the county performed the year before, as well as what the future has in store for the area and it’s residents.

The 2023 State of the County Address was hosted by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and held at the beautiful Blue Water Convention Center. It featured guest speakers such as County Administrator/Controller, Karry Hepting and St. Clair County Board of Commissioner Chair, Jeff Bohm.

The speakers presented information to a crowd of over 400 individuals, with topics ranging from finances to future plans for the region.

New programs for the St. Clair County Sheriff Department and Health Department were discussed, as well as updates from the Economic Development Alliance (EDA).  There are also new jobs and businesses coming to the area that residents and tourists can look forward to. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Contaminated Water And Soil Dumped In Michigan Without Notice

On February 3, 2023 a major U.S. environmental catastrophe occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. A train derailment involving 38 train cars caused approximately 120,000 gallons of hazardous chemicals to spill onto the landscape. 

Cleanup crews then set fire to the spill, which released tons of toxic clouds into the atmosphere. The effects of the spill are still unknown, but the waterways connected to the Ohio River are potentially polluted and unsafe for many. 

The cleanup from the accident has left the state of Ohio with tons of contaminated soil and water, which was then shipped to Michigan and Texas without their knowledge or consent. 

US Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan says, “ I immediately called the governor’s office…none of the elected officials, none of the local officials, knew that this material was on its way.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Township Fire Department Welcomes New Staff

When it comes to civil service jobs, being a firefighter or a police officer are two of the most noble and dangerous jobs one can take on to serve their community. 

The Port Huron Township Fire Department has recently hired new staff and promoted another to Sergeant within the department. 

Firefighters Martin, Jones, and Moran were sworn in on January 1st, for the full-time firefighter role, and Sergeant Vincent for the full-time officer role. 

Firefighter Moran was promoted to the rank of Sergeant to fill the vacant full-time officer role. Firefighter Ebejer was sworn in for the firefighter role on February 20th. 

Port Huron Township and the entire Blue Water Area would like to thank these brave men for their service to our community, as we wish you well in your new endeavors.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell