St. Clair County

Governor Whitmer Champions Educator Investments In Historic State Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted significant investments in the newly passed state budget to support educators past, present, and future. “This year’s budget builds on our historic efforts to invest in educators and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed,” she stated. 

The budget includes $181 million to support veteran teachers, scholarships to reduce higher education costs for future educators, and continued student loan repayment programs. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the budget’s role in creating an environment where educators can thrive, while Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi applauded the pre-funding of the school employee retiree health system. 

This budget marks the largest investment in Michigan’s education history for the sixth consecutive year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Best Medicine: How A Good Laugh Can Keep You Young And Healthy

Enjoying a good comedy or hanging out with your funny friends could be more beneficial to your health than you may think, according to mcpress.mayoclinic.org 

Laughter can alleviate stress by reducing stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, according to Mayo Clinic expert and oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D. These hormones are linked to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

“When we laugh, there’s a decrease in cortisol and an increase in endorphins,” he explains. Laughter, whether with friends or through funny videos, floods the body with feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Studies show laughter can reverse the body’s stress response and may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem, improve social skills, and enhance memory. 

Dr. Creagan emphasizes laughter’s broad benefits, including better heart health and a stronger immune system. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

8th Annual Mainstreet Memories Car Show Returns To Port Huron

  1. The 8th Annual Mainstreet Memories event, a world-class car show in beautiful downtown Port Huron, returns this year, uniting car enthusiasts with local businesses to support the community and local charities. 

This year’s event taking place Saturday, July 27th, at 10 a.m., will feature MainStreet Memories Sponsors and Vendors Displays, music by DJ/Emcee Scott Kool, and door prizes every 15 minutes along with 50/50 raffles. There will also be interactive experiences and activities for children.

Attendees can enjoy a diverse food court featuring local restaurants/businesses, food trucks, a pancake breakfast, corn roast, hospitality tent, and a farmers market. Additionally, the Salvation Army will present “Cars, Coffee, & Kettles,” showcasing exotic cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and vintage automobiles. 

For more details, visit: mainstreetmemoriesph.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Area Hosts Spectacular Firework Displays For Independence Day Celebrations

The Blue Water Area community is gearing up for a series of dazzling firework displays to celebrate Independence Day. Gather your family and friends to enjoy these family-friendly events near you.

On July 4th, head to Port Austin for a vibrant fireworks show, along with a 9:45 pm display in St. Clair. The celebrations continue on July 5th, with spectacular fireworks in Lexington, Caseville, and Algonac, all beginning at 9:45 pm.

The festivities will extend into the weekend with a fireworks display in Port Sanilac on July 6th. The celebrations wrap up on July 13th, with the Maritime Fireworks in Harbor Beach. 

Don’t miss these exciting opportunities to celebrate the holiday with your community!

Source: Bluewater.org

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Eases Traffic Restrictions For 4th of July Travel

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced starting today at 3 p.m., traffic restrictions will be lifted on nearly 60% of road and bridge projects statewide to alleviate delays for holiday travelers. AAA estimates over 2.6 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more from home this Fourth of July weekend, setting a new record for the second consecutive year.

“Fourth of July weekend is a time to come together with family and friends,” said Whitmer. “To ensure Michiganders can get to their destinations safely and on time, we’re lifting traffic restrictions.”

The traffic restrictions will be lifted until 6 a.m. Monday, July 8th, 105 out of 174 projects will have lane restrictions removed. 

For the latest updates, visit: Michigan.gov/Drive.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County RESA’s Next STEP Transition Program Empowers Young Adults With Disabilities

The Next STEP Transition Program by St. Clair County RESA offers vital support for young adults aged 18 to 26 with documented disabilities. 

In the classroom, students learn essential “soft” skills that are fundamental to both personal and professional success. These skills include basic living abilities such as cooking, budgeting, and managing finances. Additionally, students are taught employability skills, such as operating a cash register, making change, and adhering to a structured schedule. 

Students gain practical work experience through placements at real-world job sites, learning customer service, stocking, or assembly tasks. To join, candidates must be eligible for special education services, have attended high school for at least four years, and demonstrate potential for independence. 

For more information, contact Next STEP Coordinator Scott Ceglarek, at (810) 989-5719.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell