St. Clair County

St. Clair County Community College To Host Free Total Solar Eclipse Celebration On April 8th

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up for a spectacular event as they prepare to host a celebration in honor of the April 8th total solar eclipse. The college invites the public to join in the festivities from 2 to 4 p.m. at the campus opposite the College Center on River Street.

Attendees can anticipate a variety of engaging activities, including informational sessions, interactions with SC4 professors, and the opportunity to peer through solar telescopes for a firsthand view of the eclipse. 

Instructor of Physics/Astronomy, Patrick Wilcox, emphasized the significance of experiencing such a phenomenon locally, remarking on the lasting impact it leaves on observers. The eclipse, wherein 98.1 percent of the sun will be obscured as seen from Port Huron, will reach its peak visibility around 3:15 p.m.

SC4 is committed to ensuring safe viewing practices, providing resources to protect attendees’ vision from the potentially harmful effects of direct sun exposure.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Popular Platform Tik Tok Could Be Banned In The U.S. With Today’s Vote

With TikTok emerging as a pivotal issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, House leadership has scheduled a vote for Wednesday, March 14th, on legislation that could determine the fate of the popular video-sharing app. 

The proposed bill mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its U.S. assets within six months or face a nationwide ban. TikTok vehemently opposes the legislation, arguing it infringes on free speech and harms small businesses. The House committee’s unanimous vote in favor of the bill underscores the bipartisan consensus on addressing TikTok’s perceived security risks.

President Biden’s campaign recently joined TikTok despite his expressed national security concerns, previous bans on federal devices, and his statement that he would sign the Bill to have the platform banned.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

James C. Acheson Donor Advised Fund Allocates $30,000 To Blue Water Recovery For Crucial Engagement Center

The James C. Acheson Donor Advised Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, has allocated a substantial $30,000 grant to the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center (BWROC) located at 619 A 10th Street, Port Huron. This funding aims to establish an engagement center, addressing a critical need highlighted by Patrick Patterson, the Executive Director of BWROC.

Patterson emphasized the urgency, stating, “An engagement center is a vital resource, especially during the precarious time between relapse and treatment when lives are at risk.” Currently, St. Clair County lacks such a facility, leaving individuals in vulnerable situations.

The grant will be instrumental in furnishing the engagement center, situated above the Outreach Center, covering essential startup expenses. Patterson voiced hopes for additional support from the county commissioners to ensure sustained operation, stressing the importance of addressing this pressing community need.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Declares March 11-April 9 As Ramadan Month In Michigan, Celebrating Muslim Contributions

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially designated the period from March 11th to April 9th as the month of Ramadan in Michigan, recognizing the significance of this sacred time for Muslims across the state. 

In her proclamation, Governor Whitmer highlighted the importance of Ramadan as a period of spiritual reflection, charity, and unity within the Muslim community. This year, the celebrations carry added weight as Michiganders come together to pray for peace, particularly in light of recent events in Gaza. 

The Governor commended the Muslim community for their invaluable contributions to the state, citing their economic impact, charitable endeavors, and commitment to education and civic engagement. Additionally, amid rising threats against Muslims, Governor Whitmer continues to advocate for increased security funding for places of worship, emphasizing the state’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Library System Introduces Free Notary Public Service This Week

In a bid to enhance accessibility and convenience for residents, St. Clair County Library System is set to roll out free notary public services, effective Monday, March 11th. This initiative aims to assist individuals in legalizing documents, ensuring their authenticity and validity. 

By offering this crucial service across all library branches, the county seeks to alleviate the burden of locating and paying for notary services elsewhere. However, appointments are necessary to use this service, emphasizing the importance of prior arrangements. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their preferred library branch in advance to secure their appointment slot. 

With this provision, the library system continues to fulfill its mission of providing essential resources and support to the community, catering to diverse needs effectively.

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Begins Major Upgrades To Edison Shores Pump Station, Road Closure In Effect

The City of Port Huron is set to commence extensive upgrades to the Edison Shores sanitary pump station, located on the northwest corner of Thomas Edison Drive and St. Clair Street, starting Monday, March 11th. These improvements will involve the replacement of three raw sewage pumps, piping, valves, flow meter, operating equipment, as well as concrete repairs and exterior enhancements. 

To facilitate the construction, Thomas Edison Drive will be closed to through traffic between Stone Street and St. Clair Street until approximately April 15th. A guided detour and Road Closed Local Traffic Only signs will be in place. By-pass pumping, utilizing portable pumps powered by a diesel generator and a pipeline across Thomas Edison Drive, will ensure uninterrupted sewer flow during the construction period. 

The Department of Public Works is available to address any inquiries or concerns regarding this project.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell