St. Clair County

Second Annual STEM Fest Promises A Day Of Exploration At SC4

On Saturday, March 9th, St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is set to host the second annual STEM Fest, a dynamic showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) wonders. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the SC4 Fieldhouse, Clara E. Mackenzie Building, and Fine Arts Theatre will come alive with over 100 interactive exhibits and activities. Thanks to generous donations and grants, the event is free to the public. Created by SC4 staff, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and The Reptarium, these exhibits promise to captivate learners of all ages. 

The newly introduced SC4 Planetarium Experience adds a celestial touch, offering insights into astronomy and constellations. SC4 President Kirk Kramer reflects on last year’s success, expressing anticipation for another impactful event inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

To register, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Showdown At Chilly Fest 2024: Winners Crowned In Epic Chili Cook-Off Battle

In a spicy showdown at Chilly Fest 2024, in Downtown Port Huron, local businesses clashed at the Chili Cook-Off this weekend, leaving taste buds tingling and attendees craving more. 

The coveted People’s Choice award went to Smoke On The Water BBQ & Catering, winning the hearts (and palates) of festival-goers. Meanwhile, the Judges’ Choice honor was claimed by What The Fry, impressing judges by scoring high in aroma, color, consistency, taste, and aftertaste.

Special recognition goes to all who entered to turn up the heat by supplying the event with their delicious dishes. Schwem’s Rubber Stamp & Trophy crafted unique trophies, ensuring the winners’ legacy is engraved year after year. A big congratulations to all contestants, making Chilly Fest 2024 a big success.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NIH Study Reveals Promising Neural Changes In Unmedicated Children With Anxiety Disorders Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), particularly the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the neural intricacies of anxiety disorders in children. 

The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, uncovered overactivation in various brain regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes, along with the amygdala, among unmedicated children with anxiety disorders. Remarkably, the research demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) not only alleviated clinical symptoms but also induced positive changes in brain functioning.

This discovery suggests that the brain changes induced by CBT could serve as reliable neural markers for anxiety treatment, shedding light on the acute effects of this widely used therapeutic approach.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Unveils “Launch Into Kindergarten” Theme For Annual Kindergarten Round-Up

Port Huron Schools are preparing for their much-anticipated annual Kindergarten Round-Up with this year’s theme being “Launch Into Kindergarten.” 

Parents are encouraged to RSVP through their child’s home school or the district administration building to ensure a personalized “goodie bag” for their little ones. The bags include student t-shirts, book giveaways, and a parent packet outlining what to expect.  Alongside these treats, many locations will provide attending students with their first-ever bus ride experience. 

Digital enrollment is available now on the PHASD website under Enrollment. Children turning five on or before September 1st, are eligible. Parents should bring the child’s original birth certificate, two proofs of residency, and vaccination records to complete enrollment.

For more information, visit: phasd.us.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Survey Shows Local Media Commands Higher Public Trust Than National Outlets, Despite Decline In Numbers

A recent survey conducted by PRFire.com unveils a nuanced perspective on media trust, highlighting the enduring credibility of local news outlets in contrast to their national counterparts. With 3,000 participants, the survey indicates a substantial 60% of respondents express confidence in local media, surpassing the 47% trust level for national outlets. 

Despite a concerning decline in local news outlets nationwide, this revelation underscores the pivotal role played by local journalism in informing communities.

However, the trust in local media is not uniform across the United States. While an impressive 83% of Delaware residents trust their local media, this figure drops to 50% in states like Tennessee, Oregon, and Idaho, revealing regional disparities. Notably, in Michigan, local publications enjoy high regard, with 71% of respondents affirming their trustworthiness, positioning them among the most trusted media outlets in the country.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Urges Michiganders To Claim Working Families Tax Credit For Maximum Refunds

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging eligible Michiganders to claim both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), also known as the Working Families Tax Credit, as they file their 2023 individual income tax returns. 

By doing so, taxpayers may reduce their federal and state taxes, potentially pay no tax, or even secure a tax refund. Last year, Governor Whitmer signed legislation that quintupled Michigan’s state match of the federal EITC, leading to an average refund increase of over $600.

“The Working Families Tax Credit delivers an average combined refund of $3,150 to 700,000 Michigan families,” Governor Whitmer emphasized. “This credit directly benefits half the kids in Michigan, providing extra financial support for families to cover essential expenses. I encourage every eligible Michigander to take advantage of the credit when filing this year.”

For more information, visit: irs.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell