St. Clair County

Camp Cavell Hosts Exciting Fundraising Dinner October 22nd

Camp Cavell invites the community to an exciting fundraising dinner on October 22nd from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at 3335 Lakeshore Road. 

The event promises an evening filled with fun, delicious German inspired food, and an engaging auction. Attendees have a chance to win big with the 50/50 raffle. Tickets for the event are $25, offering an affordable way to support the camp’s initiatives.

Attendees can also secure FREE tickets by sponsoring the event. The money from this fundraiser will be used to: 

  • Start an endowment fund to secure land contract and ensure the future of Camp Cavell.
  • Provide camper scholarships for low-income families who cannot afford the full cost of camp.
  • Fix historical buildings that need urgent repairs and upgrades.

For more information, visit: campcavell.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Expands Michigan Reconnect, Allowing Young Adults Ages 21-24 to Access Tuition-Free Community College

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently launched “Opening Week,” an initiative to extend Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college scholarship program. The expansion now includes adults aged 21 to 24, previously limited to those 25 and older. 

Governor Whitmer stated, “By lowering the age for Michigan Reconnect, we’re opening doors of opportunity for up to 350,000 more Michiganders to earn a tuition-free associates degree or skills certificate.” 

This move aligns with the state’s Sixty by 30 goal, aiming for 60% of adults to attain postsecondary education or training by 2030.

Established in February 2021, Michigan Reconnect has garnered significant success, resulting in increased funding, including $70 million for the latest expansion. Over 132,000 Michiganders have applied since its inception less than three years ago.

Applications can be found at: michigan.gov/reconnect.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson Advocates For Electronic Vehicle Title Transfers In Testimony Before Senate Committee

In a pivotal testimony, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson passionately urged the Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to endorse SB 533, a groundbreaking bill facilitating electronic transfers of vehicle titles in Michigan. 

Asserting a commitment to enhancing citizen convenience, Secretary Benson highlighted the Michigan Department of State’s progress toward efficient online services. She emphasized that passing the bill would revolutionize the department’s ability to serve Michiganders by providing a swift online avenue for transferring vehicle titles. 

SB 533 proposes the establishment of a secure electronic system, enabling seamless online transactions between private sellers and buyers, thereby eliminating the need for in-person visits.

The bill also seeks to empower the Michigan Department of State to issue electronic titles, further streamlining processes in line with modern digital practices.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Small Businesses Set To Flourish With $5.2 Million Federal Grant Awards

In a major boost for Michigan’s small business landscape, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II has announced the recipients of federal grants from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) grant program. 

Nine organizations will share the $5.2 million funding to provide crucial technical assistance offering legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to bolster small businesses. Some of those businesses include ACCESS, Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, and ProsperUs Detroit Micro Lending. 

With over 60 applicants vying for a portion of the $94 million in funding requests, the competitive nature underscores the program’s significance. Lt. Governor Gilchrist emphasized that the initiative aims to empower Michigan’s backbone—the small businesses—to thrive, grow, and “Make It in Michigan,” fostering economic resilience over the next three years.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDOT Announces Inspection Of I-94 Business Loop Bridge Over Black River In Port Huron

In a proactive move to ensure public safety, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the I-94 Business Loop (Military Street) bridge spanning the Black River in Port Huron. 

The inspection is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October  9th, with an anticipated completion by Thursday, Oct. 12th.

During the assessment, traffic will be managed with one lane open in each direction. Some delays are expected due to intermittent full closures required for lift testing. This meticulous inspection is aimed at allowing bridge staff to perform routine checks, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the vital transportation artery.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Freshwater Jellyfish Found In Michigan’s Lake Huron

This weekend, a routine sailing expedition on Lake Huron led the crew of Chippewa to an astonishing discovery, the presence of Craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as the Peach Blossom jellyfish. 

Measuring no larger than a quarter, these exotic invertebrates, originating from China, were spotted in the calm waters of the lake. The harmless jellyfish, believed to have entered North America through the aquarium trade a century ago, aren’t deemed invasive to native ecosystems.Despite their jellyfish-like traits, these creatures, resembling marine counterparts, wield stinging tentacles to capture small prey, with stingers too minuscule to affect humans.

Port Huron resident and Owner of The Write Company and Blue Water Woman magazine, Patti Samar, says “There were thousands of them in the water on Saturday, I’ve been sailing Lake Huron for years and had never seen them before, and neither has anyone else at the Yacht Club.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell