SC4 to host annual Juneteenth celebration
St. Clair County Community College is collaborating with the Port Huron community to host the third annual Juneteenth celebration, A Taste of Heritage, Freedom and Unity, from noon to 4 p.m. June 19 at SC4.
“The event honors African American contributions to our nation’s culinary culture and celebrates the spirit of freedom and unity,” college officials said in a news release. “This will be a live-tasting exhibit that traces the delicious African American foods that have contributed to our nation’s culinary culture. African Americans have inspired our country’s food for over 400 years through their skill, creativity and entrepreneurship. Black foodways have shaped much of what we farm, cook and drink.”
“Juneteenth is a celebration of progress despite the most painful parts of history,” SC4 Chief Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Jessica Brown said in the release. “There is still more work to be done; we want everyone to join in celebrating this wonderful American history. We are better together and honor our ancestors, which paved the way for me to celebrate this day. We want meaningful action and support to empower our community to stand in unison, which is something we all want to overcome.”
Event highlights will include the following:
• Free live-tasting exhibit: Guests will trace the culinary journey from Africa to Jamaica, showcasing the rich history that has shaped American cuisine.
• Cultural showcase: Attendees will experience live music, dancing, networking opportunities with restaurateurs, live storytelling and spoken word performances from local activists, musicians and dancers, showcasing the vibrancy of African American heritage.
• Food and drinks: Attendees will enjoy signature drinks and African/Black cuisine from local and neighboring community restaurants, including Chef Chris Catering, Elle Symone Catering & Events, Daylicious Drinks and Treats, Jamaican Jerk, Southside Sweets, Yum Village and Baobab Fare.
The event is presented in partnership with SC4, Port Huron Branch NAACP, St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity, the Port Huron Museum, the city of Port Huron, Black Lives Matter Port Huron, the International Council of Community Churches, the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County and AAmos Consulting Group.
Road work underway
Area motorists will see a handful of road and intermittent lane closures as various projects are completed throughout St. Clair County.
All projects are weather dependent. Here’s a look at what’s ahead:
• Casco, Ira townships: Bethuy Road at Marine City Highway will be under construction for intersection improvements through late June. Bethuy Road is fully closed at the intersection, and Marine City Highway traffic is maintained with temporary traffic signals.
• China Township: St. Clair Highway between King Road and Indian Trail will be closed to all traffic through June 14 due to a crossroad culvert replacement project.
• Clyde, Kimball, Port Huron townships: West Water Street between Atkins Road and Strawberry Lane will have intermittent lane closures during the week of June 10 due to microsurfacing.
• Columbus Township: Big Hand Road between Bauman and Arlington roads will have intermittent lane closures during the week of June 10 due to ditching.
• Columbus Township: Division Road between Palms and Hessen roads will have intermittent lane closures during the week of June 10 for bridge work.
• Riley Township: Riley Center Road between Bordman and Burt roads will have intermittent lane closures during the week of June 10 due to tar and stone.
• Riley Township: Sparling Road between M-19 and Stapleton Road will be closed for one day during the week of June 10 due to a crossroad culvert replacement.
Giant Garage Sale seeking donations
Members of Woman’s Life Club 11 will host a Giant Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26 at Woman’s Life Insurance Society, located at 1338 Military St. in Port Huron.
The Giant Garage Sale, a cash donation fundraiser to benefit Mid City Nutrition, will take place during the MainStreet Memories Car Show event that will take place at Vantage Point, directly behind Woman’s Life, a recent press release states.
The Giant Garage Sale will include household and holiday items, décor, jewelry, sporting goods, yard and outdoor equipment and more, donated by Woman’s Life members and staff.
Anyone who has items to donate may deliver them to Woman’s Life from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through July 15. No items will be priced for the sale; cash donations only will be accepted. Woman’s Life Insurance Society will match the first $500 raised, with all proceeds donated to Mid City Nutrition.
Club 11 was established 91 years ago as a volunteer-based fraternal club to raise funds for local charities and has supported organizations including Blue Water Area Humane Society, Blue Water YMCA, Eastern Michigan Food Bank, Little Red Food Pantries of St. Clair County and Kids in Distress, the release states.
For more information about Woman’s Life Insurance Society, call 1-800-521-9292 or visit womanslife.org or facebook.com/womanslife.
MSP hosts graduation ceremony for 145th Trooper Recruit School
The Michigan State Police was set to host the graduation ceremony for the 145th Trooper Recruit School on June 7.
During the ceremony, the 54 recruits were set to be sworn in as MSP troopers by Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, a media advisory states.
Upon graduation, the new troopers will report to their assigned MSP posts across the state. Zachary Allbaugh, of Clay Township, and Victoria Beauvais, of Marine City, were both assigned to Lapeer. Scott Grzanka, of Richmond, and Brynn Meadows, of Kimball Township, were both assigned to Metro North.
St. Clair County Sheriff Explorers graduate
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Explorers Post #2004 is celebrating rounding out its fifth year after reinstatement and several St. Clair County Explorers recently graduated on June 4.
“When the group reemerged in 2019, there were big ideas, but small numbers,” a recent press release states. “Since then, the group has grown to nine. These individuals range from 15 years old to 21 years old with an interest in and passion for law enforcement. The group meets weekly throughout the school year to learn about different topics in the field including, but not limited to, traffic stops, officer safety, (Tactical Combat Casualty Care), building searches and physical training.”
The group is a starting point for many careers in law enforcement, the release states. Before it was dissolved in the 1990s, the St. Clair County Explorers Post was home to many that are or were in leadership positions, including retired Sheriff Donnellon, retired Undersheriff Paulus, Chief Platzer of the Port Huron Police Department, Chief Konik of the Marysville Police Department, Chief Sheldon of the Lexington Police Department and Chief Mainguy of the Port Huron Township Fire Department.
Each year, Michigan Law Enforcement Youth Advisory Committee hosts a competition for Explorer posts throughout the state. It is comprised of five events: building search, felony traffic stop, domestic assault investigation, traffic crash investigation and pistol marksmanship.
“The Explorers first showed how hard work was paying off in 2023 when they returned home with an award from the Explorer State Competition with a fifth-place award for their performance in domestic assault investigation scenarios,” the release states. “Last month, SCCSO Explorers traveled Fort Custer once more to attend the state competition. There they placed fourth in marksmanship and third in building searches. Most notably, though, SCCSO Explorers were awarded the Governor’s Cup for the highest overall score, a huge accomplishment — 1985 was the last time St. Clair County Explorers earned this award.”
At 6 p.m. June 4, several St. Clair County Explorers graduated in a ceremony and celebration at the sheriff’s office.
“I am extremely proud of this group of students,” Sheriff Mat King said in the release. “They have worked hard, shown dedication and persevered to achieve their goals. Whether they choose to pursue a career in law enforcement or elsewhere, I wish them luck.”
