Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Offers Free Hearing And Vision Screenings For Children

The St. Clair County Health Department is providing free hearing and vision screenings for children, highlighting the critical role these senses play in academic success. Early detection of hearing and vision problems is essential, as undiagnosed issues can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn and thrive in a school environment.

If a child does not pass a hearing or vision screening, the Health Department will send a referral letter advising parents to follow up with a pediatrician, an ENT specialist, an optometrist, ophthalmologist or RESA.

If parents are unavailable to bring their child to the scheduled appointment, they can appoint someone else to do so, provided the child’s name, address, phone number, and birthdate are given.

For more information, call the St. Clair County Health Department at (810) 987-5300 or set an appointment online.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Ontario Government Invests $2.5 Million To Manage Old Oil And Gas Wells

The Ontario government is investing $2.5 million this year to help municipalities better manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells. This funding is part of a three-year, $7.5 million investment aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and follows the government’s $23.6 million action plan to address legacy oil and gas well challenges.

This year, Lambton County is eligible for $105,000 to continue building on the efforts and funding allotted in 2023, which they will focus on emergency preparedness and risk reduction in rural areas.

“As we enter this next chapter of our action plan, I am pleased to see how municipalities are finding new and innovative ways to address risks posed by old oil and gas wells and enhance local emergency planning,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources.

Source: news.ontario.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Bonisteel Music Association Hosts Free Family Event

The Lake Bonisteel Music Association (LBMA) is welcoming the community out for a free family event featuring local bands, artisan goods, and food vendors. 

The LMBA Fest 2024 includes performances by The Eclectic, Chris Thornburg Apparatus, The Problem, Some Random Bastards, Yeddie Woods, Breakfast At 2PM, and The Barbara Jean Machine. Families can enjoy free kids’ crafts, games, and instrument giveaways.

Vendors at the event include Sew What, Arctic Joy, Elly’s Crystal Emporium, Cloud Candy, The Toadstool Treasury, Mason Made Crafts, Generic Name Boutique, Lounies Soap Co., and Route 21 Grill. The event is located at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For the latest updates, follow Lake Bonisteel Music Association on Facebook at Lake Bonisteel Music. Interested vendors can apply here.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

House Passes Measure For Automatic Selective Service Registration

The House of Representatives passed a measure to automatically register men aged 18 to 26 for selective service according to foxnews.com 

This measure is part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the U.S. government’s military and national security priorities for the next fiscal year, authorizing $895.2 billion in military spending, a $9 billion increase from fiscal 2024. Though the draft hasn’t been used in over half a century, registration remains mandatory; it is classified as a felony for those who do not register. 

Supporters argue this change will reduce legal challenges and cut taxpayer costs associated with prosecuting registration failures. Led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., the measure passed overwhelmingly in the House Armed Services Committee in May with a 57 to 1 vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer And Lt. Gov.Gilchrist II Applaud SCOTUS Decision To Keep Mifepristone Available In Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which allows mifepristone to remain available in Michigan.

“Mifepristone will remain safe, legal, and accessible to Michiganders despite efforts by extremists to strip away reproductive freedom,” stated Governor Whitmer. “We must stay vigilant amid ongoing assaults on reproductive health care.”

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist added, “This is a small win in a longer journey to defend reproductive freedom. We will continue to stand tall against calls for a national abortion ban.”

Mifepristone, a medication for abortion with a 99% safety record, is used in almost two-thirds of abortion care nationwide. Whitmer emphasized Michigan’s commitment to protecting reproductive rights, including repealing abortion bans and expanding access to birth control and IVF.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Festival Set To Make Waves In Port Huron

Port Huron’s Boat Weekend, part of the Blue Water Festival, returns July 17-20, promising an exciting lineup of events. 

The festivities begin with the Rotary International Day Parade on Wednesday, July 17th, in Downtown Port Huron. On Thursday, July 18th, visitors can enjoy Concerts from Los Gringos and LANCO, along with Operation Transformation’s Family Night, and the unique and eye-catching Mannequins Making a Difference. Other highlights include a drone show, performances by The Strumbellas, Elle King, and more. 

The event, presented by the Blue Water Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau, will also offer free shuttle service by Blue Water Transit to help attendees navigate the festival Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. – Midnight. 

For more information, visit: thebluewaterfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell