Rockin’ the Rivers Starts This Week with Air Margaritaville
There’s still quite a bit of summer left with several weeks of warm evenings that are perfect for outdoor music. This year’s Rockin’ the Rivers Thursday concert series in Port Huron’s Kiefer Park kicks off on Thursday.
The four-concert series starts off this Thursday, August 4th with Air Margaritaville as the headliner and Dave Frendt as the opener.
The Rockin’ the Rivers concerts are traditionally well attended by music lovers of all ages. You just need to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food trucks are on-site and there is a kids’ zone full of entertainment for children.
The location is right on the St. Clair River in Kiefer Park, next to the Port Huron Municipal Office Center. Parking is free.
Thursday, August 12th brings Your Generation in Concert, a tribute band that covers five generations of hits.
August 18th features Elton Rohn and The Fabulous Henhouse Boys and August 25th features The Gobies, a local favorite, along with Paul Shonk Music.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
SMR Pilot Program Bus Service to End September 9th
The partnership between the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission and SMR Automotive Systems of Marysville is winding down. The SMR Pilot Program, which has been providing reliable transportation to the Marysville factory six days per week since 2016, will end on September 9th.
The pilot program was provided by SMR Automotive Systems, which employs a large number of people in the Blue Water Area, and was intended to run for just 90 days and then be evaluated. It was so successful that it ran for six years.
According to the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission, SMR has determined that the service is no longer needed. It has been running since 2016.
Starting September 9th, the City of Marysville will provide service with Blue Water Area Transit route #20 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The Blue Water Area Transportation Commission has expressed its thanks to SMR Automotive Systems for providing additional transportation service days and times over the past six years.
For the full bus schedule, visit http://bwbus.com/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
With Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Looming, MDARD Pleads for Vigilance in Reporting and Prevention
The spotted lanternfly is a menace and has the potential to destroy Michigan staples like apples and hardwood trees. But it’s not picky. It feeds on more than 70 different species, and an infestation could be devastating to the state’s agricultural economy.
Robert Miller with the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said, “Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape.”
The pest has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern United States and dead lanternflies have been found in packaging materials in Michigan. So far, MDARD hasn’t found any live ones.
Miller said, “With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time.”
If you come across the dreaded pest, let MDARD know immediately. Citizen awareness and reporting are critical in containing the pending arrival of the invasive pest.
From MDARD:
From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.
Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage
| If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification. |
Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
MDOT Temporarily Moves Mackinac Bridge Escort Staging Area
For some people, exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their bucket list, but driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a deal breaker. The Michigan Department of Transportation has a solution for those who would rather not be behind the wheel while crossing the five-mile-long suspension bridge, one of the longest in the world. There is a service available where someone drives your car across for you.
Bicyclists and pedestrians can also get a ride across the bridge, and commercial vehicles can request an escort to help them safely navigate the bridge.
MDOT has announced that the location of the escort staging area, where motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists wait for their assistance in crossing the bridge, has moved due to construction on I-75 in Mackinaw City.
The new location is at the Mackinaw City Welcome Center. It will be there for about four weeks.
There is a $10 charge and a waiver required for those who need someone else to drive their car across the bridge. There are charges for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Go to WGRT.com for more information.
Patrons requiring MBA transport services or escorts should contact the authority at 906-643-7600.
https://www.mackinacbridge.org/fares-traffic/transport-services/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
McLaren Port Huron Recognized as “High Performing” Hospital
McLaren Port Huron Hospital has something new to brag about. The hospital was named by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2022-23.
This is the 8th year of the Procedures and Conditions ratings, which are designed to assist patients and doctors in making choices about their healthcare, especially as it relates to common conditions and procedures.
Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”
McLaren Port Huron received the High Performing rating, the highest rating given by U.S. News and World Report, for being better than the national average in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, Heart Attacks, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.
Fewer than half of the more than 4500 medical centers received the High Performing rating for any condition or procedure.
Cecava said, “Being recognized as a High Performing Hospital, among some of the nation’s best health care providers, is an honor.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland