George James

Neon Orange is the Best Choice for Kids’ Bathing Suits According to Research

Swimming is at the top of the list of things that make summer fun for kids. But as with most fun things, there are inherent dangers when swimming in lakes or pools. Something that parents might not think about is the color of their children’s bathing suits and how that color choice could potentially be life-saving.

If the bathing suit color blends in with the water, it can be hard to see a child who is in distress. And the best color choice is different for pool swimmers versus lake or pond swimmers.

ALIVE Solutions, Inc, found that Neon Yellow, Green, and Orange were the most visible in lake water. White was a distant fourth, and all other colors had a disappearing effect.

For pools, ALIVE found white and light blue to be the worst choices for visibility underwater. The top choices were neon pink and neon orange.

While nothing makes up for proper use of lifejackets and close supervision, having a neon orange or other safe-colored bathing suit is one more thing that can help keep kids visible and safe in the water.

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-swimwearthink-safety

https://alive-solutions.com/blog/f/buying-bathing-suits-for-lakes-open-water

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public Murals an Example of Thriving Art Community

The proliferation of public art in the form of murals in the Blue Water area is an example of how the pandemic-inspired social distancing inspired creative ways to make and display artwork.

Local artist and art community organizer Jody Parmann was asked how things are going in the creative community. Parmann said, “As for the local art scene, it’s on fire right now!”

Parmann helps connect artists to mural opportunities. She said, “It’s like planting seeds, that others water and harvest. It’s beautiful to see my fellow artist’s projects come to fruition.”

Parmann said, “Friends of St. Clair River’s drain murals are being painted by local artists of all ages from Marine City to Port Huron. The new mural by April Cutler on the side of Classic Nails & Spa on 716 Lapeer Ave in Port Huron is absolutely beautiful! Carol Dalrymple over at Foundry is doing amazing out-of-the-box things. I think our community is really starting to embrace the local talent and it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”

There are also murals on the MI Mutual building and in the Military Street tunnel.

If you can’t make it out to view all of the murals, you can go to Parmann’s website, bluewatercreativity.com, to check out the work of local talent.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Series of New Laws Signed to Expand Childcare Access

Bills to expand childcare access were signed into law last week. The bills allow for a higher child-to-adult ratio and establish the Family Child Care Networks that provide technical assistance and support to small, home-based childcare businesses.

The bills also expand care options for infants and toddlers by requiring Family Child Care Networks to be in place state-wide, and addressing licensing and regulatory technicalities.  

Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau said, “Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families.”

Laidlaw said that the licensing bureau has researched the issue by talking to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare businesses. Laidlaw said, “These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care — while keeping safety for kids front and center.” 

Links to all of the childcare bills signed into law can be found below.

HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5042 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5044 was sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5046 was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5047 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5048 was sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fatal Accident on McKinley Road

The St. Clair County Sheriff Office is investigating a one vehicle accident that resulted in the death of the driver.

The preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle, a 2011 Ford Escape, was southbound on McKinley Road and lost control near Markel Road. The vehicle rolled over and the driver, a 19
year old Clay Township man, was ejected from the vehicle. Investigation shows he was not
wearing a seat belt.

The man was transported by Tri Hospital EMS to River District Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The passenger, a 22 year old Ira Township man, had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

McKinley Road was shut down for several hours during the investigation. It has been determined that speed was a factor. The St. Clair County Accident Investigation Team is continuing the investigation. The names of those involved are being held at this time pending further notification of family.

Kenockee Fire Department to Get Life-Saving Grain Bin Rescue Tubes

Kenockee Township Fire Department, serving the Avoca area in St. Clair County, is the recipient of a potentially life-saving resource. The department will receive grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to be used if the first responders ever encounter a grain entrapment situation.

Grain bin entrapment is a particularly scary fear that farmers and their families live with, as dozens of lives are lost each year to it. Once someone falls into a bin or wagon full of grain, it is very hard to get out.

Nationwide, an insurance and financial services company, provides the devices and training and has given out 265 rescue tubes since 2014.

Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide said, “It’s been our mission to bring an end to this industry issue by raising awareness of the dangers and supplying needed equipment to the front line rescuers tasked with responding when accidents occur.”

A state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator will be brought to the Kenockee Fire Department to conduct the training and deliver the rescue tubes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland