George James

New Laws Allow for Swim-up Bars, 17-year-old Bar Servers

Several bills were signed into law this week, with two expanding how alcohol can be sold to consumers.

House Bill 4232 lowers the legal age for those who can serve alcohol in restaurants to seventeen. Lawmakers say the new law is meant to “expand the workforce” for restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol and are having trouble finding workers.

Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis said, “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.” 

House Bills 5983 and 5984 allow for eating and drinking in public swimming pools and for swim-up bars. According to the Office of Gretchen Governor Whitmer, the bills are meant to “maximize business heading into a Pure Michigan summer”.

The swim-up bar legislation was applauded by the Zehnder family of Frankenmuth who owns the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which has a large water park onsite. State Representative Rodney Wakeman of Frankenmuth introduced Bill 5984.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Terra Damchuk of Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Wins Statewide Award

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced that Terra Damchuk, the Director of Sales, has won the “Most Innovative Planner of the Year Award”.

The award was given out at the Annual Meeting Professionals International 50-Year Celebration held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City earlier this month. Meeting Professionals International serves the meetings and event industry.

Damchuk was selected out of 200 possible candidates. She was recognized for bringing the chapter its first hybrid event involving five different in-person watch parties across the state as well as a virtual component. The innovative format was replicated across MPI Global to engage members while offering education and professional development on a regional level.

Terra Damchuk is the Vice President of Education for the Michigan Chapter of the Meeting Professionals International, as well as the Director of Sales for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Bureau promotes the Blue Water region as a desirable convention and tourism location.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Ask for Precautions and Prevention During Heat Emergencies

The Michigan State Police’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has asked Michigan residents to take precautions during extreme heat.

Captain Kevin Sweeney, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and commander of EMHSD, said, “High heat and humidity can put additional stress on the body, which could potentially be life-threatening. We’re asking that people take precautions during this time and check on the most vulnerable members of their community.”

To prepare for extreme heat, draw the drapes to keep out morning or afternoon sun to reduce the amount of heat entering the home. Make sure pets have plenty of water and a place to cool off.

The State Police ask you to check on family members and neighbors and be aware of cooling centers or public buildings with air conditioning in an effort to prevent emergencies from happening.

Illness from overheating is serious. Limit vigorous activity, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine to stay safe during the heat wave.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Where it All Began” Boat Show Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Chris Craft; June 25th in Algonac

The 37th Annual Michigan Chapter Antique and Classic Boat Show is coming to Algonac on June 25th. The show celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Chris-Craft with the theme “Where it all Began”.

The Chris-Craft boat company got started in Algonac and its history is being celebrated with the boat show, which is free to the public to view from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 90 boats are expected at the show.

While checking out the boats is the main attraction, the show offers a chance to meet the captains and crew, free boat rides, food, and vendors. Boats will be both docked in the Algonac Harbour and on land. Kids’ activities include the opportunity to build your own mini wooden boat, Tootsie the Clown, live music, and ice cream.

Free boat rides are from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on June 25th. A tent will have displays telling the story of the Chris-Craft boat building legacy and its place in Algonac’s history.

For more information, go to the News page at WGRT.com.

EVENT LOCATION: Algonac Harbour Club, 1999 Pte.Tremble Rd., Algonac, MI  48001

Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Shows (Algonac)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Young Professionals Program Prepares Youth for Careers

The Young Professionals program through the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! office is making an impact on both Blue Water area businesses and young people in the Blue Water area.

We talked about the program with Youth Program Coordinator Cristine Robson, who said, “Young Professionals works with each young adult to identify their career interests and then matches them up with a worksite that provides industry-related experience.  This summer we’re heavily recruiting worksites in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and trades, but we welcome partnerships from all industries since young people have a wide variety of careers they want to explore.”

The interns are paid $14 per hour and gain valuable work experience. Kyle King, an intern with WGRT said that the program is helping him prepare for a career in radio.

The Young Professionals have placed interns with an interest in early childhood studies with Kiddie Campus child care in Marysville and have provided a valuable service during the pandemic and beyond.

How can businesses get involved in having summer interns? Call/text (734) 612-9526 or contact us through our website:  www.macomb-stclairworks.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bill to Fund School Safety Grants Signed into Law

House Bill 6012, sponsored by State Representative Pamela Hornberger, a Chesterfield Republican, was signed into law last week. The bill funds risk assessment and critical incident mapping in schools to create safety plans. It also funds mental health and security resources for Oxford Community Schools in the wake of the tragic violence that took place in November of 2021.

Hornberger said the bill will help Oxford with many expenses related to the tragedy. The bipartisan bill also helps schools with making buildings safer by determining where further investments are needed.

The bill allocates $14 million for public schools, intermediate school districts, and private schools in the form of $2,000 grants to complete a comprehensive safety and security assessment.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice endorsed the bill but said it’s just a start. Rice called on the legislature to support the governor’s budget request of a $361 million increase in children’s mental health spending and $51 million for school safety grants, along with passing gun safety laws.

Click to access 2022-HNB-6012.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland