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
Selfridge Air Show To Honor WW2 Vets July 9-10
The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House is honoring World War II veterans this year, along with the traditional air show and display of the military equipment at the base. The show is planned for July 9th and 10th. The theme of this year’s show is “Celebrating the Next Century of Flight at Selfridge”.
The Harrison Township base is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, and admission is free. Preferred seating is available for purchase. The air shows are held from noon to 4:00 each day.
An extensive roster of aircraft will be performing in the air, with appearances by rare and unique planes. The full list can be found at teamselfridge.com.
Fifty World War II veterans will be special guests at Selfridge on July 9th. World War II veterans are getting close to 100 years old if they have not already reached that milestone.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a joint military base that was established in 1917.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland