George James

Sprout City at Palmer Park in Port Huron Is Back Open

Port Huron, MI — Great news for little kids and their parents: Sprout City is back open.

The popular playground located in Palmer Park in Port Huron is back in business after an extended closure. The park has opportunities for children to use their imaginations within a safe tot-sized city. New to the park this year are a school, a fire station, and a police station, which are still under construction. A tiny store, bank, repair shop, vet clinic, and more are already on the property.

In years past, kids could borrow tricycles and toys, but this year, they will have to bring their own to minimize sharing of germs. There is a track on which kids can safely ride their bikes brought from home and work on their gross motor skills, along with spaces for moms and dads to sit and watch.

Sprout City is fully enclosed by a fence for added safety for the youngest patrons. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Children and their caregivers are asked to maintain social distancing while enjoying the park. 

Sprout City was built and opened in 2018 with grants from various national and local agencies and volunteer efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Effort Underway to Put U.S. Space Force Headquarters in Michigan

Those that were once thought to be storylines in science fiction novels continue to be real headlines in the year 2020. The United States has developed a “Space Force” and there’s a chance it could be headquartered in the Southeastern Michigan region.

A resolution has been introduced in the Michigan Senate urging the United States Congress, Trump Administration, and the U.S. Air Force to locate the headquarters of the new U.S. Space Force in Macomb County’s Sterling Heights.

The Space Force is a newly created branch of the armed services that is affiliated with the Air Force. Plans are underway for it to secure its own headquarters and local proponents argue that Southeastern Michigan is a natural fit.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Michael D. MacDonald of Macomb Township said, “Space is the final frontier, and Macomb County is uniquely positioned to lead the way in developing and protecting our national interests in space. It would boost our economy, offer exciting new opportunities for Michigan and provide the Space Force with everything it needs to be successful in accomplishing their mission.”

The Bill has been referred to committee for consideration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Pure Michigan Pledge Gives Peace of Mind to Tourists

Port Huron, MI — Tourism is a vital industry in the Blue Water area and throughout the state of Michigan. COVID-19 fears can lead to cancelled travel plans which then lead to lost revenue. The Pure Michigan Pledge has been developed to give tourists peace of mind while keeping revenue flowing into Michigan destinations.

The guidelines of the pledge are safety measures thought to mitigate transmission of COVID-19. Businesses who take the pledge promise to have their staff wear face masks, practice social distancing, clean high traffic areas regularly, keep sick employees home, wash hands frequently, and encourage use of cards instead of cash. Businesses that make the pledge can receive an official logo to display on their property and can be added to the map of locations that have made the promise.

The program was just rolled out and so far, major attractions like The Henry Ford, The Bavarian Inn, and others have gotten on board. No Blue Water area businesses are on the list yet. Businesses can sign up to take the pledge, request the logo, and get on the map at https://www.michigan.org/puremichiganpledge.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Face Shields Donated to Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Back to school fashion will be very different this year with face masks, and now face shields, becoming part of daily school wear. Port Huron Schools has received a donation of 5,040 plastic face shields.

For those attending in-person classes this year, face masks are required while the state is in Phase Four. The masks protect other people from the wearer’s coughs and sneezes. Face shields are not required to wear, but they are allowed for both staff and students as a layer of protection to keep COVID-19 viruses away from the wearer’s eyes, nose, and mouth.

The donation was made possible by PTI Engineered Plastics in Macomb, Michigan, through a connection with Port Huron Schools staff member, Erika Senecal, Director of Choirs at Port Huron Northern.

A press release from Port Huron Schools said, “This donation is truly valued as we work diligently to have our students and staff return to schools as safely as possible.” Back to school plans are still in development for Port Huron Schools, and the specifics of the distribution of the new face shields have not been released.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Warning to Float Down Participants: Stay Out of Canada

The  Royal Canadian Mounted Police have a serious warning for those who plan to participate in the unsanctioned Float Down this Sunday: stay out of Canada.

A warning from the Mounties said, “U.S. citizens that land in Canada unintentionally will be arrested pursuant to IRPA Section 55(2) and transported back to the United States.”

U.S. citizens that land in Canada are subject to immigration laws as well as restrictions regarding controlled substances and alcohol. They will also be subject to COVID-19 screening. Wayward floaters will likely lose their coolers, flotation devices, and other property.

Fines of up to $750,000 and six months of jail time are mentioned in the warning. The border is currently closed to non-essential travel, and that includes any type of recreational boating and floating.

Over 1500 floaters landed in Canada in 2016 and were transported across the bridge back to Port Huron. The winds can be unpredictable and difficult to manage in a floating raft or inflatable. Without a paddle, floaters are at the mercy of the winds. The Ontario Royal Mounted Police have made it clear that they will be less accommodating this year than they were in 2016.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Masks on Children now Required in Daycares and Camps

Face coverings are now required on children and staff at child-care centers and camps throughout Michigan, according to the latest Executive Order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Day cares have never stopped operating throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and face coverings had not been required until now. Summer camps were allowed to open this summer, and while face coverings were not mandated, different camps had their own rules on face coverings.

The new order requires camp and daycare staff and children ages two and up to “mask up” on the bus. Children ages four and up must wear a face covering in indoor common spaces. All staff and all children twelve and older are required to wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small-group settings. The governor also strongly encourages that all children ages two and up wear face coverings when indoors, according to the order.

Children do not have to mask up if they cannot medically tolerate it, while eating, swimming, or doing high-intensity activities, or while physically distanced outside. Babies under the age of two are not required to wear masks.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland