George James

Five Green Guardians to Be Recognized at St. Clair County Earth Fair

The 2022 Green Guardians have been announced. Green Guardians are those who work to enhance, preserve, and protect the natural environment in the Blue Water Area.

The winners are Jan Vincent of Lavender Creek Farm, LLC; Don Strauss of the St. Paul Lutheran Community Garden; Mike Shuler, a volunteer with the Blue Water Conservation District’s Spring Tree Sale; The Richmond Schools Lee Elementary Green Club; and the Memphis Elementary School Makerspace/STEAM Lab.

Melissa Kivel, a member of the Earth Fair committee, said, “We’re proud to formally recognize and celebrate the work being done by these people to clean up and support our local natural resources. Our community is a cleaner, healthier home for both humans and wildlife because of these environmental superheroes.”  

The winners will be recognized during the 2022 St Clair County Earth Fair at Goodells County Park on April 29th and 30th. The Green Guardians Award started in 2017.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Don’t Prune Oak Trees April 15th to July 15th

Step away from the chainsaw. It’s the wrong time of year to cut oak trees. Oak wilt is a serious disease that can devastate red oak and white oak trees and pruning oak trees can spread the disease.

James Wieferich, forest health specialist in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division, warns, “The guidelines against pruning oak trees during this time are designed to help prevent the spread of this tree-killing disease to new areas. Once oak wilt gets started, it is expensive to successfully manage and will kill all nearby red oaks over time, if untreated.”

April 15th to July 15th is the highest risk period for the spread of oak wilt. The fungal disease can be spread quickly by beetles carrying spores of the fungus from tree to tree, using the wounds from pruning or storm damage.

Oak wilt presents as wilting from the top down and losing leaves. It spreads quickly and can take out a whole crop of oaks in a short amount of time.

If you suspect oak wilt on your property, you should contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

LINK Summer Program Links Teen Volunteers with Woodlands Students

The LINK Summer Program is looking for students who have an interest in working in a classroom at Woodlands Developmental Center over the summer. The LINK Program gives interested 7th-12th graders hands-on experience working with students living with developmental disabilities.

The student volunteers will be “Linked” with the Woodlands students to help them learn independence skills and socialization.

After some training sessions, LINK volunteers will work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through July and into August. Participants will get a free t-shirt and lanyard.

LINK can build valuable experience and career exploration for those thinking of a career in teaching, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or the medical field. Community service hours can be earned through the program.

The application process includes an essay and a letter of recommendation. Applications are due by May 16th.

For more information, call or email Chelsey Hull, School Social Worker, at 810-455-4366 or hull.chelsey@sccresa.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Police High School Youth Academy Planned for Summer

The Port Huron Police Department is holding their High School Youth Academy from July 25th through 29th for students who have an interest in a career in law enforcement. Plenty of hands-on training will be offered.

Officer Dennis Huisman, School Resource Officer with Port Huron Schools and Port Huron Police Department, said, “The highlight of the High School Youth Academy is to get teenagers interested in a career field that they might not have thought much about or were interested in but did not know where to start.”

Huisman said, “The Youth Academy helps build those early relationships between police officers and future police officers. Even students who attend who do not want to be police officers walk away with a better understanding of what police officers do every day.”

Huisman said this is the fourth year for the Academy. It will be held at Port Huron Northern High School. The camp is a full forty hours and should help students decide if a career in law enforcement is for them, and if so, how to get started on their career paths.

Signup information can be found at the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/PHyouthacademy

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Looking for A Fun Summer Job? St. Clair County Parks Job Fair April 20th

Looking for the perfect summer job in beautiful outdoor settings? St. Clair County Parks and Recreation might have the job for you. The Department is looking to hire workers to assist in seasonal park operations.

The County is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, April 20th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Goodells County Park. They will be holding onsite interviews to match candidates with available jobs.

The county offers a flexible schedule and a variety of work opportunities. Student applicants must be at least sixteen years old and need to have a valid driver’s license.

Diane Barbour, Director of Human Resources for St. Clair County, said, “The beautiful St Clair County Parks are always changing. With new trails, kayak and canoe launches, and increasing water access, working for St. Clair County Parks is a great opportunity to enjoy the summer.”

County Parks operates Goodells, Columbus, Fort Gratiot, and Woodsong County Parks, Fort Gratiot Light Station, Wetland County Park, the Marine City Dredge Cut, and the Wadhams to Avoca Trail.

For more information, visit the link below.

https://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/parks/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Canada Bans Foreign Homebuyers for Two Years to Try to Stabilize Market

If you’re a U.S. citizen thinking of buying a property across the border in Canada, you’ll need to hit pause on that plan. The Canadian government has put a ban on foreigners buying houses in Canada, in the wake of skyrocketing home prices.

The nation’s new budget plan addresses housing affordability. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blames speculation and greed on the increasing home values. His administration has crafted a Homebuyers Bill of Rights to help Canadians achieve their dream of buying a home. 

A plan to increase housing supply to meet the demands of the growing population was also presented, as was a savings plan to help Canadians save for a down payment.

Sarnia’s real estate market is in line with the housing trends throughout Canada. A modest three-bedroom home can approach a half-million dollars.

Home prices in Canada have shot up over 50% in the last two years, with the national average price at over $800,000 Canadian. Trudeau’s administration has also proposed intervening in real estate practices that promote secret bidding which is blamed for driving prices to thousands of dollars over the asking price.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland