George James

MDARD Lifts Ban on Bird Exhibits Just in Time for Fair Season

There’s good news for those who love looking at the poultry and waterfowl exhibits at county fairs. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has lifted the statewide temporary ban that was imposed to limit the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The goal of going thirty days without a new breakout of the virus has been met, so the ban has been lifted, but that does not mean that the highly contagious virus is completely gone.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said, “Even though the state has been able to reach this incredibly important benchmark, this does not mean the virus has left Michigan. HPAI continues to be detected in wild birds throughout the state, which is not unexpected as the virus is known to be carried by wild birds. Since the virus is still present in the environment, it is still crucial for owners and caretakers of domestic birds to take every step possible to protect their flocks.”

There isn’t believed to be a risk to humans from bird flu, but poultry and egg products should always be fully cooked and precautions should be taken when dealing with live birds, including poultry and waterfowl.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Wins Grant to Expand Internet Access

Michigan is investing in bringing high-speed internet to more consumers than ever. The latest round of investments has granted over $3 million to Michigan communities with a significant portion going to Duke Broadband in St. Clair County.

The Ira Expansion project has a total price tag of over $1.3 million. The Connecting Michigan Communities Grant will award over $858,000 toward the project.

The proposed fiber project will connect 367 locations with high-speed internet access.

This is the fourth round of awards as part of an initiative to expand broadband service to underserved areas in Michigan.

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is working to drive down costs and boost digital literacy along with expanding service. Training materials will be provided to residents in the expanded service area, along with collaboration with community groups to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.

Funding also went to projects in Menominee and Manistee counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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