George James

Midwest Ag Leaders Remind That Buying Local is Best

There’s no better time of year to be buying local. Fresh-picked tomatoes off the vine, local sweet corn, sunflowers, and all of late summer’s bounty awaits hungry shoppers at Farmer’s Markets and roadside stands.

The Departments of Agriculture in seven mid-western states have made a video asking residents to buy locally grown and made products to support state food and agriculture economies.

The ag leaders say that buying fresh produce or dining at a farm-to-table restaurant can have big impacts on local economies. Choosing local foods at grocery stores can make a difference as well.

The officials from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Kentucky all shared their appreciation for food and agriculture workers, who are always essential workers, who continued to work through the pandemic to feed America. They called them “a key piece to the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities”.

The collaborative video effort of the Midwest states is hoped to remind viewers that local products like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other products are not only the freshest and highest quality but also a huge help to local economies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrX-7CBYYkU

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Saturday’s Thumbfest Celebrates Folk Music

If you like folk music, this weekend’s Thumbfest is for you. Lexington will host the music festival on Saturday, September 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the town.

Thumbfest began in the 1990s and has since developed into a late summer tradition, organized by the dedicated volunteers in the Blue Water Folk Society.

The festival is free to the public thanks to many commercial sponsors and donors, but donations are accepted. Those who attend will need to bring their own lawn chairs. Both food and craft vendors will be onsite.

There are seven stages with full schedules of musical acts, along with a community sing tent and a jam tent, among others. There are opportunities for those who brought their instruments to join into some performances.

Thumbfest is a family-friendly event with special areas for children to make music, as well as a drum circle. Camp Cavell is hosting special activities for kids.

Shuttles will be running throughout the festival, with service every 15 minutes along the route. The full lineup of musical acts can be found at bluewaterfolk.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

No More Rapid COVID Tests for Travelers to Canada at SCC Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Department has announced that Canadian and other travelers will need to look elsewhere for COVID-19 Rapid PCR testing. Canada requires all travelers 5 years and older to provide proof of a COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Those driving into Canada must be tested within 72 hours of planned entry into Canada even if vaccinated and need to have the proof of testing available for 14 days after entry.

The St. Clair County Health Department is short on testing supplies and is giving testing priority to individuals who are exhibiting symptoms, those who live in congregate settings like nursing homes, and those in  high-risk situations.

Previously scheduled appointments will be honored, but no new appointments are being made for travelers.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health officer for the St. Clair County Health Department said, “We encourage all residents and visitors to plan ahead before crossing the border or traveling. Explore your testing options well before you leave. Individuals can find a list of COVID-19 testing locations on our website www.scchealth.co.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

HURON Lightship Back Open for Visitors

The HURON Lightship is back in business after the unplanned shutdown due to a rare weather-related issue. The damage from last summer’s rapid rise in water levels on the St. Clair River has been repaired and Port Huron’s crown jewel, the museum in a boat, is ready to greet guests.

The location at Pine Grove Park in Port Huron near the Thomas Edison parkway makes the HURON one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The HURON Lightship was the last operating lightship and along with many maritime artifacts also displays live footage from a camera located on the river bottom.

Port Huron Museums’ Andrew Kercher told us that the Museum is very excited to have the HURON Lightship reopened to the public. Kercher said, “The HURON Lightship is marking its centennial this year, and we are very grateful to our partners at the City of Port Huron that we can help share this National Historic Landmark with thousands of visitors each year.”

From now until September 19th, the HURON is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. After that, it will be open on a weekend schedule. Ticket information can be found at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Range Road Overpass Closing for Construction

Range Road from Griswold to Lapeer Roads in Port Huron Township is scheduled for reconstruction. The project will close Range Road temporarily.

The work is scheduled to begin on September 8th and is planned to wrap up by October 22nd if the weather cooperates. The work is being done by M.L. Chartier Excavating, Inc. The project has a $939,000 price tag, paid for by the St. Clair County Road Commission, the State of Michigan, and the Federal Highway Administration.

The reconstruction of Range Road includes crushing and shaping the existing asphalt, paving a portion of the road shoulder, cleaning up the ditches and replacing culverts, as well as making new pavement markings, and restoring the site.

About two weeks after the start of the project, the Range Road overpass at I-69 will close to traffic. The closure is allowed for up to 35 days. The detour involves Griswold, Michigan, and Lapeer Roads.

Local traffic access to homes and businesses will be allowed, along with access for emergency vehicles, but local residents should plan for delays during construction.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland