George James

Neglected Horse Rescued; Owner Prosecuted

Day Dreams Farm, a non-profit Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation facility located in Marine City, has taken in a horse that was recovered by the St. Clair County Animal Control office.

According to Animal Control, two horses were found in deplorable condition at a residence on Griffin Road in Riley Township. One horse was humanely euthanized on-site by a veterinarian. A second horse was surrendered to authorities.

The search of the property took place last month as a result of citizen complaints. The owner of the animals was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, which, according to Michigan law is a misdemeanor when one allows an animal to needlessly suffer. The owner pled guilty and  was sentenced to not possess animals for five years and to pay $800 in court fees and restitution.

Melissa Miller, Director of Animal Control said she is pleased with the ruling. She said, “That length of time for prohibition is a rarity and shows the severity of cruelty inflicted on these horses. This is a win for equine welfare and shows St. Clair County takes animal neglect seriously.”

More information about Day Dreams Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and how to donate to the non-profit, can be found on their website, daydreamsfarm.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan Launched

The Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan was kicked off last week with the focus on re-engaging the workforce and investing in small businesses.

The Plan relies on incentives to boost wages to attract those who might not be currently working. Unemployment policies are tightening up with recipients needing to do weekly job searches. Making childcare more accessible is also part of the plan.

Michigan’s plan is funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, with Michigan having about $2 billion left to spend. The massive influx of federal money has helped to move Michigan from a $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus. The race is on to allocate the funds, which Governor Whitmer calls “once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunities”.

Part of the plan is to subsidize pay to bring it up to a minimum of $15 per hour for at least three months and to continue the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs.

There is also $370 million allocated to expand access to no-cost or low-cost childcare for families that are currently not working due to lack of childcare.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Tick App Helps Track Tick Populations

Tired of ticks? It’s a banner season for ticks in Michigan with their numbers rising. Staying aware of tick hot spots and taking measures to prevent ticks from getting comfortable on people or pets is easy with the launch of The Tick App.

The App was developed by Jean Chao, who researches ticks and tick-borne illnesses in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, along with scientists at the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University.

The Tick App is both educational for the user and useful for researchers who are tracking ticks. Tick discoveries can be reported through the app and fears about infection can be calmed or precautions can be taken.

Tsao reports in MSU Today that not all ticks carry Lyme disease or other pathogens and removing a tick before it’s been on people’s or pets’ bodies within 12 hours can reduce the likelihood of infection. Lyme Disease is a serious illness.

The best way to avoid ticks is to use an effective repellent and to stick to trails that are out of tick habitats. If you do come across a tick on your skin, save it and freeze it so it can be examined by a doctor to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office Created

After vetoing repeated attempts by the legislature to incentivize internet providers to reach underserved communities with high-speed internet, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order to establish the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office.

The Office will be coordinating and advancing the state’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to every home and business that needs it. A $2.5 billion potential economic benefit is estimated to be lost each year due to the “digital divide”.

Whitmer said, “A fully connected Michigan is essential for our state to reach its economic potential in the 21st-century global economy.”  

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office will be housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Development.  LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin said, “Expanding high-speed internet access and affordability will help ensure that Michigan remains a world leader in innovation. We need to make major investments to support digital inclusion and this office will be focused on leveraging every dollar available through the American Recovery Plan and other federal programs.”  

Efforts will be focused on bringing internet service to underserved communities throughout Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Rec Fills Summer Schedule with Free Fun

What’s better than fun activities for kids during the summer? FREE fun activities for kids during the summer. The Port Huron Recreation Department has announced a full roster of free summer fun for families.

The list includes free drive-in movies to be held in partnership with Sperry’s Moviehouse. The fun gets started on Tuesday, June 8th with The Lion King, 2019 version, starting at dusk. Families can watch from their cars in the McMorran Southwest parking lot and tune in on their car radios. There are eight movies scheduled throughout the summer and fall.

The SuperSlide is also opening back up this summer after a year off. The innovative and unique hillside slide is located at Palmer Park in Port Huron. The slide is for kids and kids-at-heart who are at least five years old and 40 inches tall. The slide is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with evening hours of 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Rec on the Go Bags will be handed out on Wednesdays starting June 16th.

More information about all of the free programs this summer can be found at porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

The Henry Ford Museum Presents The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited

Remember the simpler days of watching The Muppet Show on Friday nights or Sesame Street on PBS every morning? Both shows are the work of Jim Henson. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, just about an hour drive from the Blue Water area, has announced a popular new exhibit for all ages: The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited. It gets started on June 5th.

The exhibit takes viewers into the work that Jim Henson did for film and television and his impact on American culture. Guests will get to see over 100 original artifacts, including 25 of Henson’s puppets.

There are also character sketches, storyboards, scripts, costumes, and photographs, along with film and television clips and behind-the-scenes footage. Those who attend the exhibit can participate in interactive puppeteering experiences.

The Jim Henson Experience runs from June 5th to September 6th and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission is $25 per person with some discounts available. Admission includes entry into the entire museum, which has a huge collection of artifacts chronicling the history of innovation.

https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/the-jim-henson-exhibition-imagination-unlimited

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland