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Local News

Michigan Makes Strides In Tackling Housing Shortage

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant progress in addressing Michigan’s housing shortage. Thanks to state investments, federal resources, and robust private development, Michigan has built or rehabilitated 50,000 housing units, reducing the statewide shortage from 190,000 units to 141,000 units.

“Our record investments have provided tens of thousands more Michiganders with safe, affordable homes,” said Governor Whitmer. “With our partners, we are making historic investments to expand housing supply, reduce costs, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has set a five-year housing goal, recently increased by 53%. CEO Amy Hovey highlighted the progress and emphasized the need for continued investment to meet growing demands.

Projections indicate Michigan will add 20,000 housing units annually through 2026, potentially increasing with sustained investment. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MI Snack Competition Extends Entry Deadline

The MI Snack Competition, a popular event in the snack food industry, has extended its deadline for entries to August 12th. This extension gives aspiring snack makers additional time to prepare for the competition scheduled for September 14th at McMorran Plaza in downtown Port Huron.

Formerly known as the MI New Favorite Snack competition, this event promises more than $50,000 in cash prizes. The top award recipient will also receive a distribution agreement with All Star Services, a local Break Room Services company.

The entry fee for the competition is $200 for companies located outside St. Clair County, while local snack makers pay a $100 fee. Those from St. Clair County can opt to compete statewide by paying an additional $100. 

For more information and to register, visit the MI Snack Competition page on the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce website at: BlueWaterChamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Issues Swimming Advisories For Six Beaches

UPDATE: ALL SWIMMING ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN LIFTED

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued swimming advisories for six beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. The affected beaches are Chrysler Beach in Marysville, Holland Beach, Lakeside Beach, Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, and Keewahdin Beach and Fort Gratiot County Park Beach in Fort Gratiot.

E. coli, a common bacteria indicating fecal contamination, can increase after storms or strong winds due to storm water runoff and wave activity. The SCCHD will collect water samples until E. coli levels meet state guidelines.

Updates are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach.

For more information, contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Adoptee Advocates Of Michigan At Blue Water Festival

Join the Adoptee Advocates of Michigan at the Blue Water Festival in Port Huron, where they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bayview Mackinac Race. The festival runs from July 18th to 19th with 80 art vendors and various festivities. Visit Booth #86, located at the intersection of McMorran and Huron Street near the food trucks.

The Adoptee Advocates of Michigan will be educating the public about the Adoptee Citizenship Act 2024, how it affects the rights of international adoptees and the challenges Michigan-born adoptees face in accessing vital information. 

Connect with fellow adoptees and learn more about available resources on July 18th from 4 to 9 p.m. and July 19th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Uncovers Top Barriers Preventing Physicians From Addressing Addiction

A comprehensive review of 283 studies over 61 years, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals why physicians hesitate to address addiction according to nih.gov. 

The primary barrier, cited in 81% of studies, is the “institutional environment,” encompassing lack of support, insufficient resources, and organizational challenges. Other significant barriers include insufficient skills (74%), lack of cognitive capacity (74%), and inadequate knowledge (72%). Negative social influences and fear of harming patient relationships also deter interventions. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes the need for institutional changes to support evidence-based addiction treatment. Dr. Nora D. Volkow, NIDA Director, calls for increased training and resources to ensure compassionate, effective care for substance use disorders across all medical disciplines.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit: bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Trash Bash In Port Huron Is A Unique Community Cleanup And Festival

On July 20th, starting at 11 a.m., Port Huron residents are invited to join a community cleanup day, beginning at the Charles A. Hammond American Legion Post 8. 

Participants will spend the day filling bags with litter, and those who bring filled bags to the evening event will be entered into a raffle for prizes. 

The festival continues into the night with local vendors and live music by Breakfast at 2pm, Yeddie, Storm Theory, and Criminal Rock. Attendees can also collaborate on an art project with Trash the Clown, decorating trash barrels for the community. Trash the Clown will also offer face painting. Sponsored by The Process, this event aims to beautify the community while offering fun and creative activities for all ages.

For more information, visit: trashbashporthuron.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell