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Local News

Blue Water SandFest To Host Michigan’s Premier Sand Sculpting Championship

The Blue Water SandFest, held from August 2nd – 4th at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, will feature Michigan’s first and only major sand sculpting competition. 

Set against the stunning Lake Huron backdrop, the event includes Semi-Pro Solos, Doubles, and Amateur contests. Visitors can enjoy free sand sculpting lessons, demonstrations by master sculptors, and the Quick Sand Speed Sculpting Show.

The festival boasts a Kids Zone with a huge sandbox, a live music festival featuring local and Nashville artists, and a beer garden. Food vendors, cornhole games, and tours of Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, guided by the Port Huron Museum for $5, add to the fun. The event aims to support the restoration of the lighthouse and grounds. Enjoy three days of family-friendly excitement at Blue Water SandFest!

For more information, visit: bluewatersandfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County 4-H And Youth Fair 2024: A Week Of Family Fun

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair will take place from July 15th – 20th, at Goodells County Park, located at 8345 County Park Drive, Goodells, MI. 

Starting at 9 a.m. daily, the fair will feature a variety of activities, including livestock shows, a Junior livestock sale, carnival rides, monster truck rides, robotics demo, car show, mud volleyball, and an animal oasis with a petting farm for all to enjoy.

Kids can enjoy activities like a pedal tractor pull, splash pad, frog jumping contest, turtle race, diaper derby, and stick horse rodeo. Nightly entertainment includes a rodeo, demo derby, and tractor pulls. The fair will also feature food vendors, craft shows, and much more! 

For more information, visit: stclaircounty4hfair.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

St. Clair County TEC Shines At National SkillsUSA Competition In Atlanta

Five students from St. Clair County TEC represented Michigan at the national SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta from June 24-28. 

Competing against peers nationwide, TEC students demonstrated their expertise in various fields. Samantha Halsey (Virtual Learning Academy) and Janiah Curry (Port Huron Northern High School) placed 16th in Nail Care, while Hannah Plucinski (St. Clair High School) secured 24th in Cosmetology Overall. Allane Stamplis (St. Clair High School) finished 33rd in Welding Sculpture, and Gavin Ward (Marysville High School) achieved 14th in CNC Programming.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who competed at the national SkillsUSA competition,” said TEC Principal Lesley Murphy. “Their commitment, hard work, and passion for their respective fields have truly shone through.”

SkillsUSA is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students, featuring over 6,000 state champions from across the United States competing in 115 skilled and leadership contests.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Urgent Recall: Diamond Shruumz-Brand Products Pulled Due To Severe Health Risks

Microdosing of mushroom related products are all the rage as of late, but you may want to steer clear of this particular brand due to major health concerns, according to fda.gov.

All flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand products, including Microdosing Chocolate Bars, Infused Cones, and Micro-Dose and Mega-Dose Gummies, have been recalled due to severe health risks. Consumers reported symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, abnormal heart rates, and nausea after consuming these products. 

Consumers are advised not to eat, sell, or serve these products and should discard them or return them for a refund. Parents should ensure these products are not accessible to children and teenagers. Retailers must cease sales immediately and contact the recalling company to manage returns. 

Updates on the recall status will be provided as they become available.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Champions Educator Investments In Historic State Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted significant investments in the newly passed state budget to support educators past, present, and future. “This year’s budget builds on our historic efforts to invest in educators and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed,” she stated. 

The budget includes $181 million to support veteran teachers, scholarships to reduce higher education costs for future educators, and continued student loan repayment programs. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the budget’s role in creating an environment where educators can thrive, while Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi applauded the pre-funding of the school employee retiree health system. 

This budget marks the largest investment in Michigan’s education history for the sixth consecutive year.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Best Medicine: How A Good Laugh Can Keep You Young And Healthy

Enjoying a good comedy or hanging out with your funny friends could be more beneficial to your health than you may think, according to mcpress.mayoclinic.org 

Laughter can alleviate stress by reducing stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, according to Mayo Clinic expert and oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D. These hormones are linked to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

“When we laugh, there’s a decrease in cortisol and an increase in endorphins,” he explains. Laughter, whether with friends or through funny videos, floods the body with feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Studies show laughter can reverse the body’s stress response and may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost self-esteem, improve social skills, and enhance memory. 

Dr. Creagan emphasizes laughter’s broad benefits, including better heart health and a stronger immune system. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell