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Local News

Tips For Safe Outdoor Cooking And Eating This Summer

Barbecuing and grilling in warm weather can be challenging due to food safety concerns. To prevent foodborne illnesses, follow these tips to keep your meals safe:

  • Wash hands: Use soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. If outdoors, use a water jug, soap, and paper towels, or disposable towelettes.
  • Separate raw and cooked food: Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked items.
  • Cook thoroughly: Use a thermometer to ensure hamburgers reach 160°F and chicken 165°F.
  • Refrigerate promptly: Don’t leave food out for more than two hours, or one hour if above 90°F.
  • Keep hot food hot: Maintain at or above 140°F and eat hot take-out within two hours.
  • Keep cold food cold: Store below 40°F and use ice to keep foods chilled.

By following these guidelines, you can help prevent you and your family from foodborne illnesses this summer. 

Source: fda.gov

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Family Fun Day And WWII Pullman Troop Kitchen Car Grand Opening At Sanilac County Museum

The Sanilac County Museum, located at 228 S. Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac, announces two days of free fun for the public. 

Friday, July 5th, will be Family Fun Day, a fun-filled event where you can enjoy free activities and games including petting zoos from Timber Creek Farm and Thumb Balls Ball Pythons. 

Enjoy Summer Story Time where you can check out free books and crafts. Support Farmers Market vendors from 1 – 5 p.m., enjoy delicious treats from Hot Dog Hut, and Extreme Freeze food trucks, and also $5 pony rides.

On Saturday, July 6th, join the grand opening of the WWII Pullman Troop Kitchen Car at Sanilac County Museum. The event starts at 4pm with acknowledgements and a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a patriotic concert by the Deckerville Area Community Choir at 5 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate The Fourth Of July And The Origins Of America’s Holiday

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, can be traced back to its roots in the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War which granted independence and the birth of the United States that we know today. 

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain, and on July 4th, delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Initially commemorated with patriotic celebrations, such as bonfires and the firing of cannons and muskets, the holiday gained further significance post-War of 1812. 

In 1870, Congress declared it a federal holiday, and in 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees. Today, the Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings, symbolizing American freedom and patriotism. 

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Leaders Celebrate Passage Of Historic Bipartisan FY25 Budget

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Speaker of the House Joe Tate, and other legislative leaders celebrated the passage of a balanced and bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2025. The $82.5 billion budget supports students, boosts public safety, builds affordable housing, and aims to help anyone “make it” in Michigan.

“We are making record investments that will benefit everyone across the state without raising taxes by a penny,” said Governor Whitmer. The budget includes a $15 billion general fund, $19 billion school aid, and $75 million for a new revenue-sharing trust fund supporting local services. 

It prioritizes education, public safety, infrastructure, and affordability, aiming to improve lives and ensure a thriving future for Michigan residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Algonac Lions Club Hosts 86th Annual Pickerel Tournament Festival

The Algonac Lions Club is excited to host its 86th Annual Pickerel Tournament Festival from Wednesday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 7th in Downtown Algonac. 

The festival kicks off with the fishing tournament registration at 8 a.m. on July 3rd, alongside the Midway opening from 5 to 11 p.m. The event will feature a variety of attractions including a beer tent, parade, hotdog and doughnut eating contests, celebrity dunk tank, family fun day with free pizza and clowns, car show, and much more! Also, be sure to catch the amazing fireworks display on Friday, July 5th. Join the community for a fun-filled 4th of July celebration! 

For more details, visit algonaclionsclub.org or follow the Algonac Lions Club on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Fort Gratiot Cancels 2024 Carnival And Fireworks Due To Venue Issues

Fort Gratiot announced the cancellation of the 2024 carnival and fireworks show, much to the community’s disappointment. Since 2018, the event has been held in the Birchwood Mall parking lot, sponsored by donors and managed by T.J. Schmidt & Company. Proceeds from ticket sales funded the carnival and fireworks display.

However, due to new contracts between the mall’s new property owner and another carnival provider, Fort Gratiot can no longer use the Birchwood Mall property. Although other local businesses offered to host, none met the required criteria.

Deputy Treasurer and Event Coordinator Lisa Skotcher expressed regret over the cancellation but encouraged participation in Bluewater Cruise Night on June 28 and the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show on June 29. 

The community’s support remains invaluable in continuing Fort Gratiot’s tradition of summer celebrations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell