Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

MI Snack Competition Calls For Entries For September 2024 Event

The MI Snack Competition in Port Huron, Michigan, is calling for entries for its September 14th, event. The contest, formerly the MI New Favorite Snack competition, will award over $50,000 in cash prizes, with the top winner receiving a distribution deal with All Star Services.

The deadline for entries is July 12th. Fees are $200 for non-St. Clair County entrants and $100 for local companies. Eligible businesses must be Michigan-based with 10 or fewer employees. All entries will compete in three categories for cash prizes of up to $10,000 per category, with additional $1,000 prizes for St. Clair County competitors.

The MI Snack Competition is presented by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, All Star Services, and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and to register, visit: BlueWaterChamber.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Surprising Benefits Of Crying: Why Shedding Tears Is Good For You

Though often seen as a sign of weakness, crying offers numerous benefits supported by scientific research, according to medicalnewstoday.com. 

Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and self-soothing. It also serves as an attachment behavior, encouraging social support during distress.

Emotional tears, whether related to sadness or joy, release oxytocin and endorphins, easing both physical and emotional pain, and enhancing mood. Crying can also reduce stress by expelling stress hormones from the body, potentially aiding sleep.

Tears contain lysozyme, a fluid with powerful antimicrobial properties, helping to fight bacteria and keep eyes clean. Additionally, basal tears, produced every time we blink, maintain eye moisture and clarity.

Embracing tears not only fosters emotional well-being but also supports physical health, underscoring the natural benefits of this often-overlooked response.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Summer Gasoline Standards Implemented for Michigan Beginning June 1st

Beginning Saturday, June 1st, ozone monitoring will resume in eight Southeast Michigan counties, including Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. 

To combat smog, these counties must now only sell gasoline with a vapor pressure not exceeding 7.0 psi. This measure is part of the summer gasoline program, initiated in 1996 to address ozone level violations in Detroit.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will enforce these regulations to ensure Michigan maintains federal highway funding. “Governor Whitmer’s bold actions to protect our environment are echoed in our efforts at MDARD,” said Director Tim Boring. 

MDARD will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which ends September 15th, to ensure compliance and protect air quality.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

[Canceled] St. Clair County Issues Swimming Advisory For Holland Beach Due To Elevated E. Coli Levels

This swimming advisory has been canceled!

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. Keewahdin Beach in Fort Gratiot remains closed for the same reason.

Water samples will be collected regularly until E. coli levels meet Michigan’s acceptable water quality standards. E coli, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates potential fecal contamination. Elevated levels often occur after storms or strong winds, which cause runoff and wave agitation.

For updates on beach advisories, visit the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page or the Michigan BeachGuard website. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or by contacting the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Council On Aging Hosts Family Bowling Fundraiser

Get ready for a day of strikes and spares at St. Clair County Council on Aging’s first ever Family Bowling Fundraiser on June 22nd. 

The 9 Pin No Tap event will be taking place at Port Huron Lanes, located at 1718 Hancock Street, Port Huron. Registration starts at 10 a.m. followed by bowling at 11 a.m. Early registration costs $20 with payment due by June 17th, increasing to $25 afterward. The fee includes three games and shoe rental, with prizes for top bowlers. 

Enjoy 50/50 raffles, raffle baskets, and two mystery games for a $1 buy-in. Pizza and pop will also be available for sale. 

For more information, call (810) 984-5061 ext. 129 in Port Huron or (810) 765-3523 ext. 305 in Marine City.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Majority Of Michigan Parents Support Mental Health Sick Days For Students

A new study reveals that 3-in-4 Michigan parents advocate for mental health sick days for children. 

The survey, conducted by Test Prep Insight among 3,000 parents, found that 79% believe children should take days off for mental health reasons, higher than the national average of 73%. Two-thirds of parents feel this decision should be theirs, not the school’s, while 8% support breaks for feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork.

This trend emerges as chronic absenteeism rises, with 26% of public school students missing significant school time last year, up from 15% pre-pandemic. Contributing factors include family travel during school terms and parents’ work commitments. The findings highlight the growing recognition of mental health’s impact on student attendance, urging schools to adapt to these needs.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell