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Local News

Blue Water River Walk Celebrates 10 Years With Full Moon Festivities On The St. Clair River

Join the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary on September, 15th. 

The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Ferry Dock, located at 51 Court Street, featuring live music, a bonfire, and catered food. The evening kicks off with official remarks at 6:00 p.m., followed by engaging activities including river storytelling with Andrew Kercher, live community art by Jody Parmann, and a shoreline tour with the Trailblazers. 

Since its ribbon-cutting in 2014, the River Walk has transformed a mile of industrial waterfront, investing over $6 million in environmental restoration and economic development. Sponsored by Friends of the St. Clair River, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission, the event promises a memorable celebration. 

For more information, contact: Sheri Faust at sheri@scriver.org or visit scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Leaving Pets In Parked Cars During Summer Months Can Be Deadly

With the increase of summer temperatures, pet owners are urged never to leave pets in parked cars, even briefly or with the air conditioner running. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in just 10 minutes, reaching 120 degrees within 30 minutes. Such conditions can cause irreversible organ damage or death, according to humanesociety.org.

Additional Precautions to Protect Pets in Hot Weather:

  • Limit Exercise: Exercise pets during early morning or evening hours. Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
  • Provide Shade and Water: Ensure pets have access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water. Add ice to water during heat waves.
  • Avoid Fans: Fans are less effective for cooling pets than humans, as dogs sweat primarily through their paws.
  • Cooling Products: Use cooling wraps, vests, or mats, and consider offering cooling baths if pets are comfortable with water.
  • Watch for Heatstroke: Look for signs like heavy panting, lethargy, and vomiting. Move pets to a cool area and seek veterinary care if symptoms occur.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

WGRT Welcomes Andrew Kercher

WGRT welcomes Andrew Kercher as the new host for limelight. Limelight is the WGRT public affairs show that it daily at 12:20 and 6:20 PM. Andrew is a local freelance historian, lecturer and tour guide with degrees from Albion College in History and Philosophy and EMU in Historic Preservation. He has worked at museums around the state of Michigan and has proudly returned to his home town of Port Huron. When not talking history, Andrew enjoys working on classic cars and collecting antique firearms. He lives in an historic home with his wife Lauren and two beloved cats, Gilbert and Sullivan. Past editions of limelight can be found at WGRT.com

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Opposes DTE Electric’s $456M Rate Hike, Proposes Lower Increase

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has challenged DTE Electric’s (DTE) latest proposal for a $456.4 million annual rate hike, arguing that the increase is excessive and not justified. The request, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March, follows a recent $368 million rate increase granted to DTE, which would result in a 10% rise in residential electricity bills.

In her testimony, Nessel recommended a more modest $139.5 million increase, which would limit residential rate hikes to approximately 2.5%. She also called for a reallocation of customer funds towards cost-effective vegetation management and tree trimming, rather than DTE’s more expensive infrastructure projects.

Nessel’s intervention in utility cases has saved Michigan consumers more than $3 billion since she took office, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to keeping energy costs affordable. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Embrace Your Inner Web-Slinger By Celebrating Spider-Man Day On August 1st

August 1st is Spider-Man Day, a celebration for all fans of the iconic superhero. Created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Spider-Man has been Marvel Comics’ most beloved character for 59 years. First appearing in “Amazing Fantasy” #15 in August 1962, Spider-Man broke the mold by featuring an awkward, antisocial teenager who gained his powers and abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. 

Fans are encouraged to celebrate in their own unique ways, remembering that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Whether re-reading classic comics, watching movies, or dressing up as the web-slinger, the day is about appreciating Spider-Man’s impact in pop culture. 

Spider-Man’s journey from “The Amazing Spider-Man” in March 1963 to his adventures with characters like the Human Torch and Daredevil has captivated audiences for generations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BLAC Unveils Comprehensive 2024 Policy Recommendations To Enhance Equity Across Michigan

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) has launched its 2024 policy recommendations, aimed at removing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity for Black families and communities throughout Michigan. 

In collaboration with Flint’s state and local leaders, BLAC’s report proposes eight pivotal reforms to advance education, community safety, pay equity, and health. Key recommendations include adopting pay transparency laws, overhauling education funding with a $6 billion boost, and addressing the shortage of Black professionals, especially in mental health care.

Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping state policy. “Ensuring we have a diverse group of voices at the table is crucial for creating a more inclusive, equitable state,” she said.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell