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

Local News

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

St. Clair County Health Department Issues Swimming Advisory For Keewahdin Beach

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has closed Keewahdin Beach in Fort Gratiot due to elevated E. coli levels.

The closure follows water tests indicating the presence of the bacteria, which can signal fecal contamination. SCCHD will continue sampling the water until E. coli levels return to acceptable standards set by the State of Michigan.

E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, often increase after storms or strong winds due to stormwater runoff and wave activity. Beachgoers can stay informed about advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches through the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website.

For more details, visit scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chronic Mouth Breathing Poses Serious Health Risks, Experts Warn

Chronic mouth breathing can significantly harm the respiratory system and overall health, according to the National Library of Medicine’s website. 

Inhaling through the mouth introduces unfiltered, poorly humidified air, adversely affecting lung function. Nighttime mouth breathing is linked to increased snoring and sleep apnea. Over time, habitual mouth breathing can alter facial bone structure, leading to a narrow face, higher upper palate, bad breath, and dental issues such as malocclusion (upper and lower teeth don’t align when your mouth is closed) and crooked teeth. This condition also impacts facial muscles, causing speech problems and damage to the soft tissues in the airways. 

Observational studies indicate over half of school-aged children are chronic mouth-breathers, with 25% developing sleep-disordered breathing by age six. Experts emphasize the importance of nasal breathing to avoid these health complications.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell