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Local News

Michigan Offers Free Fishing, ORV, and Snowmobiling Weekends for Residents and Visitors

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can look forward to “free” weekends for fishing, off-road vehicle (ORV) riding, and snowmobiling each year, providing exciting opportunities to explore the state’s natural wonders and recreational activities.

The upcoming Free Fishing Weekends are scheduled for June 10th -11th, 2023, and February 2024. During these weekends, all fishing licenses will be waived, allowing individuals to enjoy the bountiful fishing opportunities in inland lakes and the five Great Lakes. 

Additionally, free ORV weekends are scheduled for June 10th-11th, 2023, and August 19th-20th. Participants can ride on designated Department of Natural Resources (DNR) routes and trails without the need for an ORV license or trail permit. 

A free snowmobiling weekend is set for February 2024. Snowmobilers can hit the trails without a snowmobile registration or trail permit, allowing for a hassle-free snowmobiling adventure. It is essential to note that all participants must still adhere to Michigan’s rules and regulations governing fishing, ORV riding, and snowmobiling.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Impact of Social Media on Children Raises Concerns

The usage of social media among children has become a topic of growing concern. Recent research highlights the potential harm associated with excessive social media use, taking into account various factors such as the amount of time spent, content exposure, and the disruption of essential activities like sleep and physical exercise. 

Studies reveal that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Alarmingly, a 2021 survey found that teenagers, on average, spend 3.5 hours per day on social media.

Social media can perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, social comparison, and low self-esteem, particularly among adolescent girls. Many girls aged 11-15 admit to feeling “addicted” to specific platforms, and a majority of teenagers find it challenging to give up social media. 

For more information, read U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McLaren Lapeer Nurses Vote Unanimously to Authorize Strike

Nurses at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital have unanimously voted in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call for a strike if deemed necessary. 

Over the past few days, the nurses held a strike authorization vote, with 100% of the voting nurses choosing to grant their bargaining team the power to initiate a strike. The move follows growing concerns among nurses regarding patient safety and the impact of corporate greed on healthcare.

Carie Babcock, RN, president of the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) says, “Nurses are rising up because we are tired of watching our patients’ lives be jeopardized due to corporate greed. We are the frontlines. We will do whatever it takes to win a contract that will protect our patients.”

While hospital executives have often cited a nursing shortage, publicly available data from government agencies reveals that there are over 50,000 registered nurses with active Michigan licenses who are presently not working in nursing roles.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bluewater YMCA: Making Healthy Living Accessible to All

The Bluewater YMCA is dedicated to ensuring that healthy living is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. To achieve this goal, the Y offers a Financial Assistance program that provides vital support to those in need.

Through the income-based assistance program, the Y aims to alleviate the financial burden of membership by offering discounted rates and flexible payment due dates. The Y believes that no one should be deprived of the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle due to financial constraints.

To apply for financial assistance, interested individuals can access the application form on the Bluewater YMCA’s website. Applicants are required to submit a completed form along with proof of one month’s household income, such as pay stubs, bank statements, SSI statements, or SNAP/Food Stamps case actions.

These types of programs are made possible by the community’s donations and support. Help support the YMCA’s Open Arms Campaign today! 

For more information, call (810) 987-6400.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join Sarnia’s Rock The Rescue Fundraiser By The Sarnia & District Humane Society

On Saturday, June 3rd, join the Sarnia & District Humane Society for their Rock The Rescue Fundraiser. The fun begins from 8 am – 3 pm, located at 131 Exmouth St, Sarnia. The Rock and Rescue Fundraiser will be having a huge sale of new and like-new items for all pets. 

The event will feature live music from 11 am – 2 pm from the incredible musical talents of Jimmy Bell and Derek Donkers, along with Katie Harvath. 

There will be plenty of games and activities for the whole family to enjoy as well such as, Connect Four from Skyline Inflatables and the dunk tank. There will be raffles, bbq, cotton candy, popcorn machines and more. 

The Sarnia & District Humane Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fight the causes of animal suffering and finding good homes for abandoned or unwanted animals. 

If you would like more information on the Rock and Rescue Fundraiser, visit: sarniahumanesociety.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bluewater Folk Society Announces 21st Thumbfest Music Festival

The Bluewater Folk Society announces the 21st Thumbfest Music Festival, set to take place on Saturday, September 2nd, from 10 am – 10 pm. The event will be held in Lexington. 

Thumbfest has a rich history of drawing over 5,000 attendees and showcasing talented musicians from across Michigan and the Midwest. The village of Lexington will host multiple performance stages, jam sites, an open mic stage, workshops, and a craft area for children. 

The festival features an eclectic lineup, consisting of various music styles and genres including traditional folk, singer/songwriter, blues, Cajun/creole, klezmer, traditional and gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and gospel, among others. With activities catered to all ages, there’s something for everyone.

Admission for the event is free, and volunteers are vital to the festival’s success, if you or someone you know would be interested in being a volunteer, email: thumbfestvolunteer@bluewaterfolk.org. 

For more information on the Thumbfest Music Festival, visit: bluewaterfolk.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell