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Local News

Experience Unforgettable Celebrations At The Blue Water YMCA

Looking for the perfect venue to make your special occasion memorable? Look no further than the Blue Water Area YMCA! Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, family gathering, or even a business meeting, the Y offers an exciting and unique setting for all kinds of events.

You can schedule a 2 or 3-hour celebration which includes access to the party room, the Recreation pool, and the gym. Their dedicated Y Party Coordinator will be there to assist you every step of the way.

The 2-hour party rental starts at $160 for members and $210 for non-members. For extended celebrations, the 3-hour party rental is available at $235 for members and $290 for non-members.

Programs like this and others are made possible by the generosity of the community through monetary donations and volunteer services. Donate to the Blue Water Area YMCA Open Arms Campaign to help them continue providing these services to the community.

For more information, visit: bluewaterymca.com/open-arms. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Swimming Advisory Issued For Lakeside Beach Due To E. Coli

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Lakeside Beach in Port Huron due to concerns over water quality. 

The SCCHD Environmental Health Division will collect water samples until E. coli test results meet the State of Michigan’s acceptable range. To ensure safety, water sample results must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters. 

E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals’, can indicate fecal contamination. Multiple sources may contribute to bacterial contamination, such as septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and agricultural runoff. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent waters can elevate E. coli levels. 

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

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4’s New Theater Summer Camp Opening For Young Thespians

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is introducing a new theater summer camp for students in grades 1-9. The camp will take place from July 17th – 21st, at SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre. 

Participants in grades 1-3 will attend from 9 am – 12 pm, while those in grades 4-9 will join from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.

The primary goal of the camp is to foster self-assurance on stage, encourage creativity, and provide a fun and stress-free acting experience. This theater camp is an excellent addition to SC4’s lineup of athletic and STEM-based summer camps.

Throughout the week, camp participants will collaborate on various short scenes, culminating in performances on July 21st. 

To register for the camp, interested individuals can visit sc4.edu/camps. The registration fee is $125 per student. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Eat Fresh By Supporting Local Farmers Markets

Blue Water Area residents have a vibrant and fresh option for sourcing locally grown produce and other locally grown products from various farmers markets in the area. 

These markets offer a wide range of products, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade baked goods and handcrafted items. With several locations available, residents can conveniently access these markets during their select business hours. 

Places such as the Vantage Point Farmers Market in Port Huron or SummerThyme Market in Kimball are just a couple places for you to visit, with each venue providing a unique shopping experience. Farmers markets not only promote healthy eating but also support local farmers and artisans, boosting the local economy. 

Whether you’re seeking farm-to-table ingredients or looking for one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, the farmers markets of St. Clair County are the perfect destination to connect with the community and enjoy the abundance of locally sourced goodness. 

Check your local area for details on a farmers market near you!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Man’s Heroism Saves 7-Year-Old From Drowning

A 7-year-old boy was discovered floating in the St. Clair River in Port Huron on Sunday evening, narrowly escaping tragedy. 

The incident occurred in the 3300 block of Military St., where Corey Dye, a 29-year-old Port Huron native, sprang into action and rescued the young boy. Dye, who was gardening at the time of the incident, followed an unusual sound that led him to his dock, where he found the boy floating on his back. 

Acting swiftly, Dye and his neighbors dialed 911 and safely pulled the child out of the water. Despite being conscious, the boy had consumed a considerable amount of water. Reflecting on the incident, Dye credited fate and referred to himself as the physical presence while recognizing the boy’s guardian angel.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Annual St. Clair Family Bike Parade, A Unique Way To Bring The Community Together

Get ready for a fun-filled summer event in St. Clair as families gear up for the annual St. Clair Family Bike Parade on July 18th. 

Hosted by the city’s recreation department, this long-standing tradition aims to promote family engagement and support the St. Clair Historical Museum and Research Center. The parade will be followed by an ice cream social. Participation in the event is free, and families are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, and strollers with patriotic themes. 

The parade route will traverse Sixth Street to Cass, and will conclude at the Museum, where participants can enjoy museum tours, games, and prizes. Both the St. Clair fire and police departments are expected to join the festivities, lining up and providing assistance along the route. 

For those lacking decorations, there will be an opportunity to acquire them near the Holy Family Episcopal Church prior to the parade.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell