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Local News

$238M Grant Program To Provide Underserved Areas With Hi-Speed Internet

In today’s day and age it’s almost impossible to accomplish certain tasks without internet access. From filling out applications and children using it for classroom assignments to performing work in a particular field, hi-speed internet is a much needed tool.

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) has now opened the application window for the Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program, which will provide $238 million in federal funding to support the deployment of high-speed internet to unserved areas in Michigan. 

Those eligible include internet service providers, individuals licensed under the MI Telecommunications Act, franchise holders under the Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act or any entity currently providing broadband service. 

Eric Frederick, Michigan’s chief connectivity officer says, “MIHI has developed detailed educational materials to give potential ROBIN applicants the guidance and tools they need to make informed decisions.”

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 14th at 4 p.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Marine City Students Provide Duck Home For Blue Water Hospice

As part of a service project for their school at Cardinal Mooney High School in Marine City, students CJ Miller and Brendan Carnaghi decided they would reach out to a local organization to lend a hand. 

The two students decided to reach out to the Blue Water Hospice Home and ask if there was anything they could do to help out. 

“Knowing the Hospice Home fills such a great need, we reached out to determine if there was something we could do for them. It had been mentioned that a shelter was needed for some domesticated ducks that had found their way to the pond at the Hospice Home. We were glad to be given the opportunity to build one,” says Miller.

The two students then began to design the structure, plan the build process, and gather materials before setting out to complete the project which took an estimated 60 man-hours. 

Feel free to drive by and view their thoughtful handiwork at the Blue Water Hospice Home located at 2795 Edison Blvd, Marysville. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Earth Fair Registration Is Now Open

The popular St. Clair County Earth Fair event will be making its return this year to Goodells County Park, and applications are now being accepted.

The St. Clair County Earth Fair has been taking place since 2003 and has since grown to be Michigan’s largest Earth Day event. The goal of the two-day event is to spread awareness about how to maintain the environment, and to create sustainable green living. 

Vendors, school classroom field trips, event volunteers and Green Guardian Award nominations are all welcome to fill out their applications to reserve a spot. Anyone with an environmental product, message or service may apply to be an Earth Fair vendor. The application deadline is March 15th.

The Earth Fair will be held on Friday, April 28th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 29th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, and applications visit: EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chilly Fest Tradition Returns To Downtown Port Huron This January

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring activities such as the popular bed races, ice sculptures, chili cook-off, and more with its annual Chilly Fest located downtown.

The Chilly Fest is a two day event that will be kicking off on Friday, January 27th with a free outdoor concert. From 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. you can catch 80’s hair band Sunset Blvd. Visitors will also be able to view the many ice sculptures on display as well. 

Saturday will feature more events and attractions for the community to enjoy and participate in. Activities such as the Fuzzy Penguin Hunt, PoHo Hot Cocoa Run, carriage rides, and the highly anticipated chili cook-off that will allow guests to sample chili from participating restaurants. For $7 visitors will be able to sample all 15 chili samples and vote for their favorite. 

For more information and details, visit: chillyfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Launches New Substance Use Vulnerability Index

When it comes to substance use there is no way to track those areas that may have a higher rate of drug use and/or deaths due to drug usage.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new tool that will help stakeholders target efforts to address substance use issues in their communities. 

The Michigan Substance Use Vulnerability Index (MI-SUVI) will take into consideration a communities access to resources, impact of nonfatal overdoses, and social determinants of health to create a county-level vulnerability score or index. The index shows particular areas more vulnerable to negative substance use outcomes.

MI-SUVI will help get the proper resources to those communities with the most need. The current most vulnerable counties include Clare, Wayne, Oscada, Schoolcraft, and Oceana.

For more information about MI-SUVI, visit: Michigan.gov/opioidsdata.