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

Local News

Tiny Tots Music Class Offers Small Children A Unique Experience

With children and parents both still adjusting to being in social settings again after the pandemic, many are looking for activities outside of the home to get their small child involved in. The Sal Community Center is offering a unique experience for parents with children between the ages of newborn and 5 years old.

The Tiny Tots Music Class is held every Thursday, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Located at 2000 Court St. in Port Huron, Tiny Tots Music Class participants will sing, dance, make instruments, and experience different genres of music. The class is free, but spaces are limited.

Science says that music helps a child’s body and mind work together, improving language, overall literacy, and social-emotional awareness. Activate your child’s creativity and meet new friends at this fun event.

For more information visit: Bluewaterparent.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Local Organizations Partner For Turkey Giveaway

The holidays are fast approaching, and everyone is getting their shopping done for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford a Thanksgiving dinner this year. 

With the help of local businesses and nonprofits coming together, you or your loved ones can attend the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. On Saturday, November 19th, from 11 AM – 1 PM there will be a drive-through food giveaway located at the Marysville Fire Department. The event is on a first come first serve basis with 500 turkeys available, so make sure you arrive early. 

The giveaway is possible through the combined efforts of SOS Marysville Food Pantry, Marysville Meijer, Beacon Wealth Group, City of Marysville Fire/Police Department, and Community Wesleyan Church.

For more information visit their website at: SOS Marysville Food Pantry

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Bottled Water For Benton Harbor Residents

The city of Benton Harbor will be giving away free bottled water to its residents during the month of November, due to severe lead contamination caused by old water lines.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are making an effort to provide as much clean water as possible for residents to use for their everyday needs such as cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, etc. In addition to the bottled water, they will also be providing residents with lead-reducing filters. 

If transportation is an issue you can arrange for delivery by calling 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can also pick up water at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor Fettig Youth Campus, as well as the Southwest Community Action Agency. 

For more information on how to get your water lines replaced visit: dtmb.state.mi.us Water Service Line Replacement Agreement

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

An Outdoors Adventure Alternative To Black Friday Shopping

Many people look forward to the sales and deals offered by retailers on Black Friday. Then there are those individuals who want nothing to do with the hustle and bustle or large, and sometimes unruly crowds. 

There is good news for the latter individuals, Friends of the St. Clair River is offering a unique alternative for those who would much rather be out and about in nature. They are holding their annual Opt Outside Hike on Friday, November 25th, at 10 AM, located at Columbus County Park. 

The event is free and features options for self-led quests, guided hikes, and a children’s scavenger hunt. Guests are encouraged to wear boots and proper clothing to hike through terrain such as hills, woodlands, and wetlands. There will also be a large bonfire with s’mores and hot cocoa, along with a 20oz insulated tumbler available for purchase. 

Guests are encouraged to register by November 21st at: scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

November Is National Native American Heritage Month

The Blue Water Area was once inhabited by the Indigenous or Native People many years ago. The street names, and school names, as well as other landmarks and areas reflect their presence and give us a reminder of the people who once called the area home.

November is National Native American Heritage Month. Signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, the month of November was chosen for its cultural significance of being the time Native Americans would conclude harvest season. The Blue Water Area was once home to the Chippewa, or as they were named by the French settlers, the Ojibway. The Chippewa were once one of the most powerful nations in North America with many now residing in Ontario and other parts of Canada.

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month you can take a trip to your local library to learn about the history of the indigenous people. You can also check your local area for any Native run events or those that highlight their culture. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Great Grocery Gift Food Drive

Inflation is on the rise, and the cost of living is making it tough for the average American family to provide basic necessities. To help those in need this Thanksgiving, St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH) will be asking for help and participation from the community.

To participate in “The Great Grocery Gift,” you can pick up a reusable grocery tote at one of their four locations. The tote will have an attached grocery list that you can go out to purchase from your local grocer. You will then return the filled tote to any of the four SCCCMH locations where they will then distribute said items to those individuals and families in need during the week of Thanksgiving.

The list consists of 17 items, with the deadline for returning filled totes being no later than 5 PM on Friday, November 18th.

For more information visit them on Facebook at: St. Clair County Community Mental Health

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell