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Local News

Professional Actress And Port Huron Native, Teams Up With Port Huron Recreation Department To Teach Future Thespians

Professional actress McKale Jude Bingham returns to Port Huron for the fourth consecutive year, for the Port Huron Recreation Department’s summer Theatre Bootcamp for children. 

The program spans five days, and equips over 100 young actors, in grades 1 – 12, with fundamental theater skills culminating in a grand musical production. Students embrace their creativity and teamwork within the condensed time frame, benefiting from a transformative experience that prepares them for future theatrical endeavors. 

Bingham, a native of Port Huron and successful actress, delights in sharing her passion for acting with budding artists and considers teaching the program the highlight of her summer.

Audiences can catch “The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever” on July 14th, 21st, and 28th, and the high school cabaret on August 4th, all at 6 p.m. in the McMorran Place Theatre, with free admission for the public.

Registration remains open until July 24th. To register, visit: porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Rotary International Parade Welcomes You To Celebrate

The Rotary International Day Parade, organized by the Port Huron Rotary Club and local sponsors, celebrates with the theme “All Together Now: Kindness/Friendship/Unity.” 

The parade begins at 6:30 pm and will start at Huron and Glenwood Avenue, proceeding through the downtown business district before turning onto Oak Street and ending at Desmond Landing. The Municipal Office Center (MOC) in Port Huron will be closing early that day to accommodate the parade. 

The highly anticipated event will feature a variety of floats competing for cash prizes. Entries will be evaluated on their adherence to the parade’s theme, originality, craftsmanship, costuming, and difficulty. 

The first-place winner will receive $450, while the second and third-place winners will receive $300 and $150, respectively. The application deadline for participation is Monday, July 10th, at 4 pm.

For more information, visit: paradeday.net.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

No Strike, McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital Nurses Have Reached Agreement

After threats of going on strike, registered nurses at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new 3-year contract, effective immediately. The contract, celebrated by the local Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) bargaining unit, prioritizes safe staffing and competitive compensation. 

Carie Babcock, RN and president of the MNA unit, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the focus on patient safety and high-quality care. The contract entails a substantial average wage increase of 19 percent over its duration to attract and retain qualified nurses. It also includes provisions for hospital fines if administrators fail to meet nurse-to-patient ratios as agreed upon, holding executives accountable for safe staffing. 

Additionally, the emergency department will see improved staffing, a vital enhancement given McLaren Lapeer Region’s status as the sole Level II Trauma Center in the Thumb area. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Local Artists Showcase Their Talents At Upcoming Art In The Park, Petrolia

Art in the Park, Petrolia, an annual art extravaganza held in Victoria Park, Petrolia, is a free event that serves as an excellent platform for artists across the region to showcase their skills and creativity.

Art in the Park, Petrolia, prides itself on maintaining a focus on quality and diversity by selectively inviting a limited number of artists. The event boasts an impressive variety of art forms, including watercolor, oil & acrylic painting, jewelry, pottery, stained glass creations, and more.

This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, July 7th, from 11 am – 7 pm, and Saturday, July 8th, from 9 am – 5 pm. 

Visitors can enjoy a musical line-up featuring talented musicians performing on both days at the bandstand, with the Teen Idol contest on Saturday. Seating is provided for 50 people, but attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.

For more information, visit: artintheparkpetrolia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Americans With Disabilities Act Celebrates 33 Years Of Service

On July 26th, celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since its signing in 1990, the ADA has played a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) takes great pride in offering Vocational Rehabilitation services, supporting the independence and employment goals of blind and visually impaired individuals. They work closely with businesses, ensuring workplaces are equipped with adaptive equipment and accommodations.

Meanwhile, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) collaborates with individuals facing various disabilities, offering a wide range of services to aid in job preparation, job-seeking, and job retention.

As we celebrate the ADA’s achievements, let us also recognize the ongoing efforts of organizations like BSBP and MRS, who tirelessly work to empower individuals with disabilities. 

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/BSBP and Michigan.gov/MRS.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Mott’s Applesauce Due To Elevated Paultin Levels

Mott’s, LLP has issued a recall of 9,593 cases of Mott’s no sugar-added applesauce, according to an announcement by the FDA. The recall is due to elevated levels of patulin, a mycotoxin produced by molds found in rotting apples and other moldy fruits. 

The affected product, Mott’s no sugar-added applesauce 6 pack, comes in 3.9 oz (111g) containers, with each individual unit packaged in plastic cups and placed in a cardboard sleeve of 6 cups. The recall applies to cases distributed in 24 states. Consumers are advised not to consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled product. 

The recall was initiated on May 18, 2023, and remains ongoing. If you or someone you know has consumed this product and feels ill, please contact your physician immediately.

For detailed information, visit: iwaspoisoned.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell