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Local News

New Waterpark Expansion Coming To Frankenmuth

If you live in Michigan you are probably familiar with Frankenmuth, “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” Frankenmuth is known for being a Bavarian-themed vacation destination and tourist attraction that features the world’s largest Christmas store, horse drawn carriage rides, and more. 

The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth will be breaking ground Dec. 13th for their $80 million indoor waterpark expansion. With plans to add an additional 140,000 square feet, it will be one of the largest indoor waterparks in Michigan. 

The improvements will bring a new family entertainment center that will feature 20-plus attractions such as an adult swim up bar, wave pool, and water slides. This will be the seventh major expansion since the lodge opened in 1888, with plans for the new waterpark to be opened to the public in 2024. In the meantime guests to the resort will still be able to enjoy the current Family Fun Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Sites To Be Redeveloped With $2.4 Million Funding

Plans to redevelop contaminated Mid-Michigan properties are on the way, with The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) awarding $2.4 million in brownfield grants and loans.

Brownfields are vacant or abandoned properties known or suspected to be contaminated. With the plans in place, these areas will be redeveloped to increase property value at the site, as well as for neighboring properties. 

A few of the plans include a senior and multi-family affordable housing development in Lansing’s Stadium District, workforce and affordable housing near the Kalamazoo River, as well as a mixed-use, live-work development in Kalamazoo. EGLE will be providing $20.7 million overall to fund the 67 projects statewide that will benefit from the brownfield funding.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Kimball’s Brand Source Helping Those In Need

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday is coming this weekend to communities around the country, including the Bluewater area.  

In the spirit of giving back, Kimball’s Brand Source is donating 10% of their proceeds to the Arc of St Clair County. The Arc is a local non-profit organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a focus on autism. 

Everything at Kimball’s is included, and donations will also be accepted in the store. Kimball’s is located at 10th and Lapeer in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Earns Five Star Rating

When it comes to quality healthcare, there aren’t many who match the quality of Lake Huron Medical Center in Port Huron. They have earned the coveted five-star rating by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the third year in a row. 

The five star rating is based on 50+ measures across five aspects of quality care, which includes: patient experience, safety of care, mortality, readmission, and timely and effective care. 

Lake Huron is one of 18 hospitals in Michigan to receive the five-star rating, and they credit the achievement to their commitment to providing compassionate patient care, focused on patient safety and satisfaction. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Winter Celebration Will Light Up Pine Grove Park This Week

There’s something about the holiday light displays that we all seem to love at this time of year. Pine Grove Park will have plenty of lights and holiday decor for the community to enjoy this Thanksgiving when they activate the lights at 5 PM. 

From November 24th until Jan 2nd, the Winter Celebration display will be lit each day from 5 – 10 PM. Burn barrels will be available throughout the park for people to stop and find a bit of warmth while taking in the sights. There will also be photo opportunity stations available to capture the memories with family and friends.  

The combined efforts of local businesses, sponsors, and organizations have made this year’s display bigger and better than the previous, with 41 businesses and organizations contributing compared to last years 34. The event is free for all to enjoy.

For businesses and groups wishing to participate or sponsor the Winter Celebration contact the Port Huron Recreation Department by email at: phrec@porthuron.org 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Calling All Women, UNLABEL’d Holiday Party Coming Soon

Tis the season for Christmas parties and events, UNLABEL’d is calling all women to come hang out and party with them this holiday season at City Flats in downtown Port Huron.

UNLABEL’d is a women’s group that meets up once a month and consists of women of all ages and stages of life. Their goal is to empower and support women with resources and information that will help them succeed in life and the business world. 

On December 6th, beginning at 6 PM,  UNLABEL’d will host their 2nd Annual Holiday Party with a gala styled theme, so dress to impress. The event will feature complimentary appetizers, cash bar, and prizes. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.

For ticket purchase visit their Facebook page at: UNLABEL’d.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell