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Local News

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

Check For These Blood Pressure Medicine Recalls

Individuals dealing with the effects of hypertension, or high blood pressure may want to check their medicine cabinets to ensure that your medication isn’t a part of the latest recall.

Two lots of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, produced by Aurobindo Pharma USA are being recalled due to high levels of nitrosamines, which when taken over long periods, may increase the risk of cancer. The two lots of the 20mg/12.5 mg are included in the recall with expiration dates through January 2023. The tablets are round, pink-colored, and have a “D” printed on one side and “19” on the other. 

To find specific lot numbers and other information visit: Aurobindousa.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Expands Residential Lead Hazard Control Services

More than $7 million in community grants have been awarded by the Michigan Department of Human Health and Services, in an effort to expand residential lead hazard control services. 

Those who are eligible for the services are households with a Medicaid-enrolled student. Funding is provided by Michigan’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, with grants of up to $1.5 million available for qualifying cities, counties, or consortiums.

Services available for funding include, but are not limited to, removal of faucets and fixtures pre-2014 that are used for human consumption. If your home receives services they will also temporarily relocate occupants during lead abatement services. 

For the full list of services available visit: michigan.gov/mileadsafe.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell