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

Local News

Thrive Radio Launches as Power 88.3 Retires

There’s big news on the Port Huron radio scene. Power 88.3 has run its course and the new Thrive Radio format has launched.

Station Director Brian Smith said, “It’s not every day you get to launch a new station so this is special for our entire team. After a year of prayer, hard work, and creativity…we’re excited to see how God uses Thrive! Our prayer is that listeners would have the opportunity to grow in their faith through listening.”

The new station was launched last Wednesday on the 88.3 frequency. Along with its sister station, 90.7 HopeFM, Thrive Radio has the mission of sharing the message of hope to as many people as possible and helping them grow in their faith.

Since 1986, the Christian music, talk, and resource-sharing radio format has reached the Blue Water Area, Michigan’s Thumb, and Southwestern Ontario.

When you’re not getting your local news and great music from WGRT, you can tune in to the new Thrive Radio at 88.3, by saying “Play My Thrive Radio” on Alexa, or by going to mythriveradio.net.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Take Steps to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illness

After a blissfully slow start to mosquito season, it’s time to get back into reality and resume the constant battle against mosquitoes and the diseases their annoying bites can spread.

Mosquitoes in Bay County have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, prompting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to put out a notice urging Michiganders to protect against mosquito bites.

Other mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile were threats last year and are expected to return this season. West Nile caused seven deaths last year.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive said, “It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness. “

Bagdasarian said MDHHS urges Michiganders to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible, and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:

Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public Murals an Example of Thriving Art Community

The proliferation of public art in the form of murals in the Blue Water area is an example of how the pandemic-inspired social distancing inspired creative ways to make and display artwork.

Local artist and art community organizer Jody Parmann was asked how things are going in the creative community. Parmann said, “As for the local art scene, it’s on fire right now!”

Parmann helps connect artists to mural opportunities. She said, “It’s like planting seeds, that others water and harvest. It’s beautiful to see my fellow artist’s projects come to fruition.”

Parmann said, “Friends of St. Clair River’s drain murals are being painted by local artists of all ages from Marine City to Port Huron. The new mural by April Cutler on the side of Classic Nails & Spa on 716 Lapeer Ave in Port Huron is absolutely beautiful! Carol Dalrymple over at Foundry is doing amazing out-of-the-box things. I think our community is really starting to embrace the local talent and it’s very exciting to be a part of that.”

There are also murals on the MI Mutual building and in the Military Street tunnel.

If you can’t make it out to view all of the murals, you can go to Parmann’s website, bluewatercreativity.com, to check out the work of local talent.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Series of New Laws Signed to Expand Childcare Access

Bills to expand childcare access were signed into law last week. The bills allow for a higher child-to-adult ratio and establish the Family Child Care Networks that provide technical assistance and support to small, home-based childcare businesses.

The bills also expand care options for infants and toddlers by requiring Family Child Care Networks to be in place state-wide, and addressing licensing and regulatory technicalities.  

Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau said, “Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families.”

Laidlaw said that the licensing bureau has researched the issue by talking to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare businesses. Laidlaw said, “These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care — while keeping safety for kids front and center.” 

Links to all of the childcare bills signed into law can be found below.

HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5042 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5044 was sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5046 was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5047 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5048 was sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fatal Accident on McKinley Road

The St. Clair County Sheriff Office is investigating a one vehicle accident that resulted in the death of the driver.

The preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle, a 2011 Ford Escape, was southbound on McKinley Road and lost control near Markel Road. The vehicle rolled over and the driver, a 19
year old Clay Township man, was ejected from the vehicle. Investigation shows he was not
wearing a seat belt.

The man was transported by Tri Hospital EMS to River District Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The passenger, a 22 year old Ira Township man, had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

McKinley Road was shut down for several hours during the investigation. It has been determined that speed was a factor. The St. Clair County Accident Investigation Team is continuing the investigation. The names of those involved are being held at this time pending further notification of family.

Community leaders gather to deliver Meals on Wheels for Council on Aging. Photo by Scott Crawford

Community Leaders Support Seniors by Delivering Meals

Voters will soon be deciding if they want to renew the Senior Services Millage that supports several area agencies. To encourage people to consider the benefits of passing the millage, the Council on Aging organized a Big Wheels Deliver Meals event to showcase one of the ways they serve area seniors.

The Council on Aging provides home delivered meals through their Meals on Wheel program, and community supporters arrived at their downtown Port Huron senior center on Thursday, June 23, 2022 to pitch in.

City of Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp said she likes participating in events like these because it’s a great way for her to connect with the community.

Mayor Pauline Repp delivers Meals on Wheels for Council on Aging. Photo by Jessie Wiegand
Mayor Pauline Repp delivers Meals on Wheels for Council on Aging. Photo by Jessie Wiegand

Repp joined leaders from the Port Huron Police Department, Blue Water YMCA, Operation Transformation, Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, and others to hand deliver meals to a list of seniors.

Council on Aging Executive Director Scott Crawford said home delivery of meals is a way to connect with senior citizens in person and make sure they are okay. This personal connection has enabled them to assist with a variety of issues seniors face while living independently including medical issues and falls.

The millage renewal will be on the ballot August 2, 2022 for the primary election, and it costs a resident who owns a home with an approximate market value of $100,000 less than $40 per year.

The millage helps support twelve agencies in St. Clair County along with Council on Aging: Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Blue Water Safe Horizons, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Housing Matters Inc. Hunter Hospitality House, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Life Skills Center, Port Huron Housing Commission, Public Guardian, Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home, and Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice.

For more information about the Senior Citizen Millage and how it affects the Council on Aging, visit their website here:

http://www.thecouncilonaging.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand