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Local News

State Police Ask for Precautions and Prevention During Heat Emergencies

The Michigan State Police’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has asked Michigan residents to take precautions during extreme heat.

Captain Kevin Sweeney, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and commander of EMHSD, said, “High heat and humidity can put additional stress on the body, which could potentially be life-threatening. We’re asking that people take precautions during this time and check on the most vulnerable members of their community.”

To prepare for extreme heat, draw the drapes to keep out morning or afternoon sun to reduce the amount of heat entering the home. Make sure pets have plenty of water and a place to cool off.

The State Police ask you to check on family members and neighbors and be aware of cooling centers or public buildings with air conditioning in an effort to prevent emergencies from happening.

Illness from overheating is serious. Limit vigorous activity, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine to stay safe during the heat wave.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Where it All Began” Boat Show Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Chris Craft; June 25th in Algonac

The 37th Annual Michigan Chapter Antique and Classic Boat Show is coming to Algonac on June 25th. The show celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Chris-Craft with the theme “Where it all Began”.

The Chris-Craft boat company got started in Algonac and its history is being celebrated with the boat show, which is free to the public to view from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 90 boats are expected at the show.

While checking out the boats is the main attraction, the show offers a chance to meet the captains and crew, free boat rides, food, and vendors. Boats will be both docked in the Algonac Harbour and on land. Kids’ activities include the opportunity to build your own mini wooden boat, Tootsie the Clown, live music, and ice cream.

Free boat rides are from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on June 25th. A tent will have displays telling the story of the Chris-Craft boat building legacy and its place in Algonac’s history.

For more information, go to the News page at WGRT.com.

EVENT LOCATION: Algonac Harbour Club, 1999 Pte.Tremble Rd., Algonac, MI  48001

Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Shows (Algonac)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Drawbridge Maintenance Tuesday Through Friday

Beginning Tuesday, June 14th at 11:00 p.m., the City of Port Huron’s Streets Division will be doing the annual maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges.  This work will be done during the night time hours to minimize the impact on the motoring public.  The work is expected to be completed by Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.

During this time the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, however, expect periodic lane closes in both directions.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  If there are any further questions regarding this matter, please contact the Department of Public Works.

Young Professionals Program Prepares Youth for Careers

The Young Professionals program through the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! office is making an impact on both Blue Water area businesses and young people in the Blue Water area.

We talked about the program with Youth Program Coordinator Cristine Robson, who said, “Young Professionals works with each young adult to identify their career interests and then matches them up with a worksite that provides industry-related experience.  This summer we’re heavily recruiting worksites in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and trades, but we welcome partnerships from all industries since young people have a wide variety of careers they want to explore.”

The interns are paid $14 per hour and gain valuable work experience. Kyle King, an intern with WGRT said that the program is helping him prepare for a career in radio.

The Young Professionals have placed interns with an interest in early childhood studies with Kiddie Campus child care in Marysville and have provided a valuable service during the pandemic and beyond.

How can businesses get involved in having summer interns? Call/text (734) 612-9526 or contact us through our website:  www.macomb-stclairworks.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bill to Fund School Safety Grants Signed into Law

House Bill 6012, sponsored by State Representative Pamela Hornberger, a Chesterfield Republican, was signed into law last week. The bill funds risk assessment and critical incident mapping in schools to create safety plans. It also funds mental health and security resources for Oxford Community Schools in the wake of the tragic violence that took place in November of 2021.

Hornberger said the bill will help Oxford with many expenses related to the tragedy. The bipartisan bill also helps schools with making buildings safer by determining where further investments are needed.

The bill allocates $14 million for public schools, intermediate school districts, and private schools in the form of $2,000 grants to complete a comprehensive safety and security assessment.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice endorsed the bill but said it’s just a start. Rice called on the legislature to support the governor’s budget request of a $361 million increase in children’s mental health spending and $51 million for school safety grants, along with passing gun safety laws.

Click to access 2022-HNB-6012.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Works to be an “Age-Friendly State”

Michigan is considered a great place for older adults according to a 2019 designation from the American Association of Retired Persons. The AARP recognition as an Age-Friendly State was followed by the development of the Age-Friendly Action plan, which was just approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The plan is a comprehensive strategy to help Michigan senior citizens live well and safely in their communities. Research shows that most Michigan seniors want to age in place, in their own homes.

Roughly one-quarter of the state’s population is over the age of 60, with the population of those over age 65 exceeding the number of residents under age 18 in just six years.

Farah Hanley, MDHHS chief deputy director for health said, “One of MDHHS’s priorities is to ensure that Michiganders can age in their homes and communities for as long as possible while continuing to contribute to the economy and live healthy lives. The Age-Friendly Plan will help us accomplish this important goal.”

https://livablemap.aarp.org/member/state-michigan-mi?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland