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Local News

Make Breast Cancer Screenings a Priority

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking women to prioritize screenings to improve health outcomes.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,900 new cases of breast cancer will be reported in Michigan in 2022. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for Michigan women, and it’s also estimated to cause 1,390 deaths this year.

MDHHS has two screening programs available for eligible individuals, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, and the WISEWOMAN Program. Both include free health screenings.

Locally, breast cancer screenings can be scheduled at both McLaren Port Huron and Lake Huron Medical Center through a patient’s primary care physician, or at the People’s Clinic for Better Health for those who are uninsured or on Medicaid.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS, said, “Early detection through breast cancer screening is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent breast cancer deaths. Cancer screening can pick up early signs of disease, at stages when treatment is much more effective. This increases the chances of survival and can lower the cost of care.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Local Agencies Team Up To Promote Fire Prevention Week

In the event of a house fire do you and your family have an escape plan? Have you prepared yourself or practiced using your fire extinguisher lately? These are questions every family should be able to answer with a resounding yes. 

Fort Gratiot and Burtchville Twp. Fire Departments have teamed up with State Farm and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign. Beginning October 9th – October 15th, the “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape” campaign seeks to educate the community on simple steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire.

Megan Simmons, a local State Farm agent, urges residents to have a fire escape plan, as a house fire can affect any of us at any given moment. “Fire presents a real risk to all of us, making it important for every member of the community to take these messages seriously and put them into action,” says Simmons.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week visit: fpw.org.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Art Hop: 2022 Fall Edition Coming To Downtown Port Huron

Looking for some fall fun for the whole family? Well if you’re into the creative arts, local artists and businesses are gearing up for this weekend’s Art Hop: 2022 Fall Edition, in Downtown Port Huron. 

Beginning Friday, October 14th, from 5 PM – 8 PM, Art Hop is an annual event that celebrates the arts. It is held twice a year in Port Huron and features over 50 artists, from painters to crafters. There will be plenty of food, and fun for all ages. With the holidays around the corner you may find something special for your loved ones at this mini-sidewalk festival. 

For more information, visit: Port Huron Art Hop on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Mexican Restaurant Opens in Downtown Port Huron

The City of Port Huron welcomes another new business to its downtown area, stimulating the city’s economy and feeding hungry bellies. Señor Tequila Mexican Restaurant opened its doors last week to those looking for a new place to enjoy Mexican cuisine.

Restaurant hours are 11 AM – 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11 AM – 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Opened by two brothers, Señor Tequila Mexican Restaurant serves up traditional Mexican food such as tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and more. 

If you’re looking for a potential new favorite Mexican restaurant, be sure to check them out at 321 Huron Ave. Being new to the area, they are also hiring staff to fill positions. If interested you can stop in and apply in person.

Find out more information by visiting their Facebook page at Señor Tequila Mexican Restaurant.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pro-Am Boxing Event Coming To Marysville

Are you into watching the sport of boxing? If so, you’ll know that there aren’t many boxing events that happen in the Blue Water Area. 

That all changes on Saturday, October 22nd, with Kaos Entertainment’s “Fight Night Live.”

Beginning at 6 PM at the Knight Club in Marysville, Fight Night Live will feature professional as well as amateur boxers. One of Port Huron’s own, Tim Browning, owner of Riverside Sports Academy will be stepping into the ring along with four others from the local area. There will also be a boxing match for kids. 

The event will feature live musical performances from local hip hop artists, with former boxing legend Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns expected to attend as well. Tickets are $35 for general admission. 

For more details and information, visit kaosentertainment.eventbrite.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Congresswoman Lisa McClain Accepting Applications for Students Seeking Military Academy Nominations

Young adults who live in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District who want to attend a U.S. Military Academy can apply for a nomination from Congresswoman Lisa McClain. Congresswoman McClain can nominate up to ten students from her district to each academy.

The United States has military academies for each of its service branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. Applicants must be between 17 and 22 by July 1st of 2023 to be part of the class of 2027. They must also be U.S. citizens, unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support a child or other dependents, along with meeting the medical , physical , and academic requirements.

McClain’s office said that applicants should first apply directly to the service academies they’re interested in attending, and then apply for nomination from Congresswoman McClain on her website.

The deadline for submitting all application materials is October 21, 2022, so interested youth should inquire soon.

More information is available at:

https://mcclain.house.gov/military-academy-nominations

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand