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Local News

Lake Huron - Photo by Choze Powell

Labor Day Is Approaching Practice Safe Boating

Summer is drawing to a close, the Labor Day holiday is approaching, and authorities are expecting boaters to be out in full force well into the fall season. 

According to a survey by the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS), 65% of boaters are planning on taking to the waters this Labor Day weekend. Nearly 80% are planning to extend their boating into the fall season due to lower gas prices.

If you or someone you know are planning on boating this weekend be sure to have a safety checklist before going out on the water. Be sure to include items such as U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets for all passengers, flares, fire extinguishers, and also don’t forget to perform regular maintenance and safety checks. 

The Black River Canal was dredged last weekend, so boaters should be able to travel out to Lake Huron with no issues. 

Black River Canal - Photo by Choze Powell
Black River Canal – Photo by Choze Powell

If you become stranded while out on the water you can call to find more info about towing services at 800-888-4869.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lt. Governor Gilchrist Highlights $55 Million Expansion of Michigan Reconnect Program

On August 31st, during an event at Mott Community College, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist touted the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 budget’s inclusion of $55 million to fully fund the Michigan Reconnect program. He also encouraged working-age Michiganders to join the more than 100,000 people who have taken the first step towards earning a college degree or skills certificate through the Michigan Reconnect program in the last 18 months.

The Michigan Reconnect program, which provides free or reduced community college tuition for students 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree, was launched in February 2021.

 

The event’s aim was to highlight how programs such as Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are creating a rewarding path to in-demand careers for Michiganders and to encourage more participation in the Michigan Reconnect program.

  

Lt. Governor Gilchrist also highlighted $6 million in grant funding now available to help cover other costs that often keep adult learners from returning to college or enrolling for the first time.

  

The new grants, which will be distributed by the state’s community and tribal colleges, can be used for books, childcare, internet access and transportation to help students pursue associate degrees or skills certificates.

To be eligible for the grants, students must: 

  • Be Michigan Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners scholarship participants
  • Have completed at least one semester within the respective scholarship program they are participating in 
  • Be enrolled already, or be in the process of enrolling, for a qualifying semester 

More information is available at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Free Vision and Hearing Screenings For Children Available

Some of our children have already begun the school year, while others will be starting sometime after Labor Day. The St. Clair County Health Department is offering children entering preschool or kindergarten free vision and hearing screenings this fall. 

The screenings began August 29th and will continue until September 2nd. The benefits of having your child screened can prevent future learning issues, as well as catching any other issues related to vision and hearing before they become bigger problems later in life.

Beginning in October, appointments can be made for the first Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child call (810) 987-5300

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

50th Annual Algonac Art Fair

The end of summer is upon us, but don’t let that get you down. Make your way down to Algonac, MI for the 50th Annual Algonac Art Fair this Labor Day weekend. Celebrate the final days of the summer season with food, music, and more!

Beginning Saturday, September 3rd – Sunday, September 4th, the two day event will feature live music from performers such as J Squared, Fly By Night, Blue Ridge, and more. 

There will also be artists and crafters such as featured artist Nancy Lind of Feathers & Fins Pottery. Roscoe The Clown, a LifeCare Martial Arts Demo, and the 8th annual Rumble on the Riverfront car show are other events and attractions that you and your family can enjoy.

So make sure to celebrate the final days of summer at Algonac City Park, the event begins at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information call Maxine at (810) 580-1874

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Take a Sweet Stroll in Downtown Port Huron Friday Night

Downtown Port Huron businesses have been celebrating the first Friday of each month with a fun theme, and the last one of the summer season is coming up this Friday night, September 2nd.

The theme for Friday night is Sweet Stroll and some downtown businesses will be hosting bakers and treat makers inside their shops while others will pass out candy or offer sweet samples to shoppers. Small business bakers will have items for sale, so you can stock up on sweets for the holiday weekend.

The Closet by A Beautiful Me will be hosting South Side Sweets, stop by Massage 325 to meet Humble Creations, and hang out at A Little Something for their everyday abundance of sweets and a special visit from Daylicious Drinks and Treats.

Sweet Stroll starts at 5 PM, and don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtag #FirstFridayPH.

For more information about what’s happening Downtown Port Huron, visit https://www.downtownph.com/

 

 

Port Huron Man Arrested for McLaren Threat

Port Huron Police investigated a threat made towards McLaren Hospital that was telephoned  in at approximately 9:37 a.m. today, August 30th. In an abundance of caution McLaren Port  Huron Hospital went into lockdown while police investigated the threat. 

A suspect was identified as a Port Huron Resident. Police attempted to contact him, but he  refused to come out of his house. A search warrant was served at the subject’s residence in  the City of Port Huron by the Port Huron Police Department’s Special Response Team. He  was arrested without incident. 

A search of the residence revealed that the subject did not have the means to carry out any of  the threats he made towards the Hospital. He was interviewed by Port Huron Police  Detectives and confessed to the making the threat. He stated that he was sorry and had no  intention of carrying out the threat. 

The Port Huron resident, a 56 year old male, was arrested and faces charges of making  Terroristic threats and habitual offender. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department