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Local News

Port Huron Pub Crawl Scheduled for March 12, 2022

Area pubs and restaurants are preparing for the return of the official Port Huron Pub Crawl. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022, and wristbands are now on sale.

The Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning the event, and wristbands are available for purchase at their office located inside the Blue Water Convention Center and at participating pubs. Wristbands are $15 and allow purchasers to hop on the bus and travel around the Port Huron area on the day of the event from 1 – 7 PM.

Buses will travel on a north and south route to the following pubs and restaurants:

  • Lynch’s Irish Tavern
  • McCormick’s Conner Street Pub
  • Captain Skrip’s Office
  • Figaro’s Restaurant
  • Roche Bar, Tailgators Sports Bar
  • Outpost, Wings Etc. Grill & Pub
  • Freighters Eatery and Taproom
  • City Limits Tavern
  • Eagles Club on Howard Street in Port Huron
  • Sperry’s 2nd Floor Dinnerhouse
  • The Bar – CityFlats

The Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages participants to drink responsibly and plan to stay overnight at one of the area’s hotels or connect with City Limousine for transportation and taxi services.

To learn more, visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Avian Flu Concerns Prompt Safety Guidance for Backyard Chickens; Detroit Zoo Brings Birds Inside

Avian flu has been detected in Michigan and the implications could be quite serious. While there is not a public health threat or any disruption to the food supply at this time, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for vigilance in preventing an outbreak.

The highly-contagious disease was found in a backyard poultry flock in Kalamazoo County, but the whole state has been put on notice. The virus can be spread by wild birds, contact with infected poultry, and even through contaminated clothing or equipment.

Those with chickens or other poultry are asked to prevent contact with wild birds, disinfect boots and other gear, and practice thorough hand washing. Those who keep chickens or other poultry should use well water or municipal water for birds and keep feed away from possible contamination from wild birds.

In response to the notice from MDARD and the USDA, The Detroit Zoo has moved their birds indoors, including the free-roaming peacocks and the flamingos, ostriches, and other birds in exhibits. 

For more information on preventing an outbreak of Avian Flu:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/media/pressreleases/2022/02/24/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-detected-in-michigan-backyard-flock

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gambling Disorders Soar One Year After Legalized Online Betting

Gambling is addictive and it is easier than ever to gamble with the legalization of online betting and sports betting in Michigan. People are inundated with billboards, television commercials, and other advertisements for the numerous online betting franchises that are now legal in Michigan.

Nearly triple the number of calls were made to the problem gambling hotline in 2021, compared to 2020. To address the increase in problem gambling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is addressing the growing problem in their annual gambling symposium. This year’s event is called “Gambling: The New Direction.”

Alia Lucas, MDHHS gambling disorder program manager said, “These platforms engage in a pay-to-play format, so by their nature they’re addicting and difficult to escape. This can lead to severe financial trouble, as well as strained personal and work relationships as people participate in these spaces more than ever before.”

For more information about the Gambling Disorder Symposium or the helpline:

14th Annual Gambling Disorder Symposium

Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bad Year for Pot Holes; Tips for Avoiding Vehicle Damage

Pothole season is here and this one already seems to be a bad one. The craters that show up on Michigan roads are caused by the freeze-thaw weather pattern that has been particularly aggressive this year.

There is nothing you can do about the weather, but there are a few things that can be done to report potholes, avoid potholes, and deal with the aftermath of hitting a pothole.

Avoiding potholes is the best way to prevent damage to your vehicle, but sometimes they are unavoidable. Hitting a pothole can cause drivers to swerve and lead to collisions, so drivers need to have a strategy. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation says to make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your suspension and steering are in top shape to be able to handle the jarring effects of hitting a pothole.

If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down, but release the brakes before you hit it so you have full use of steering. Hitting a pothole head-on instead of at an angle could reduce damage to your vehicle as well.

MDOT has a “Report a Pothole” form that can be used to inform them of potholes on state roads. The names of state roads start with “I”, “M”, or “US”.

Report a Pothole 

Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Prescription Drug Price Reforms Signed into Law

A bipartisan legislative effort to lower prescription drug costs has been signed into law. The group of bills provide for the licensure of pharmacy benefit managers, regulate some costs, and allow for transparency.

The new laws prohibit pharmacy practices that drive up costs and prevent pharmacists from speaking openly with customers about drug options. Pharmacy benefit managers are now required to file transparency reports with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Patients will no longer have to pay a co-pay that is higher than the cost of the drug. Pharmacists will be able to provide the current selling prices of generic and brand-name drugs without being asked. The bills are expected to lower insulin costs in Michigan.

State Representative Julie Calley, who sponsored some of the legislation, said, “In 2017, 32% of Michigan residents stopped taking their medication as prescribed due to the cost. This impactful new law will directly improve the affordability and access of prescriptions. It also adds much-needed transparency into our healthcare system.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

OT Announces “Seek God for the City 2022”

Operation Transformation is kicking off their seasonal “Seek God for the City 2022” community Lenten prayer initiative.

The season of Lent starts on Wednesday, March 2nd, with Ash Wednesday. Those who practice the traditional preparation for the Easter celebration have a variety of customs and routines, but prayer is the foundation of the season.

Members of Blue Water Area Churches, a collaboration of multiple denominations in the area, are hosting the 40-day event. Over fifteen churches have chosen evenings to host the one-hour meetings. The content of the community-wide prayer initiative is provided by WayMakers.

The first meeting is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Clair First United Methodist Church, 415 N 3rd Street in St. Clair. Each night’s meeting will focus on a different member of the community, like teachers, families, health care workers, and others. There will be scripture readings along with the prayer.

To get the full schedule of nightly meetings and to access the prayer materials, go to bwchurches.org or Operation Transformation’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland