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Local News

Americorps Gets Funding to Continue Serving Michigan

The Michigan Community Service Commission will be able to continue with Americorps programs thanks to $13.4 million in federal funding.

The grant supports 1100 Michigan Americorps members who serve youth, care for public lands, provide housing and financial services, and increase disaster preparedness.

Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes said, “AmeriCorps service continues to help solve pressing issues across the state. There is a tremendous return on investment through the federal funding of AmeriCorps and the positive impact this service has on communities across the state.” 

The Americorps grant funds the placing of volunteers with 23 organizations, including the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, Special Olympics Michigan, and others.

More information about the Americorps program and service member opportunities can be found at the link below.

https://americorps.gov/

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Firework Safety Message from Port Huron Police Department

A message from the Port Huron Police Department:

Please use caution when celebrating with fireworks this weekend. Fireworks are not to be used at city parks which close at dusk. 

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Use great caution with sparklers as they burn and get hot enough to burn some metals. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or mishap. 

Other tips from the US Product Safety Commission include: 

  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly. 
  • Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away. 
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. 
  • Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone. After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device. 
  • Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use. 

Unfortunately, in 2021 across the United States, nine (9) deaths were reported from firework usage. The death toll rises when taking into account structure fires caused by fireworks. If injury or death occurs from irresponsible use of fireworks you will be held responsible. 

State law permits consumer fireworks to be used this weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 29th through July 4th. Fireworks are not permitted on Tuesday, July 5th this year. 

For an even safer alternative, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show. 

The city offers a professional firework show on Family Night, Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the foot of Griswold Street at dusk. Please join us then and have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day!

Be Mindful of Safety as You Enjoy the Beach

The Fourth of July weekend is a big beach weekend in the Blue Water Area, and around the state.

Planning and awareness are the difference between a happy memory of a day at the beach and a day you’d rather forget. Parents, don’t plan to take a nap or read a book. Watch the kids every second. Even better, get in the water with them.

There are usually no lifeguards on duty on any beaches in the Port Huron area. Safety is up to the swimmer.

Rip currents can happen in the Great Lakes. The American Red Cross says the best way to get out of a current that is pulling swimmers out into the lake is to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.

Sand bars are areas of shallow water out in the lake that are perfect for playing and relaxing. Sometimes swimmers have to navigate deep water to get to the sand bars; sometimes they don’t.

The sand bars shift with the winds and the waves, so never assume that a sand bar that was easy to get to last time is in the same spot this time.

Have fun at the beach, and have a great Fourth of July weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fireworks Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Careful

Watching fireworks together is a long-standing tradition for many communities and families. It’s easier than ever to buy fireworks for a backyard or neighborhood show.

Whether you are lighting off fireworks or just running around with a few sparklers, the American Red Cross has some advice. They recommend that fireworks, including sparklers, never be given to small children, and that fireworks never be pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable objects.

A garden hose turned on, or a bucket of water should always be on hand to douse any wayward fireworks.

The person lighting the fireworks should be wearing some kind of eye protection, and fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.

Not everyone loves fireworks. Those with PTSD and many family pets could do without a neighborhood fireworks show. Be mindful.

Always clean up the spent fireworks and dispose of them properly.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to relax at a public professional show. The Blue Water Fest fireworks will be launched at dusk from Desmond Landing on Thursday, July 14th.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

4th at the Fort Event at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

There are a lot of ways to pass the time on the 4th of July, but there’s only one place where you can ride a pony, tie-dye a shirt, and climb a lighthouse.

Port Huron Museums is hosting a July 4th event at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The event includes free pony rides for kids along with time to take in the beautiful grounds and cool breezes at the unique spot where Lake Huron drains into the St. Clair River.

There will also be opportunities to buy sparklers, concessions, and t-shirts for on-sight tie-dying.

For a small fee, a tour of the Lighthouse can be taken, which includes the 94-step trek to the top of the lighthouse, originally constructed in 1829. From the top, the panoramic view of the Blue Water Bridges, Lake Huron, Sarnia, and the Port Huron area is sure to make some 4th of July memories.

The 4th at the Fort event goes from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-at-the-fort-a-fort-gratiot-4th-of-july-with-free-pony-rides-tickets-367773479377

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Celebrates Canada Day; Fireworks July 1st at 10 p.m.

The Sarnia Canada Day Committee is planning for a spectacular Canada Day celebration this Friday, July 1st as they get back to an in-person event.

The annual parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Lakeshore and Colborne Streets.

This year’s festivities include an assortment of entertainment at Sarnia’s Canatara Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entertainment includes multicultural and assorted food vendors, a handmade market, activities for children, and circus and hula hoop shows on the stage.

The bandshell with have performances starting at 12:30. Multicultural performances include the Lambton Concert Band, the Sarnia School of Irish Dance, the Scottish Country Dancers, and the Vietnamese Canadian Club.

The entertainment starts at Centennial Park at 6:00 p.m. with Hot Air Balloon Rides, food vendors, and live music from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The fireworks show begins around 10:00 with fireworks being launched off the bay.

https://www.sarnia.ca/play/city-signature-events/canadaday/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland