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Local News

Rockin’ the Rivers Returns in August

The popular Rockin’ the Rivers concert series returns to Keifer Park in August with free live music, food trucks, family-friendly games, and a beverage tent.

Rockin’ the Rivers is every Thursday at Keifer Park overlooking the St. Clair River. Concerts start at 6 PM with an opening act, and the headliners hit the stage at 7 PM. Spectators can bring their own chair or blankets to view the concerts.

Scheduled bands are:

  • August 5th: RockStar, The International ‘80s Rock Sensation
  • August 12th: Captured Detroit, Journey tribute 
  • August 19th: Matt Stell
  • August 26th: Your Generation in Concert

This year, there will be a special Friday performance by Jerrod Niemann on August 20th.

For more information, visit Port Huron Rec’s website <HERE>  or follow the Port Huron Parks & Rec Department on Facebook <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Gray Wolves at Center of Lawsuit Between State and Federal Agency

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to remove gray wolves from the list of endangered species. That decision is being contested by Michigan’s Attorney General on the basis of the decision being contrary to the Endangered Species Act. The decision is based on Michigan’s success in recovering the species.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, “By delisting the gray wolf nationwide, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service abandoned its obligation to protect endangered gray wolves wherever they are found.”

Nessel and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a brief in a lawsuit against the federal agency. The three points in the brief are that the Fish and Wildlife Service must look at the wolves’ current range, analyze the factors for delisting based on the actual location of the wolves, and not make decisions that affect orphan wolf populations that would otherwise be protected.

Nessel said, “The facts are clear here: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can only use Michigan’s successes in Michigan, not nationwide. Where wolves remain endangered, they must remain listed.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Climb the Lighthouse During the Full Moon

The Friends of the St. Clair River are offering an opportunity to view August’s full moon from the top of the Ft. Gratiot Light House.  The inaugural Sturgeon Full Moon Lighthouse Climb is scheduled for Sunday, August 22nd from 6 – 10 PM.

The August full moon is referred to as the Sturgeon moon because Indigenous communities knew how plentiful the sturgeon were during its arrival.

The Sturgeon Full Moon Lighthouse Climb includes the lighthouse climb, food vendors, music, special performances, and fireside chats with stargazing and storytelling.

Tickets are $20 for those 12 years old and up and kids ages 4 – 12 are $10. Children 3 and under are free.

The Yak-Abouts kayak group is planning a full moon paddle from Lighthouse Beach and participants are welcome to join them.

To learn more about this event visit www.SturgeonFestival.com

Industry 4.0 Initiative Underway for Area Manufacturers

The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance has announced the launch of the I-69 Thumb Region’s Industry 4.0 Initiative.

The Initiative exists to drive Industry 4.0 readiness in small and mid-sized manufacturers. At least half of Michigan manufacturers are expected to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025. The technologies include automation and advancements that prepare Michigan industry for the future.

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County said, “There are several key benefits for our region’s manufacturers to implement Industry 4.0 small changes to their business systems and processes. Smart factory changes can reduce material waste, help to solve labor shortages, create efficiencies and increase production. Most importantly, by becoming an early adopter of I4.0, a manufacturer is creating a competitive advantage for their business.”

Assessments are underway to gauge the level of readiness in the region. The I-69 Thumb Region covers Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawasee, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Car Show Bringing Wheels to the Waterfront

Port Huron, MI — Mainstreet Memories car show is moving its wheels to the waterfront, and event organizers are expecting nearly 800 vehicles at the Acheson Ventures waterfront property on Saturday, July 31st.

This non-judged car show is in its 5th year, and it previously occupied Huron Avenue in Downtown Port Huron. Organizers realized they needed more room in 2019, and the idea to move the show to the Waterfront was born.

The show opens to the public at 10 AM on Saturday, and a shuttle service will be provided to get people from the municipal parking lots downtown over to the waterfront where the show takes place.

Along with the classic cars, there will be over 70 vendors including monster truck and NHRA dragster display, and a Kid Zone tent sponsored by the Council on Aging serving St. Clair County. The Council on Aging is also the designated nonprofit of the show, and all proceeds raised will be donated to them to provide services for the area’s senior citizens.

For a full list of events visit mainstreetmemoriesph.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

St. Clair County Businesses Recognized by Governor

Last week, Governor Whitmer sent letters of gratitude to more than 200 small businesses that excelled during the pandemic, and several St. Clair County companies were among them.

The businesses stood out for the way they adapted their services, provided essential items like personal protective equipment, or supported frontline workers or those in need.

Harsens Island Distillery, Polka Dot Pandas, Quality Computer Solutions, and Thumb Coast CBD were the St. Clair County companies recognized by the Governor. Thumb Coast CBD was recognized for making and donating hand sanitizer to those working on the frontlines, and Polka Dot Pandas donated over 13,000 masks to local medical workers in the beginning of the pandemic when masks were’t readily available.

Tricia Comtois, owner of Polka Dot Pandas, said it was all made possible by help from the community. People donated supplies and helped sew, cut, and distribute the masks. “There were many hands that helped us with the process!” said Comtois.

In a press release, Governor Whitmer said, “I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigan’s small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented time. Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift our local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to work and live.”

A new website had been launched as a portal for small businesses to find grant programs and funding opportunities available through the State of Michigan. The website is www.michigan.gov/smallbusiness

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand