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Local News

Midwest Ag Leaders Remind That Buying Local is Best

There’s no better time of year to be buying local. Fresh-picked tomatoes off the vine, local sweet corn, sunflowers, and all of late summer’s bounty awaits hungry shoppers at Farmer’s Markets and roadside stands.

The Departments of Agriculture in seven mid-western states have made a video asking residents to buy locally grown and made products to support state food and agriculture economies.

The ag leaders say that buying fresh produce or dining at a farm-to-table restaurant can have big impacts on local economies. Choosing local foods at grocery stores can make a difference as well.

The officials from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Kentucky all shared their appreciation for food and agriculture workers, who are always essential workers, who continued to work through the pandemic to feed America. They called them “a key piece to the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities”.

The collaborative video effort of the Midwest states is hoped to remind viewers that local products like fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other products are not only the freshest and highest quality but also a huge help to local economies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrX-7CBYYkU

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

You Can Help Local Woman Celebrate 100th Birthday

If you feel like doing something nice for someone, here’s your chance. A local woman turned 100 years old this month, and the community is asked to help celebrate with well wishes and cards.  

Anne Culling of Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice told us that Ms. Helen Lavley, one of their private nursing patients, turned 100 on September 6th. A party was held in her honor at Grace Episcopal Church, given by family and friends.

Helen’s neighbors in Vicksburg Hall in Marysville hosted a party as well. Helen has been blessed to maintain independent living as she enters her second century.

Although the internet couldn’t have been imagined when Ms. Lavley was born in 1921, it is useful for sending wishes in 2021. Community members can go on the VNA and Blue Water Hospice Facebook page to share their wishes or they can send an email to marketing@vnabwh.com.

If you prefer to send an old-fashioned card through the old-fashioned mail, go to WGRT.com to get the mailing address.

Happy Birthday 100th Birthday to Helen Lavley from WGRT!

Cards can be mailed to Helen c/o VNA and Blue Water Hospice at 3403 Lapeer, Suite B101, Port Huron, MI 48060.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanilac County Farmers Can Apply for Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted a primary disaster designation to Sanilac County due to drought conditions experienced over the growing season.

Farmers in Sanilac County and the contiguous counties of Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair and Tuscola can apply for assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency. Governor Whitmer also requested assistance under the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

Farmers in these counties should contact their local Farm Service Agency for more information.

The Sanilac County Farm Service Agency can be reached at (810) 648-2998.

 

 

Saturday’s Thumbfest Celebrates Folk Music

If you like folk music, this weekend’s Thumbfest is for you. Lexington will host the music festival on Saturday, September 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the town.

Thumbfest began in the 1990s and has since developed into a late summer tradition, organized by the dedicated volunteers in the Blue Water Folk Society.

The festival is free to the public thanks to many commercial sponsors and donors, but donations are accepted. Those who attend will need to bring their own lawn chairs. Both food and craft vendors will be onsite.

There are seven stages with full schedules of musical acts, along with a community sing tent and a jam tent, among others. There are opportunities for those who brought their instruments to join into some performances.

Thumbfest is a family-friendly event with special areas for children to make music, as well as a drum circle. Camp Cavell is hosting special activities for kids.

Shuttles will be running throughout the festival, with service every 15 minutes along the route. The full lineup of musical acts can be found at bluewaterfolk.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black River Beauty Bar Opens in Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Co-owners Channon Mcfarlane & Ashlynn Vroman are celebrating the grand opening of their new salon, Black River Beauty Bar, on Friday night from 6-8 PM during Downtown Port Huron’s First Friday.

Channon and Ashlynn decided to branch out on their own and open a salon a few months ago. They moved into the space that was Carlos Hairport Salon and have redesigned it with a calm, bohemian aesthetic.

“It’s very calming and relaxing. The big windows and being by the water is really relaxing.” said Channon.

Ashlynn was behind the design of the interior and had a lot of fun decorating the space. “It’s nice to be part of the downtown community. The views, the area, it’s just so nice to be a part of this community,” she said.

Black River Beauty Bar is a full-service salon that has a licensed esthetician, Renee Schott, that does eyelash tinting and perming, micro-blading, 12 kinds of facials, lip blushing and more. She has been a skin therapist for 10 years.

The salons hours are 9 AM – 8 PM Monday – Friday and 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays.

For more information on their Grand Opening, visit Black River Beauty Bar’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/blackriverbeautybar

To see more pictures from our visit to the salon, follow @wgrt_jessie on Instagram <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

No More Rapid COVID Tests for Travelers to Canada at SCC Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Department has announced that Canadian and other travelers will need to look elsewhere for COVID-19 Rapid PCR testing. Canada requires all travelers 5 years and older to provide proof of a COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Antigen tests are not accepted.

Those driving into Canada must be tested within 72 hours of planned entry into Canada even if vaccinated and need to have the proof of testing available for 14 days after entry.

The St. Clair County Health Department is short on testing supplies and is giving testing priority to individuals who are exhibiting symptoms, those who live in congregate settings like nursing homes, and those in  high-risk situations.

Previously scheduled appointments will be honored, but no new appointments are being made for travelers.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health officer for the St. Clair County Health Department said, “We encourage all residents and visitors to plan ahead before crossing the border or traveling. Explore your testing options well before you leave. Individuals can find a list of COVID-19 testing locations on our website www.scchealth.co.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland