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Local News

U.S. Census Shows Slow Population Growth, More People in Big Cities

New 2020 Census Results have been released. The results are used for legislative redistricting data, as required by law.

Acting Census Bureau Director Ron Jarmin said, “We are excited to reach this milestone of delivering the first detailed statistics from the 2020 Census. We appreciate the public’s patience as Census Bureau staff worked diligently to process these data and ensure it meets our quality standards.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the data shows an increase in populations in metro areas compared to a decade ago. More people are living in big cities. Eighty-six percent of American’s live in metro areas, and the top ten largest cities all saw growth.

Overall, the total population grew at its slowest rate since the 1930s. Michigan’s population increased by 2%, with the largest growth on the west side of the state. Grand Rapids/Kentwood reached the one million mark in the population count.

A link to complete 2020 U.S. Census data can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo/summary-files.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Weather Disasters May Attract Scammers

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued two consumer alerts that tend to pop up when people experience damage from severe weather and a state of emergency is declared. She is urging consumers to look out for Government Imposters and Disaster Scams.

Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Armada Township last week in response to a tornado that went through the area on July 24th, 2021, and Nessel said that bad actors may try to take advantage of people cleaning up after storm damage.

Government Imposters contact consumers and tell them they’ve been selected to receive government funding to assist with repairs.  The scammers then ask the person to share their personal or banking information in order to secure or transfer funds.

Disaster Scams can come in the form of contractors or individuals who approach consumers, usually door-to-door, and use high-pressure sales tactics, confusing terms, and cash-only terms to encourage a quick sale.

“Unfortunately, bad actors look at storm cleanup as an opportunity to take advantage of victims who are desperate to repair damage right away,” Nessel said. “I continue to urge Michiganders to do their research before making any decisions that will impact your home or business.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides legitimate disaster relief, but individuals must register with them to establish eligibility. FEMA’s number is 1-800-621-FEMA

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Mansfield and Gratiot Parks to Get New Playgrounds

The parks are hopping this summer in the city of Port Huron. The new playscape at Palmer Park is incredibly popular, and there are more improvements in store for other parks in time for next summer’s adventures.

Nancy Winzer, Director of Port Huron Recreation Department, told us that two new structures are coming to Mansfield and Gratiot parks, as well as the addition of a toddler area and new swings at Palmer Park.

Winzer said that Gratiot Park has the oldest equipment in the city, and it is soon to be replaced. The design has been coordinated with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and will be accessible and fun for kids of all abilities.

Mansfield Park is getting renovated as part of Rock the Block, in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. The park will have a dinosaur theme and a new pavilion. Private donors and Habitat for Humanity are partnering with the City to enhance the neighborhood.

There are some material delays, but Winzer hopes to have the installation done by next spring. The total cost for the Mansfield and Gratiot improvements is over $400,000 with funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the City of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Coast Guards Warn Ahead of Float Down

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have issued a joint statement regarding the Port Huron Float Down. The message is clear: don’t do it.

The unsanctioned event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, August 15th. The Float Down has a long history of being organized by no one but enjoyed by thousands who put their floatation devices in the river around Lighthouse Beach and float the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles, all the way to Marysville.

The Coast Guards warn that cold water, fast currents, and alcohol can be a deadly combination that puts a strain on law enforcement. There is also the concern of large crowds amidst a lingering pandemic.

If you disregard the advice to stay off the water this Sunday, the Coast Guards advise that life jackets are worn at all times. It’s also a good idea to float in something where you are not submerged in the water the whole time. Hypothermia can happen quickly in the cold river water.

Also, bring your ID, in case you get blown over to Canada, like 1500 Float Down participants did in 2016. The U.S./Canada border is closed until at least August 21st.

A link to the full statement can be found at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/08/joint-statement-from-canadian–us-coast-guard-leadership-regarding-the-port-huron-float-down-2021.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yard Sale Trail This Weekend

The weekend-long M-29 to M-25 Yard Sale Trail starts today with over 150 miles of antiques, yard sales, and parking lot sales. Twelve Blue Water Area communities from Sebewaing to New Baltimore will participate.

In addition to the garage sales, the route travels through several quaint communities such as Marine City, St. Clair, Port Huron, Lexington, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, Port Hope, and Port Austen.  Those communities are full of unique shops and boutiques, museums full of local history, and wonderful places to enjoy a meal.

The event lasts through Sunday, so use caution if you are participating in this year’s sale or traveling along the shoreline. Shoppers are encouraged to shop on the same side of the street they have parked and not attempt to cross the busy highway.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Youth Trivia Night Coming up August 19th

The St. Clair County Substance Prevention through Early Action and Knowledge (SPEAK) Coalition is hosting a Youth Trivia Night for all St. Clair County school-aged youth. The event is at the YMCA of the Bluewater Area on Thursday, August 19th from 6 – 7:30 PM.

The SPEAK Coalition uses fun games and activities to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and educate them about the dangers of substance abuse. All activities are free to youth and fit with the organization’s mission which is “Striving for a healthier community by working together to prevent youth substance abuse.”

On Youth Trivia Night, young people will engage in a fun Q&A contest with questions about pop culture, history, health, sports, and substance use. There will also be a pizza party, and youth can win prizes and receive a free t-shirt.

To learn more visit the SPEAK Coalition’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand