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Local News

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Invasion in Area

The cicada invasion has gotten a lot of press, but for Blue Water Area residents, it’s the gypsy moth caterpillars that are causing a lot of trouble. The little caterpillars are everywhere in some neighborhoods and there is concern over the damage they might cause to trees.

Gypsy moths are not native to the area, but they have been around since the late 1800s, so they are nothing new. This year does seem to have higher numbers than usual, as have the past two years, according to the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Not only are the little caterpillars and their webs annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to trees with their voracious appetites for leaves. The best way to get rid of them is to take down their nests in the fall. 

Adding to their vexing nature, gypsy moth caterpillar hairs contain histamine, which can cause a rash if touched, or even if blowing in the wind and making contact with skin, according to the National Poison Control Center. 

There are insecticides that can be applied to trees to kill the caterpillars. A chemical-free way to trap the invasive pests is to put bands of burlap around tree trunks and collect and kill the caterpillars that show up on it each day. 

More information is at:

https://www.misin.msu.edu/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kerhoulas Named New Superintendent for Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools has a new leader. Theo Kerhoulas was unanimously approved by the Board of Education to take over as Superintendent after the resignation of Jamie Cain, who took a position with the St. Clair County RESA.

Kerhoulas is not new to the district professionally or personally. He has been an administrator since 2014 and is a parent of students in the district. Kerhoulas held the position of Executive Director of Operations and Innovation for Port Huron Schools since 2014. He previously worked as a high school principal in the Cros-Lex district.

On accepting the Superintendent position, Kerhoulas said, “Jamie Cain leaves large shoes to fill but a strong team in place. It is great to know – both professionally and as a friend – that he is just down the road and always there to support our team and Port Huron Schools.”

After a rough year of back and forth in-person and online school and a current state-wide teacher shortage, Kerhoulas has his work cut out for him.  He said, “We must acknowledge that the pandemic has caused distress to our students, families, and staff” and that he is “personally committed to the success of every student and staff member in our organization.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rocket Mortgage Classic Will Help Detroiters Access Technology

There is a lot of excitement for a live event at this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. The event is June 28th – July 4th, and boasts an impressive lineup of world class golfers along with a campaign to raise over a million dollars for charity.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic is the first PGA TOUR event to be held in the city of Detroit, and the event raised more than 1.2 million dollars for charity in 2019. All net proceeds from this year’s event will support their Changing the Course initiative which is committed to ensure every Detroit resident has access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy training they deserve within 5 years.

At a press conference Monday, officials from the Rocket Mortgage Classic announced a citywide campaign to streamline access to the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The “EBB 313” compliments the Changing the Course initiative, and it will help provide discounts on internet access and technology subsidies for eligible resident of Detroit.

Jay Farner, CEO of Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Companies, and Chairman of the 313 Fund, said, “The Rocket Mortgage Classic is all about building an exciting event in our home city that simultaneously creates opportunity for Detroit residents.”

Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, said they will work with other local nonprofits and governmental agencies throughout Detroit to connect residents with the program. “We’re natural conveners, this kind of engagement is in our DNA. This is what we were built to do,” Dr. Hudson said of the United Way.

Bryson DeChambeau, defending champion of the Rocket Mortgage Classic and Rocket Mortgage Ambassador, said, “One of the things that impressed me the most about the Rocket family is their dedication to helping change lives in the 313 area.” He went on to say, “My family always told me to give back and do as much as you can no matter what position you’re in.”

For more information visit pgatour.com or get your tickets for the event <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Blue Water Chamber Quarterly Talk Rep Andrew Beeler

Beeler Updates Chamber of Commerce on Last Quarter in Office

Last week, Andrew Beeler, Michigan State Representative of the 83rd District, joined local leaders and business owners for a Capitol Quarterly Talk sponsored by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beeler shared that the House is in its busy season as they try to move forward on the 2022 budget and other policy issues before summer recess. His main focus right now is ensuring that the taxpayers in his district have a strong voice in Lansing, especially since the legislature seeks to allocate funds with a record surplus.

Since taking office, a couple of areas Beeler has been focusing are health care and veterans. His HB 4345 was passed in March, and it prohibits insurance companies from penalizing Michigan consumers if they decide to purchase cheaper prescriptions from an out-of-network provider.

Regarding veterans, Beeler is working on legislation that would translate military education and skills to certificates which would enable veterans to receive tangible value in the civilian world for things they achieved during active duty. Beeler believes this adds to the benefits the state of Michigan has to offer those completing their service and deciding where to live.

Representative Beeler serves all of Sanilac County, and Burtchville Township, Fort Gratiot Township and the city of Port Huron in St. Clair County. He can be reached by phone at 517-373-0835 or by email at: AndrewBeeler@house.mi.gov.

The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities throughout the year for its members to connect with their elected officials. The next event is on June 18th via Zoom with Senator Gary Peters. Visit BlueWaterChamber.com to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Neglected Horse Rescued; Owner Prosecuted

Day Dreams Farm, a non-profit Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation facility located in Marine City, has taken in a horse that was recovered by the St. Clair County Animal Control office.

According to Animal Control, two horses were found in deplorable condition at a residence on Griffin Road in Riley Township. One horse was humanely euthanized on-site by a veterinarian. A second horse was surrendered to authorities.

The search of the property took place last month as a result of citizen complaints. The owner of the animals was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, which, according to Michigan law is a misdemeanor when one allows an animal to needlessly suffer. The owner pled guilty and  was sentenced to not possess animals for five years and to pay $800 in court fees and restitution.

Melissa Miller, Director of Animal Control said she is pleased with the ruling. She said, “That length of time for prohibition is a rarity and shows the severity of cruelty inflicted on these horses. This is a win for equine welfare and shows St. Clair County takes animal neglect seriously.”

More information about Day Dreams Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and how to donate to the non-profit, can be found on their website, daydreamsfarm.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ft. Gratiot Gearing Up for Cruise Weekend

Fort Gratiot Township and the Fort Gratiot Business Association are getting ready for their biggest event of the year: Blue Water Cruise Weekend. The event is planned for June 24th- 27th.

The kick-off to the weekend is the carnival in the Birchwood Mall parking lot on Thursday, June 24th. The carnival will run on Thursday, June 24th through Saturday, June 26th from 12:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Sunday, June 27th the hours are 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Cruise night is on Friday the 25th, and cars will begin parading through town in the evening. WGRT will be switching its format to your favorite oldies and broadcasting a special program from 5 – 10 PM during the cruise.

The 14th Annual Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show will be in the Birchwood Mall north parking lot on Saturday, June 26th, with registration beginning at 8:30 AM, and Saturday evening the festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk.

For more information, visit BlueWaterCruiseWeekend.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand