Local News

Did you know that it is actually more beneficial to not rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher? Many people rinse off their plates before washing them in the dishwasher but as it turns out, what could simply be routine for many, is actually the completely wrong way to do it. 

Most modern dishwashers, according to Morgan Brashear, Cascade scientist with Procter & Gamble, have sensors inside to figure out how long to run a cycle even if “normal” wash is pressed. The length and temperature of the cycle can still vary depending on how dirty the dishes are detected to be. The pre-wash water will remove those loose soils the same way you are removing them by washing them in the sink. However, the machine recognizes that there is food present and will actually run a more thorough cycle. By removing those crumbs and soils, you are telling your dishwasher that no food is present which leads to a less thorough clean or even some food still left on the dishes. 

Newer dishwasher models will likely have an internal disposal or filter that will need to be cleaned regularly in order to function and remove waste properly. One thing to keep in mind though, a dishwasher is not the same as a garbage disposal. Scrape off larger leftover food and place it right in the dishwasher. 

Adapted from the Today Show’s “You shouldn’t rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher (seriously)” by Zoe Weiner.

After taking down Christmas ornaments, many people kick their tree to the curb as the holiday season wraps up. However, If you’re unsure of what to do with your Christmas tree or don’t want to send it to the landfill, Centennial Pines has some options to consider. 

Owner and Operator of Centennial Pines Tree Farm, Michael Wendling, told ebw.tv in an interview that he first started growing trees in high school and his parents started years before. The property has been owned by the family since 1854 where trees are cut and trimmed in the summer and then ready to go for residents in the winter months. Wendling explained to ebw.tv that people are welcome to bring them back to Centennial Pines to get piled up and burned. Although they do not take in a lot of trees as they do not have a chipper, Wendling mentions that there are other ways of disposing of your Christmas tree. 

In the past, some people have placed the tree in their ponds to protect small fish or even outside for protection for other animals such as rabbits. Some individuals will come and pick up the needles that begin piling up at the farm to use for planting. Be sure to also check with your local municipalities if you are interested in putting your tree through a chipper. 

Check with your city about how your Christmas tree should be disposed of if you still decide to kick it to the curb. Learn more in this feature.

Sherman Woods is a popular destination around the holidays as the neighborhood comes together to put on an enchanting lights display that is a sight to behold. For the fourth year, the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association in Port Huron decided to use the attraction as a means of helping the community. The Association is reporting its Red Kettle holiday bell-ringing program raised $4,031 to assist the St. Clair County Salvation Army’s annual fundraising campaign.

The funds were raised by volunteer residents of the association managing a Red Kettle drop off during six weekend evenings recently. Visitors made donations while touring the Sherman Woods location to view the Christmas light displays the neighborhood presents each year.

Fred Kemp, President of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, said it was the fourth year they “have helped the Red Kettle drive and for the first time it was expanded to six weekend nights.” As a result, the donations collected exceeded last year’s by about $1,000. Kemp believes the act was truly a great display of “Christmas giving by residents volunteering and every visitor to the neighborhood who contributed.” 

The funds helped to provide gifts and food for families in need during the holiday season. The neighborhood is located off of Gratiot Avenue, just south of Holland Avenue in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Port Huron Police Department has officially launched the “Hope Not Handcuffs” initiative in the City of Port Huron. The new program is aimed at persons struggling with any drug or alcohol addiction. Individuals struggling with substance use will now be welcomed to come to the Port Huron Police Department when the lobby is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and ask for help. The Department says when individuals do this, they will be greeted with support, compassion, and respect. Upon arrival, a police officer will contact an “Angel” who will arrive and begin guiding the person through a brief intake process to ensure proper treatment. 

The new initiative was started by Families Against Narcotics (FAN), aimed at bringing law enforcement and community organizations together in an effort to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce dependency with heroin, prescription drugs, and alcohol. 

Over 75 volunteer Angels will help with the paperwork and provide compassionate support until a treatment option is found. A toll free number has been set up for any questions about the program at 833-202-HOPE (4673). The police department also added that individuals will not be turned away outside of normal business hours.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Michigan State Police are encouraging Michigan residents to download their free smartphone app to receive breaking news and information happening in our communities and around the state. The mobile phone app is available in both the Apple and Google App stores. 

App users can follow the state police post that is closest to their zip code or the post of their choice. St. Clair County is covered by Post 34, headquartered in Lapeer, while Sanilac County is covered by Post 33, headquartered in Caro. There are troopers stationed in the Port Huron and Sandusky Police offices, as well. 

Through the app, users can choose what kind of notifications they want to receive, ranging in topics from traffic information, criminal investigations, arrests, and community events, along with prevention and educational information. The app also gives users access to information such as Michigan’s Most Wanted fugitives, Offender Registries, cold cases, and information about specific state police posts. Users can upload pictures and crime tips right from the app, as well. To find the app, search for “Michigan State Police” on your mobile phone’s app store.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Did you know that one in every four Michigan homes is expected to have radon levels that exceed the recommended federal action level? January is recognized as Radon Action Month in Michigan, and if you think the topic is irrelevant to area residents, you may want to reconsider. Because radon is an odorless and invisible substance, the only way to know if you’re being exposed is to perform a test. The substance is found in soil and it’s dangerous as it is radioactive and carcinogenic. Radon, in fact, is the second leading cause of lung cancer right behind smoking.

So, how does it affect us? Radon is the byproduct of the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water that eventually becomes airborne. It moves up through the ground and into homes through cracks and holes in the foundation. 

In 1993, a Map of Radon Zones was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify areas of the United States with the potential for elevated indoor radon levels. The map is intended to help governments and other organizations target risk reduction activities and resources. According to the EPA Radon Map of Michigan, Sanilac County is designated with a moderately increased risk as a Zone 2, while St. Clair County is in the lowest classified, Zone 3. 

According to the EPA, however, no matter what designated zone you live in, testing is highly recommended and relatively inexpensive. A test kit is available at most home improvement stores and through the St. Clair and Sanilac County Health Departments. In the case that radon is detected, you can get a mitigation system installed in your home for around $1,100. You can get more information at Michigan.gov/radon.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.