The Michigan House passed on Wednesday a comprehensive modernization of the state’s animal industry regulations, led by state Rep. Dan Lauwers.  “This extensive cooperative effort among industry leaders, MDARD and the Legislature resulted in a streamlined and efficient set of reforms that meet today’s animal agriculture standards,” Lauwers said. “This means Michigan’s farmers will finally have an easy-to-follow set of laws that adapt to today’s technology and keep the highest food safety standards.”  The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) began working with the Legislature in 2015 to update Michigan’s Animal Industry Act, while Lauwers was chair. Since its enactment in 1988, Michigan’s animal industry law has been amended sporadically many times, which resulted in a hard-to-follow mishmash of regulations. Updates were needed to reorganize and streamline the law, making it easier for Michigan’s farmers to follow. These laws will also be easier to adapt to advancements in agricultural technology.  The House passed the plan with overwhelming support and will move to the Senate for consideration. The plan is led by HB 6205.

The Port Huron Civic Theatre is presenting the age old classic “Annie” – at McMorran Theatre Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 17.  Performances are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with 2:00 matinees on Saturday and Sunday.  Cost is $12 for kids and seniors and $15 for adults.  Tom Dennis plays policeman Lt. Ward and President Roosevelt and Joe Helton plays the part of Drake the Butler.  The two stopped in at WGRT to talk about the show.  Tom says Civic Theatre presents an opportunity for people to explore their theatric abilities and they become like family.  Joe, has in the past worked behind the scenes but, says his daughter encouraged him to try out for this part.  Annie is based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray.  Authorities say Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including, “Tomorrow”.  Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical and an ideal show for a largely female cast.  Tickets may be purchase at ticket master or call the McMorran Box Office at 810-985-6166.

The Arc of St. Clair County is having a fundraiser at Panda Express located at 24^th and Cherry Hill Drive at 4795 24^th Avenue in Fort Gratiot on Thursday December 13, 2018  from 4:00 – 7:00pm   You can dine in or order out, knowing that 20% of the event sales will be donated to the Arc.  The Arc of St. Clair County is the only community based non-profit throughout the nation working to support and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advocates for their full inclusion and participation in the community.  Each year more than 500 residents and family members turn to the Arc to service, support and advocate on their behalf.  Organizers of this fundraising event remind you that you need to either bring the fundraiser coupon or a digital copy of it that day for the Arc to receive credit.   For the coupon log on to:
https://www.facebook.com/events/336288723837600/

Marysville City Manager Randy Fernandez has been named the 2018 St. Clair County Community College Alumnus of the Year.  “SC4 played a big part in my life and helped prepare me for my career serving this community,” Fernandez said. “I’m very humbled and honored to receive this special recognition.”  Not only did he attend the college but so did his five siblings, two sons and even four nephews. The oldest of six, Fernandez, 62, shares his alumni status with his three brothers, Marty, Jeff and Ralph, Jr.; two sisters, Paula McVety and Laura Ann Nesbitt, a middle school counselor in Fort Gratiot; two sons, Mitchell and Matthew, and their mother, Shelly; and nephews, Garrett, Grant, Nelson and Bailey.  The State of Michigan’s first Hispanic city manager, Fernandez has spent the last seven years with the City of Marysville — nearly five as city manager — and was previously employed for more than 28 years with the City of Port Huron. While in Port Huron he served as the city treasurer, water supervisor and city assessor. For a time, he was also director of Port Huron’s Downtown Development Authority and general manager of McMorran Auditorium.  The Port Huron native graduated from Port Huron Central as class vice president in 1974 before attending SC4 on a partial tennis scholarship and earning his associate degree. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and master’s from Central Michigan University.   “I truly enjoyed my experience at SC4,” he said. “I recommend it to every student or parent who asks. I think it’s the way to go.”  Fernandez said he formed good study habits and life skills at the college that have stayed with him long beyond his years there.  “St. Clair County Community College helped me develop my time management skills better,” he said. “I’m very proud to have Michigan and Central Michigan degrees, but I’m equally proud to tell people I have a degree from St. Clair County Community College.”  Fernandez said he reinforced the importance of a getting a good educational start at the local community college with his sons Mitchell and Matthew throughout their childhood.  “SC4 plays a critically important role in our community; it’s helped me, my family and countless others reach their goals,” Fernandez said. “I’m proud to support the college as it builds toward an even brighter future.”

State Rep. Shane Hernandez, who has been named the next Appropriations Chair by Speaker-Elect Chatfield, today announced the addition of Phil Browne to his office staff.  Hernandez, who will become the first Hispanic Appropriations Chair in Michigan history, has stressed the importance of chemistry when explaining the addition of Mr. Browne. “It’s not just because Phil has impeccable credentials,” Hernandez said. “Phil understands my personality and passion for protecting Michigan taxpayers. He fits in well with our existing team and is going to be a great addition to the office.”  Phil Browne is a longtime Republican staff member in the Michigan House of Representatives and has worked for numerous legislators serving in many roles, most notably as Deputy Chief of Staff to Michigan Speaker Jase Bolger. Currently serving as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Browne will join Rep. Hernandez’ existing team of Randy Wood and Jeff Phillips.

A snow blower can be a useful tool for removing snow quickly. But while often more convenient, they can also be more dangerous than shoveling. Be aware of the proper techniques of using a snow blower and read the user manual and pay attention to labels on the machine.
• Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snow blower, stop the engine and use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the brief recoil of motor and blades that occurs after the machine has been turned off.
• Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
• Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot.
• Stay away from the engine. It can become very hot and burn unprotected flesh.
• Watch the snow blower cord. Be aware of where the power cord is at all times.
SIDEWALKS & DRIVEWAYS
It’s also important to keep ice clear from your sidewalks and driveways to prevent accidents.
Ice melt and all-purpose sand can add traction to these surfaces, plus ice chippers work well.