The Blue Water Area Churches will be holding a Good Friday Service open to the community on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.  According to Terry Kuhns, Assistant Director at Operation Transformation, it will be held at Colonial Woods Missionary Church, 3240 Pine Grove Avenue, in Port Huron.  He says, “The Good Friday Service will be an afternoon of worship and reflection, in appreciation for the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. ”  Everyone is invited to the free service.  The service will include Scripture readings, congregational worship, and special music.  It will also include a message by Pastor Joel Mitchell from Griswold Street Baptist Church, Pastor Phil Whetstone from Colonial Woods Missionary Church, and Pastor Sandra Woodard from St. Paul AME Church.  For more information call Operation Transformation at 810-966-8660

As citizens of Marine City go about their daily lives, members of the U.S. Navy’s “Silent Service” work beneath the ocean’s waves, continuing a tradition that only a small fraction of military members will ever know: strategic deterrence.  Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Youngert assigned to USS Alaska hails from Marine City, Michigan, and is a 2010 graduate of Marine City High School who takes on the task to execute one of the Defense Department’s most important mission of strategic deterrence.  Youngert is a machinist mate (nuclear) stationed at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, homeport to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.
“Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines,” said Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Group 10. “Team Kings Bay ensures our crews are combat ready when called upon, putting our submarine forces on scene, unseen.”  “I operate and maintain Navy nuclear propulsion plants and associated equipment; supervise and administer naval nuclear propulsion operations,” Youngert said.  Youngert credits continued success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Marine City.  “I learned to always have a positive attitude,” Youngert said.  The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, according to Jablon. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles if directed by the President. The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance.
Youngert is part of the boat’s blue crew, one of the two rotating crews, which allow the boat to be deployed on missions more often without taxing one crew too much. A typical crew on this submarine is approximately 150 officers and enlisted sailors.  The first submarine was invented by Yale graduate, David Bushnell, in 1775 and provided the colonists with a secret weapon in the form of a one-man wooden craft in an experimental submarine that was nicknamed the Turtle.
Although Bushnell’s efforts were unsuccessful in attempts to blow up British vessels during the American Revolution George Washington said of the Turtle, “I then thought, and still think, that it was an effort of genius.”  U.S. submarines may not be what some have imagined. Measuring 560 feet long, 42-feet wide and weighing more than 16,500 tons, a nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the ship through the water at more than 20 knots (23 mph).  Because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing, according to Navy officials. Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled people in the Navy. Regardless of their specialty, everyone has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.  “At this command, the people are nice, the morale is good, it’s like having a family aboard a ship,” Youngert said.  Serving in the Navy means Youngert is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.  A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.  “Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”  Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Youngert is most proud of the qualifications he earned to receive his submarine warfare pin. “You study long and hard for it but it pays off in the end,” Youngert said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Youngert and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.   “Serving in the Navy means I get the rare chance, that many don’t, to serve my country and protect my family and friends,” Youngert said.

Story written by:  M. Dawn Scott, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Brad Gee

Wondering what to do to help fight climate change? Have you heard about this Green New Deal? The Blue Water Sierra Club is hosting an evening for the public to come learn about climate action and how the Green New Deal fits into local actions already happening to create a livable planet for future generations. From beginners to activists, everybody can learn and participate in this presentation about Detroit and Michigan’s role in the future.   Guest speakers include Activist Fred Miller,  Sierra Club staffer, and Andrew Sarpolis, Sierra Club staffer, an organizer who focuses on energy and climate policy.  The event is being held this Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. at the St. Clair County Administration Building Auditorium at 200 Grand River Avenue. There is no cost to attend and you do not need to pre-register.

The Council on Aging Inc., Serving Seniors in St. Clair County, replaced six aging buses this month with six brand new vehicles. The Council will replace another six buses next month. The Council is replacing buses that have reached their seven-year life expectancy. CoA transports seniors to a wide range of programs, activities and appointments.   Blue Water Area Transit processed the necessary applications to obtain federal and state grant funds to purchase new buses for CoA. These coordinated efforts to maintain high standards of quality ensure seniors will continue to enjoy clean, comfortable, and dependable transportation for many years.   “The Council on Aging is so thankful for the support from and partnership with Blue Water Area Transit in securing new vehicles for our senior transportation program,” said Scott A. Crawford, executive director, CoA.  “By providing transportation for the entire county, our vehicles accrue a lot of miles and, as they get older, they become very expensive to maintain.  With this new fleet of vehicles, we will be able to continue to provide great service to seniors and keep our repairs costs down.”   Both agencies support local air quality by running buses on earth-friendly compressed natural gas. BWAT’s fleet includes more than 80 buses and three trollies and CoA maintains nearly three dozen buses. Later this year, BWAT will purchase their first electric bus, which operates without harmful emissions.    “We all benefit when local buses don’t use diesel fuel,” explained Anita R. Ashford, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board vice chair and Port Huron mayor pro tem. “It’s better for riders and the entire community.”   CoA transports seniors to their foster grandparent program, which links seniors with children in a variety of settings. Seniors go to such places as schools, group homes, shelters, day care centers, museums, and YMCA programs.   CoA also transports seniors to important medical appointments that include physician check-ups and tests.   “Investing in these new buses continues our commitment to giving our community the best possible transportation, while improving air quality,” said Jim Wilson, BWAT general manager.    The new Champion (model LF-Transport) buses can each carry 16 passengers (or 12 riders with two seated in wheelchairs). The newest buses feature a “smart” electronically controlled suspension system that maintains a smooth air ride. Drivers are able to lift the entire low-floor bus up to 2.5 inches when needed to clear bumps. Also, a large passenger-side cab window increases the curbside visibility of drivers. The new buses are powered by compressed natural gas, an economical alternative fuel that results in cleaner air than diesel fuel. The new buses represent a large  investment in improving the quality of life throughout the Blue Water Area.     BWAT is Michigan’s leading producer of compressed natural gas, with the largest fleet of CNG buses in the state. The agency started producing the alternative fuel in 1996 and now operates four public CNG fueling stations.  The federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program provided grant funding to purchase the new buses. The Federal Highway Administration funds 80% of the CMAQ program funds. The Michigan Department of Transportation contributes the other 20% local funding match.   The CMAQ program supports projects that contribute air quality improvements and/or provide traffic congestion relief. The program supports the attainment or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. BWAT awarded Hoekstra Transportation a contract for up to 65 buses during the next five years. Based in Grand Rapids, Hoekstra is a distributor for Champion Bus Inc. in Imlay City.   “We are always happy when a local firm bids competitively and receives the contract,” said Dave Frasier, BWAT director of procurement and capital projects.   Blue Water Area Transit continues a proud tradition of innovation that was started more than a century and a half ago by William Pitt Edison. The older brother of world-renowned inventor Thomas Alva Edison started local service with a horse-pulled trolley. In 1866. He later expanded to horse-pulled streetcars guided by rails along several local routes.    Port Huron became one of the nation’s first communities to operate electrified trolleys in 1886 and then motor coaches in 1927. After an eight-year hiatus ended in 1976, BWAT became the area’s first publicly funded bus service. Since then, BWAT buses have carried more than 31 million riders.     BWAT provides ADA compliant, lift-equipped bus service six days a week. Fixed-route service is offered in the City of Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Township. Dial-a-ride service is offered in Marysville and the townships of Burtchville, Port Huron and Fort Gratiot. The agency further provides on-call service for persons with disabilities, commuter service to Macomb County, and shuttle service to major shopping centers on the northern end of the community.   The Council on Aging, Inc., serving St. Clair County is a private non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political organization which primarily coordinates programs that promote and safeguard the independence and well-being of the senior citizens (persons sixty years of age and older) of St. Clair County in Michigan.   Mobility can be a prime factor in determining whether or not a senior is able to live independently.  For over 50 years, the Council on Aging has been assisting with this need by providing door to door pick-up and return transportation service for seniors and the disabled throughout St. Clair County.

Now that spring is finally here, Sheriff Donnellon is again reminding everyone who is out walking and picking up discarded plastic bottles to be careful. That bottle you are picking up may contain methamphetamine residue and could be dangerous.  Methamphetamine is an incredibly dangerous drug. It is certainly dangerous to ingest. It is dangerous when it is being made, with the risk of explosion and fire. It is also dangerous when the waste product is discarded.
Meth is made using the drug pseudoephedrine and common household chemicals, such as lye and Coleman gas. The chemicals are mixed in a two liter pop bottle. Once the chemicals begin reacting, there is danger of an explosion and fire. The danger doesn’t end there. Once the user gets the drug out of the bottle, it is discarded. Sometimes the bottles are thrown in ditches or yards. If a person picks up a bottle containing meth waste, the chemicals inside can re-activate, causing an explosion and fire. Also found at meth dump sites may be gas generators. These are containers with holes in the top with hoses coming out, which may be dangerous as well.
If you see a two liter pop bottle with a milky substance in the bottom, don’t touch it. Immediately
leave the area and contact the Sheriff’s Office or your local police agency. We have deputies specially trained to dispose of these dangerous chemicals. We have had no reports of meth lab waste so far this year, but want everyone to stay alert, so we don’t have any injuries.