Fort Gratiot Cancels 2024 Carnival And Fireworks Due To Venue Issues

Fort Gratiot announced the cancellation of the 2024 carnival and fireworks show, much to the community’s disappointment. Since 2018, the event has been held in the Birchwood Mall parking lot, sponsored by donors and managed by T.J. Schmidt & Company. Proceeds from ticket sales funded the carnival and fireworks display.

However, due to new contracts between the mall’s new property owner and another carnival provider, Fort Gratiot can no longer use the Birchwood Mall property. Although other local businesses offered to host, none met the required criteria.

Deputy Treasurer and Event Coordinator Lisa Skotcher expressed regret over the cancellation but encouraged participation in Bluewater Cruise Night on June 28 and the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show on June 29. 

The community’s support remains invaluable in continuing Fort Gratiot’s tradition of summer celebrations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Summer Meals For Kids: Food Bank Of Eastern Michigan Partners With Local Church

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, in partnership with Meet Up and Eat Up and Full Gospel Church of God, invites community children to enjoy free meals all summer. 

From Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., children under 18 can receive lunch and a snack at Full Gospel Church of God, located at 1340 Division St., Port Huron.

Known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Meet Up and Eat Up provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas, preventing summer hunger for over 500,000 Michigan children. This initiative also helps reduce summer learning loss, ensuring children return to school ready to succeed. The program is crucial for maintaining children’s health and academic progress during the summer break.

To find more food resources in your area, visit: fbem.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Totally Cool, Inc. Recalls Ice Cream Products Due To Listeria Contamination

Totally Cool, Inc. of Owings Mills, Maryland, is recalling multiple brands of ice cream due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms, Listeria can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

The products were distributed nationwide through retail locations and direct delivery. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall follows FDA sampling that discovered Listeria. Production and distribution of the affected products have ceased, and an investigation is underway.

Consumers should return recalled products to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions or concerns, contact Totally Cool, Inc. at (410) 363-7801.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Eastbound Blue Water Bridge Closed For Critical Maintenance Until Mid-October

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has closed the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) for essential maintenance, set to conclude by mid-October. 

During this period, both directions of traffic will use the westbound span. To reduce congestion and enhance safety, the Pine Grove Avenue ramp to the toll plaza will be closed every Thursday from 9 a.m. until Saturday at 9 a.m. for the duration of the project. Detours will guide traffic via Pine Grove Avenue, Hancock Street, and I-94. Dedicated toll lanes for EDGE pass holders will remain available. 

MDOT and the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) are coordinating to minimize disruption while maintaining this critical economic link between the U.S. and Canada.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Snapchill LLC Recalls Canned Coffee Nationwide Due To Botulism Risk

Snapchill LLC, based in Green Bay, WI, is voluntarily recalling all canned coffee products within expiration date due to a processing issue that may cause botulinum toxin production. This toxin, found in low acid canned foods, can lead to botulism—a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. 

Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty in speaking or swallowing. More severe symptoms are difficulty breathing and abdominal issues. 

Affected products were distributed nationwide through various roasters, retail locations, and direct online purchases. The affected products may appear under a variety of roasters and brand names and consumers should check for “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC” on the label. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

You can find a list of products to avoid by visiting: fda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

You Won’t Believe What This Everyday Household Product Was Once Used For

In the early 1900s, Lysol was marketed directly to housewives as a feminine hygiene product, rather than the household cleaner we know today. 

Advertisements promoted Lysol as a douche to ensure “feminine daintiness” and maintain “married happiness.” With contraceptives illegal under the Comstock Act, many women used Lysol as an ineffective birth control method, resulting in high pregnancy rates. Respected doctors, including Joseph De Lee, endorsed Lysol for reducing infections during childbirth, despite its toxic ingredients causing burns and inflammation. 

By 1911, there were 193 poisonings and five deaths linked to Lysol douching. It wasn’t until the 1960s, with safer birth control options available, that Lysol transitioned to the household cleaner known today.

Source: allthatsinteresting.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell