Earth Fair Registration Is Now Open

The popular St. Clair County Earth Fair event will be making its return this year to Goodells County Park, and applications are now being accepted.

The St. Clair County Earth Fair has been taking place since 2003 and has since grown to be Michigan’s largest Earth Day event. The goal of the two-day event is to spread awareness about how to maintain the environment, and to create sustainable green living. 

Vendors, school classroom field trips, event volunteers and Green Guardian Award nominations are all welcome to fill out their applications to reserve a spot. Anyone with an environmental product, message or service may apply to be an Earth Fair vendor. The application deadline is March 15th.

The Earth Fair will be held on Friday, April 28th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 29th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, and applications visit: EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Chilly Fest Tradition Returns To Downtown Port Huron This January

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is partnering with local businesses and organizations to bring activities such as the popular bed races, ice sculptures, chili cook-off, and more with its annual Chilly Fest located downtown.

The Chilly Fest is a two day event that will be kicking off on Friday, January 27th with a free outdoor concert. From 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. you can catch 80’s hair band Sunset Blvd. Visitors will also be able to view the many ice sculptures on display as well. 

Saturday will feature more events and attractions for the community to enjoy and participate in. Activities such as the Fuzzy Penguin Hunt, PoHo Hot Cocoa Run, carriage rides, and the highly anticipated chili cook-off that will allow guests to sample chili from participating restaurants. For $7 visitors will be able to sample all 15 chili samples and vote for their favorite. 

For more information and details, visit: chillyfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS Launches New Substance Use Vulnerability Index

When it comes to substance use there is no way to track those areas that may have a higher rate of drug use and/or deaths due to drug usage.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new tool that will help stakeholders target efforts to address substance use issues in their communities. 

The Michigan Substance Use Vulnerability Index (MI-SUVI) will take into consideration a communities access to resources, impact of nonfatal overdoses, and social determinants of health to create a county-level vulnerability score or index. The index shows particular areas more vulnerable to negative substance use outcomes.

MI-SUVI will help get the proper resources to those communities with the most need. The current most vulnerable counties include Clare, Wayne, Oscada, Schoolcraft, and Oceana.

For more information about MI-SUVI, visit: Michigan.gov/opioidsdata.

Michigan Rep. Beeler Opposes Taxpayer Dollars Being Used For Chinese Company

Michigan Rep. Andrew Beeler has taken a strong stand against the statements made by Gov Gretchen Whitmer involving taxpayer dollars being funneled to invite a business with ties to China. 

Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – Gov. Whitmer issued a statement declaring her support for wooing a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This same project was turned down by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, after learning about its ties to China. 

The company in question is a battery manufacturing plant by Ford Motor Co. and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) which is based in China.

Rep. Beeler says, “…It’s unconscionable for Gov. Whitmer to try not only to welcome this company to our state, but to entice it with taxpayer dollars. We must not use the people’s money to give our global adversary a foothold in Michigan.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Library System Events For February

The St. Clair County Library System is offering events and programs for the month of February, here are just a few.

A.A.R.P Tax Service

The A.A.R.P Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation by appointment only at the Burtchville and G. Lynn Campbell branches. There are a limited number of slots available so act fast. 

Michigan Activity Pass (MAP)

The Michigan Activity Pass program provides free or discounted passes to over 400 destinations in the state of Michigan. All you need to access these benefits is to have a St. Clair County Library System library card. You will receive discounts to natural attractions, cultural destinations, museums, art exhibits, and more.

Teen Zone

If you have a teen ages 13 – 18, they can check out Teen Zone on Tuesday, February 7th, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Burtchville Library. They can hang out and play D&D or discuss their favorite books. Snacks, pizza, and beverages will be provided as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell