With Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Looming, MDARD Pleads for Vigilance in Reporting and Prevention

The spotted lanternfly is a menace and has the potential to destroy Michigan staples like apples and hardwood trees. But it’s not picky. It feeds on more than 70 different species, and an infestation could be devastating to the state’s agricultural economy.

Robert Miller with the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said, “Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape.”

The pest has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern United States and dead lanternflies have been found in packaging materials in Michigan. So far, MDARD hasn’t found any live ones.

Miller said, “With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time.”

If you come across the dreaded pest, let MDARD know immediately. Citizen awareness and reporting are critical in containing the pending arrival of the invasive pest.

From MDARD:

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Temporarily Moves Mackinac Bridge Escort Staging Area

For some people, exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their bucket list, but driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a deal breaker. The Michigan Department of Transportation has a solution for those who would rather not be behind the wheel while crossing the five-mile-long suspension bridge, one of the longest in the world. There is a service available where someone drives your car across for you. 

Bicyclists and pedestrians can also get a ride across the bridge, and commercial vehicles can request an escort to help them safely navigate the bridge. 

MDOT has announced that the location of the escort staging area, where motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists wait for their assistance in crossing the bridge, has moved due to construction on I-75 in Mackinaw City. 

The new location is at the Mackinaw City Welcome Center. It will be there for about four weeks.

There is a $10 charge and a waiver required for those who need someone else to drive their car across the bridge. There are charges for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Go to WGRT.com for more information. 

Patrons requiring MBA transport services or escorts should contact the authority at 906-643-7600.

https://www.mackinacbridge.org/fares-traffic/transport-services/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sperry’s Arcadehouse Celebrates Grand Opening

The Sperry’s Arcadehouse celebrated its grand opening yesterday surrounded by fellow downtown business owners and members of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce. The arcade is in the lower level of Sperry’s Moviehouse, and it’s home to pinball machines, air hockey, party rooms, and a snack bar.

The Arcadehouse offers a new option for entertainment in Downtown Port Huron, one that may be nostalgic for some as machines use quarters instead of tokens. It is located in the space that was most recently The Underground, a business incubator and coworking space operated by the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance, and in the past was the toy, sporting goods, and hardware departments of Sperry’s Department Store.

Game players can find several options for group and solo play at the Arcadehouse, along with several rooms that can be rented out for parties. The party rooms have comfortable seating for up to 10 people, and there are food options for groups available on the menu.

The snack bar in the Arcadehouse has a casual menu featuring funnel cake fries and walking tacos along with sliders and other appetizers, and the bar has canned adult beverages and arcade-themed cocktails.

The Arcadehouse is open Monday – Thursday from Noon to 9 PM, Fridays & Saturdays from noon – 11 PM, and Sunday from Noon – 6 PM.

Learn more: https://www.sperrysmoviehouse.com/Arcadehouse

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lake Huron Medical Center Employee of the Month July 2022

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its July 2022 Employee of the Month, Terry Crick.

LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Terry works as a Staff RN in the LHMC DOU and has been an employee at LHMC for 6 years. He was nominated by a patient who commented, “Terry is my favorite nurse. He is the same now as when I met him six years ago. Upbeat and always laughing. I always come back to this hospital and Terry is one of the reasons why.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Terry, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

Submitted by Lake Huron Medical Center

Hear From Candidates Running in the Primary

The August 2nd primary election is just around the corner, and WGRT has created an election page to help voters get to know more about candidates.

The WGRT website has a 2022 Election page that features interviews and candidate submitted bios from several candidates running for Governor of Michigan, State Representative, St. Clair County Commissioner, and more.

All of our interviews with candidates are available on our website or by finding the WGRT Local News Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Voters should keep in mind that there is no split-ticket voting in the primary election. They must choose to vote for candidates running in either the Democrat or Republican party, not both.

There are also several millage proposals on the ballot which will determine future taxpayer funding for several St. Clair County services: the community college, library, parks & recreation, ambulance services, and  support for senior citizens.

The polls will be open on Tuesday, August 2nd from 7 AM until 8 PM.

To learn more, visit the Election page here:

https://wgrt.com/category/2022-election/

McLaren Port Huron Recognized as “High Performing” Hospital

McLaren Port Huron Hospital has something new to brag about. The hospital was named by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2022-23.

This is the 8th year of the Procedures and Conditions ratings, which are designed to assist patients and doctors in making choices about their healthcare, especially as it relates to common conditions and procedures.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”

McLaren Port Huron received the High Performing rating, the highest rating given by U.S. News and World Report, for being better than the national average in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, Heart Attacks, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.

Fewer than half of the more than 4500 medical centers received the High Performing rating for any condition or procedure.

Cecava said, “Being recognized as a High Performing Hospital, among some of the nation’s best health care providers, is an honor.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland