Christmas Toys To Avoid This Holiday Season

The joy of opening Christmas presents is unmatched, but could that new toy be a disaster waiting to happen? Here’s what to watch out for to keep your children safe this holiday season. 

Nonprofit organization, W.A.T.C.H (World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc.) has issued a list of toys for the 2022 Christmas season that are a potential hazard, and should be taken into consideration before purchasing. 

Hazards include toys that contain coin cell batteries, toy weapons, toxic substances, and plush toys that could potentially lead to suffocation in infants. Here is a list to help you make safe choices this holiday:

  • Cocomelon Musical Learning Watch
  • Disney Raya’s Action & Adventure Sword
  • Li’l Woodzeez Tickle-Your-Taste-Buds Bakery
  • Black Panther Wakanda Battle Claws
  • Zeus Lion
  • Dingray Musical Bath Toy
  • Ooze Labs Chemistry Station
  • Bunny Rabbit Cuddly Pillow
  • Pop’n Fidget Spinners
  • Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic Blasters

For the detailed list visit: toysafety.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Holiday Shopping Event For The Children Returns

Typically it’s the parents, or should I say Santa, that is out and about getting gifts ready for all of the good little boys and girls. This year the kids have a chance to do a little holiday shopping of their own at the 3rd Annual Panda Santa Kids Shopping Event.

The event is being held by Polka Dot Pandas located at 201 Huron Ave. in downtown Port Huron. Polka Dot Pandas is a children’s clothing boutique that features original designs on hats, dresses, hair accessories and more. 

On Friday, December 12th until Saturday, December 10th, parents can bring their children down to do some holiday shopping of their own. Featured items are $5 or less, and feature quality, locally made gifts for the whole family. There will also be goodie bags for the first 50 kids each event day, so get there early.  

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Port Huron Pandas.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McLaren Port Huron Train Display Is A Holiday Tradition

The Christmas season brings with it all sorts of events, displays and activities. Port Huron McLaren celebrates with a holiday tradition of their own. 

For more than 30 years, Percy McDonald, MD has taken his love for trains, and turned it into an annual holiday display that many families in the community look forward to seeing each year. The display is located in the South Tower Lobby, along with the Festival of Trees. 

All are welcomed to stop by and check out the display in person. You can take photos or video from the outside, or you can stop in as long as you are wearing the required mask to do so. 

The holiday train display can be viewed daily between the hours of 8AM – 9PM. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Exterior Housing Rehabilitation Program Available For Port Huron Residents

Port Huron residents are being offered access to a program that will assist with home repairs for qualifying individuals. 

The Community Development Division of Port Huron is offering their Exterior Housing Rehabilitation Program for low to moderate income homeowners that allows them to make necessary exterior repairs to their homes. The program will provide assistance of up to $25,000 on repairs such as:

  • Roof replacement
  • Siding and Painting
  • Porch Repair 
  • Gutter/Downspouts

This program is a 5-year deferred payment loan, with no payment being required as long as all program requirements are adhered to.

For more information call: (810) 984-9736.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

TRIO-SSS Jingle & Mingle Event Coming To SC4

Would you be interested in a program that would support your high school student with financial benefits to enter college? You can learn more at the upcoming “Jingle & Mingle” event tomorrow at St. Clair County Community College (SC4). 

Jingle & Mingle is an event held by TRIO-SSS (Student Support Services) and will be located on the second floor lobby of the SC4 Welcome Center. Thursday, December 8th, from 10AM – 2PM, the event will be for those who are 1st generation college students, current members of the TRIO program, and for TRIO alumni.

Jingle & Mingle is designed to support current TRIO members as they prepare for finals, provide information for SC4 students who would like to learn more about TRIO, to celebrate TRIO alumni, and to share about the benefits of being a member. TRIO members receive benefits such as financial aid support, grant and scholarship opportunities, as well as all expenses paid college tours.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Minimum Wage Expected To Increase Jan. 1

With inflation on the rise, people are desperately trying to maintain their way of life and cope with the prices of everyday items skyrocketing. Hopefully the proposed increase in minimum wage for Michiganders will help relieve some of the pressure.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MDLEO) has issued a statement saying that on January 1, 2023, the hourly minimum wage will be raised from $9.87 to $10.10 per hour. This is per the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018.

The 85% rate for minors ages 16-17 will increase to $8.59 per hour, with the hourly rate for tipped employees increasing to $3.84 per hour. These increases may be affected by pending litigation. 

For more information on the wage increase along with further details visit: Michigan.gov/wagehour.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell