Free Family Movies at Krafft 8 This Summer

Families who want to enjoy a movie with their kids have a fun option for the summer at Krafft 8 Theater in Ft. Gratiot. Thanks to State Farm Agent Megan Simmons and GQT Movies, there will be free family movies every Wednesday and Thursday mornings from June 1st until August 4th.

The Family Fun Flicks Series starts today with shows at 10 AM every Wednesday and Thursday. This week’s family oriented film is Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, and next week’s is Addams Family 2.

Tickets are available before the shows on a first-come first-served basis, and doors open at 9:30 AM. The free movies will only be shown in one theater, so guests should arrive early to get their tickets.

GQT Movies COO Matt McSparin said, “We are very excited to offer such a great program to the movie-goers of the Port Huron area and welcome  Megan Simmons, State Farm Agent, as our title sponsor.”

“As a State Farm agent, the value of being a good neighbor is something that I really believe in, and I’m trying to give back in ways that I can,” said Simmons. For families that can’t make it to a movie event, Simmons will be doing other promotions through her State Farm agency at 4935 Lakeshore Road. You can stay connected with her through her Facebook page <HERE>.

For more details about the Family Fun Flicks Series and a full list of upcoming shows, visit gqtmovies.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

SC4 Asking for Millage Renewal on August 2 Ballot

St. Clair County Community College is asking county voters to approve a millage renewal request on the August 2nd ballot. The renewal is for nearly one-half mill for a four-year period from 2023 to 2027.

SC4 says that, if approved, the millage renewal will not increase taxes and SC4 will continue to have one of the lowest operating millages in Michigan.

Senior Vice President of SC4, Pete Lacey, said, “St. Clair County Community College has served St. Clair County and its residents for nearly 100 years.” 

Lacey pointed out that students, taxpayers, and society as a whole get a high rate of return on their investment and that SC4 offers a full collegiate experience.

Lacey said, “The College’s economic impact is significant for the entire Blue Water Area, providing trained and educated workers, helping enhance life quality and earnings, employing county residents, attracting new visitors for programs and events, and much more.” 

The SC4 renewal millage, if passed, will cost about $2 per month per $100,000 of home value.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Friends of St. Clair River Name Baby Sturgeon “Pauline” After Fundraising Contest

The Blue Water Area is celebrating Sturgeon, the ancient gentle giants that call the St. Clair River home, with this weekend’s Sturgeon Festival. Part of the buildup to the event was a baby sturgeon naming contest.

The contest was between Port Huron City Mayor Pauline Repp and St. Clair County Commission Chair Jeff Bohm. The two local leaders raised funds for the Friends of the St. Clair River, with the most successful fund raiser winning namesake rights for a baby sturgeon.

The winner is Pauline Repp, who edged out Bohm’s $840 with her $915. The baby sturgeon in an aquarium at the new offices of the Friends of the St. Clair River is now named “Pauline”.

Friends President Sheri Faust said, “All we have accomplished in 15 years as an organization at Friends of the St. Clair River, and all we are poised to accomplish in the next decade, is possible because people are helping build a culture of conservation and stewardship for Michigan’s Thumb Coast.”

 The Blue Water Sturgeon Festival will be held this weekend at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Go to WGRT.com for more information.

Sturgeon Festival

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Celebrate the New Port Huron Theater District This Weekend

Port Huron is home to three theater companies within a two block area of downtown. This weekend, the city will celebrate the inauguration of the official Port Huron Theatre District with an opening ceremony and weekend-long festival.

The Port Huron Theatre District opening ceremony is Friday, June 3rd at 5 PM at the McMorran Plaza. The ceremony will celebrate Port Huron Civic Theatre, St. Clair County Community College Fine Arts Theatre, and Enter Stage Right and their contributions to the arts and culture scene in Port Huron.

The ceremony kicks off the Port Huron Theatre District Festival which runs through Sunday at McMorran Place Plaza and in McMorran’s north parking lot and will be filled with art vendors and live entertainment. The festival will also include indoor theatre performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.

The Theatre District Festival coincides with First Friday which features various special events around the downtown Port Huron business district. Check PHTD.org for more information about the Theatre District Festival and Downtownph.com for special events happening at your favorite downtown businesses.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Scammers Target Those with Past-due Taxes

The Michigan Department of Treasury is warning against falling for a scam that targets those with past-due taxes. Letters are showing up in mailboxes with a toll-free number provided to resolve the debt. The letters contain threats to seize property such as bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, and others if the debt is not settled.

The scammers are doing their homework by accessing specific personal facts that are publicly available, giving credibility to their aggressive scam. The sinister plan is that scared taxpayers will call the number and make a payment to the thieves.

Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services program said, “We have received reports that taxpayers are receiving these letters. Taxpayers have rights. If you have questions about an outstanding state tax debt, please contact us through a verified number so we can talk about options.”

Legitimate letters are printed on State of Michigan letterhead with the names of the governor and state treasurer, and provide several options for resolving tax debts. Those who receive fraudulent letters should contact the Treasury Department.

Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be On the Lookout for Ticks

Ticks can really ruin a summer. The pesky little insects can carry Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, which are serious ailments. Being aware of tick risk and taking steps to avoid tick bites are the best ways to avoid an unpleasant encounter with a tick.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said, “Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider.”

Grassy, wooded areas are tick hotspots. MDHHS recommends avoiding tick-infested areas. If in the woods, walk in the center of trails and protect pets. Use insect repellant with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. Clothes can be treated with an insecticide that kills ticks.

A link to more information can be found below.

https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/lyme-disease?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland