Coast Guards Warn Ahead of Float Down

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have issued a joint statement regarding the Port Huron Float Down. The message is clear: don’t do it.

The unsanctioned event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, August 15th. The Float Down has a long history of being organized by no one but enjoyed by thousands who put their floatation devices in the river around Lighthouse Beach and float the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles, all the way to Marysville.

The Coast Guards warn that cold water, fast currents, and alcohol can be a deadly combination that puts a strain on law enforcement. There is also the concern of large crowds amidst a lingering pandemic.

If you disregard the advice to stay off the water this Sunday, the Coast Guards advise that life jackets are worn at all times. It’s also a good idea to float in something where you are not submerged in the water the whole time. Hypothermia can happen quickly in the cold river water.

Also, bring your ID, in case you get blown over to Canada, like 1500 Float Down participants did in 2016. The U.S./Canada border is closed until at least August 21st.

A link to the full statement can be found at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/08/joint-statement-from-canadian–us-coast-guard-leadership-regarding-the-port-huron-float-down-2021.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yard Sale Trail This Weekend

The weekend-long M-29 to M-25 Yard Sale Trail starts today with over 150 miles of antiques, yard sales, and parking lot sales. Twelve Blue Water Area communities from Sebewaing to New Baltimore will participate.

In addition to the garage sales, the route travels through several quaint communities such as Marine City, St. Clair, Port Huron, Lexington, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, Port Hope, and Port Austen.  Those communities are full of unique shops and boutiques, museums full of local history, and wonderful places to enjoy a meal.

The event lasts through Sunday, so use caution if you are participating in this year’s sale or traveling along the shoreline. Shoppers are encouraged to shop on the same side of the street they have parked and not attempt to cross the busy highway.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Youth Trivia Night Coming up August 19th

The St. Clair County Substance Prevention through Early Action and Knowledge (SPEAK) Coalition is hosting a Youth Trivia Night for all St. Clair County school-aged youth. The event is at the YMCA of the Bluewater Area on Thursday, August 19th from 6 – 7:30 PM.

The SPEAK Coalition uses fun games and activities to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and educate them about the dangers of substance abuse. All activities are free to youth and fit with the organization’s mission which is “Striving for a healthier community by working together to prevent youth substance abuse.”

On Youth Trivia Night, young people will engage in a fun Q&A contest with questions about pop culture, history, health, sports, and substance use. There will also be a pizza party, and youth can win prizes and receive a free t-shirt.

To learn more visit the SPEAK Coalition’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Whitmer Asks for Help in Strengthening Food Supply Chain, Food Benefits

In a letter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked for help from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in dealing with disruptions to the food supply chain.

Whitmer said, “As we combat COVID-19 and continue to jumpstart our economy, it is important that we examine and eliminate vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic up and down the food supply chain.”

Whitmer wants Michigan’s struggling dairy farmers to get paid faster in the wake of serious supply chain disruptions and volatile milk prices. 

Whitmer also asked for investment in vertical farming from the $4 billion in the American Rescue plan allocated for food supply chain initiatives. She promoted the advantages of vertical farming, including higher productivity, shorter growing time, less water use, and better control over foodborne illness. Whitmer also highlighted the benefit of having food grown closer to where it is eaten. 

Whitmer is requesting an update to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the cost of a standard healthy diet. Nearly 1.3 million Michigan residents receive federally directed food benefits, which Whitmer considers insufficient to maintain a healthy diet.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

West Nile Virus Detected in Michigan

The first cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in a horse, birds, and mosquitos in Michigan. The mosquito-borne illness is serious, but it can be prevented with precautions.

West Nile is transmitted between birds and mosquitos, but mosquitos can spread it to humans and animals. A 28-year-old quarter horse in Midland had to be euthanized in mid-June after getting infected and suffering neurological symptoms.

State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, said, “With the discovery of WNV in a Michigan horse, this signals that the virus is circulating again in the state. Its presence underscores the need to take all the necessary steps to protect animals from this disease.”

There are highly effective vaccines for horses that prevent West Nile. Animals should be kept in barns under fans during peak mosquito activity time: dusk to dawn. Limiting standing water and using animal-approved repellants is also helpful. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, lack of appetite, weakness, stumbling, tremors, and droopy lip or head tilt. Suspected cases of West Nile should be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Search for Macroinvertebrates at the River Walk Park

On Wednesday, August 18th from 6 – 7 PM, families can experience the final Wetland Wanderings program organized by Friends of the St. Clair River. The free outdoor exploration program will be at the Blue Water River Walk County Park  at 2200 Military Street in Port Huron.

This educational program will focus on macroinvertebrates, small aquatic insects that can be found in the mud of wetland areas. Macroinvertebrates are important to the ecosystem in wetlands, and they improve the quality of the water.

Melissa Kivel, Restoration Coordinator, will help participants search for the insects, sort them, and identify them. This activity will help assign a water quality score to the area and determine the health of the park.

Registration is required for this free event at www.scriver.org, and free parking is available at the Seaway Terminal lot located near the wetland area of the park.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand