Become a Conservation Steward

Michigan State University Extension is offering a Conservation Stewards training program for individuals interested in learning more about Michigan’s ecosystem and how to help it thrive.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards program runs virtually from September 8th – November 10th, and it features both classroom instruction from experts via Zoom and self-led field experiences in local natural areas.

The program will teach a variety of topics pertaining to Michigan’s natural resources along with the history of conservation and how conservationists manage invasive species and collect data. St. Clair County participants will be able to join a cohort of other students in the area to enrich their learning experience.

Registration for the class is $75 through August 18th and $95 from August 19th – September 1st. Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need.

More information is available at Michigan State University’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

MDARD Warns Against Unlicensed Mosquito Control Applicators

The mosquito population is incredibly healthy this year and that is bad news for people who want to be outdoors pretty much any time of day, but especially dusk and nighttime. Spraying yards and public spaces with pesticides is becoming popular. With all consumer trends, scam warnings are quick to be issued once criminals see an opportunity.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDARD, has issued a warning and published an official list of approved companies that are licensed, insured, and authorized to apply pesticides registered by MDARD.

A legitimate mosquito control company will provide the name of the applicator that performed the service, the time and date of the application, a description of the target pest to be controlled, a list of pesticides applied, any warnings or restrictions, and detailed information about the risks and benefits.

Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager said, “Licensed mosquito control companies and their certified applicators have demonstrated they have the knowledge to use pesticides safely and effectively. Utilizing properly licensed and certified applicators protects public health while these professionals work to keep mosquitoes in check around your home.”

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-2390_98204_107610—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Affordable Housing Being Addressed with Federal and Private Money

Looking for a place to rent or buy? If so, you know that reasonably priced housing is hard to find, state-wide. Affordable housing is at the center of a new proposal from the Governor’s office. The proposal would spend $100 million in federal relief money and $380 million in private funding to create new housing.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the investment “transformational” and said that the investment will “make a huge difference in the lives of Michiganders because a home is the foundation for long-term prosperity.”

The Governor has proposed moving $100 million of federal money into the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund which to works to meet the affordable housing needs of low-income households and to revitalize downtown areas in Michigan.   

MSHDA Acting Executive Director Gary Heidel said, “The current magnitude of the housing shortage is so large that solving the supply problem will take significant coordination of both public and private resources, coordination that the Housing and Community Development Fund was designed to do.” 

The investment is aimed at “missing middle” housing for those moving from low-income to middle-income housing and at workforce housing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Non-Essential Travel to Canada Allowed in August

Ontario is currently in Step 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen, since over 70% of its population has received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. As of July 27, 2021, 74.9% of Lambton County residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and there were only 2 active cases of the virus in the county.

Starting August 9, 2021, Canada will allow entry to American citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the Unites States. Travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel, and they will not have to be tested for COVID-19 after they arrive unless they are randomly selected.

On September 7, 2021, the border will be open to any fully vaccinated travelers who have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days. All travelers will need to use the ArriveCAN app or web portals to submit travel info and see if they meet criteria for entering the country.

For more information about travelling to Canada, visit travel.gc.ca

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

New Leadership Needed for Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society is looking for a whole new Board of Directors. The Board needs to be in place by August 28th, 2021 or the Society will dissolve.

In a social media post to members and friends, it was explained that new members are being sought for the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Historical Society is reeling from a painful chapter in which a former treasurer was convicted of embezzling substantial funds from the Society.

According to the statement made by the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society, the minimal state requirements of a new Executive Board will need to be met or the Society will file for permanent closure of the non-profit. 

The Society was created in 2008 to preserve and protect the buildings affiliated with the Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Company and to preserve the history of other railroads in Michigan. Events such as the Tunnel City Railway Show have brought train enthusiasts of all ages together to celebrate the area’s rich rail history. 

Those interested in a Board position: contact@phdrailroad.org 

A letter of intent can be mailed to 2100 32nd Street Port Huron, MI 48060

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rockin’ the Rivers Returns in August

The popular Rockin’ the Rivers concert series returns to Keifer Park in August with free live music, food trucks, family-friendly games, and a beverage tent.

Rockin’ the Rivers is every Thursday at Keifer Park overlooking the St. Clair River. Concerts start at 6 PM with an opening act, and the headliners hit the stage at 7 PM. Spectators can bring their own chair or blankets to view the concerts.

Scheduled bands are:

  • August 5th: RockStar, The International ‘80s Rock Sensation
  • August 12th: Captured Detroit, Journey tribute 
  • August 19th: Matt Stell
  • August 26th: Your Generation in Concert

This year, there will be a special Friday performance by Jerrod Niemann on August 20th.

For more information, visit Port Huron Rec’s website <HERE>  or follow the Port Huron Parks & Rec Department on Facebook <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand