Free “Rockin’ The Rivers” Concerts Kick Off in Port Huron On Aug. 1st

The “Rockin’ The Rivers” concert series returns to Kiefer Park in downtown Port Huron starting Thursday, Aug. 1st. Hosted by Port Huron Parks and Recreation, this annual event offers free music for the blue water community. The 2024 lineup features:

  • Aug. 1: The Family Tradition Band (country and rock), with Foster and Lewis opening.
  • Aug. 8: Dave Bennett Quartet (swing, rockabilly, jazz), with Branden Pavlov opening.
  • Aug. 15: Magic Bus (‘60s hits), with Stephen Michael opening.
  • Aug. 22: The Groove Council featuring Kathleen Murray (funk, classic soul, R&B), with Paul Shonk opening.

Opening acts start at 6 p.m., and headliners follow at 7 p.m. No tickets are needed, and all ages are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy food vendors, a beverage tent, and games like cornhole. In case of bad weather, concerts move to McMorran Place Arena. 

For more information, call: (810) 984-9760 or visit porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

6th Annual “Runaway Bride Fun Run” Is A Unique Local Fundraiser Taking Place In Port Huron

The 6th Annual “Runaway Bride Fun Run,” sponsored by ADVIA Credit Union, will take place on Saturday, August 10th, at 8 a.m. in Port Huron.

Starting at the DoubleTree by Hilton and following a scenic route along the St. Clair River, this event offers a chip-timed 5K and a 2-mile walk to support local charity “A Beautiful Me.” Participants will compete for trophies awarded to the best-dressed bride, best-dressed couple, and best-dressed wedding party, judged by Josh Chapman (Blue Water YMCA Executive Director) and Tracy Willard (Hunter Hospitality House Executive Director).

There will be a raffle with prizes such as a robot vacuum, drone, and a YMCA household membership, along with a grand prize drawing for a week-long stay at a VRBO home on Lake Huron. Registration ends August 9th.

For more information, visit: abeautifulme.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lawmakers Push For Single Food Safety Agency

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) have introduced the Federal Food Administration Act, aiming to streamline food safety oversight by establishing a single agency dedicated to this mission, according to foodsafetynews.com.

Currently, food safety responsibilities are divided among over a dozen agencies, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handling the majority. However, critics argue that this fragmentation leads to inefficiencies and gaps in food safety regulation.

The proposed Federal Food Administration would consolidate the FDA’s food programs, including the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, the Center for Veterinary Medicine, the Office of Food Policy and Response, and the Office of Regulatory Affairs. This new agency would be part of the Department of Health and Human Services and led by a Senate-confirmed expert.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrate The Yale Bologna Festival As It Celebrates 34 Years Of Fun

If you’re looking for an exciting fun time full of activities, prizes, and more, you don’t want to miss the 34th annual Yale Bologna Festival which will be held beginning Friday, July 26 – 28th, transforming the small town of Yale into a bustling hub of over 20,000 visitors. 

Since its inception in 1989, the festival has become a cherished tradition, drawing attendees from across Michigan and beyond. Highlights include the renowned outhouse races, a lively street dance, fireworks, and a grand parade down Main Street. A key event is the crowning of the King and Queen of Bologna. Additional activities include face painting by Wonderwolf Entertainment, laser tag battle, Port Huron Police Department Gaming Trailer and much more!

For more details and information, visit: yalechamber.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Save the Date: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Events Across St. Clair County

Mark your calendars for the upcoming back-to-school backpack giveaway events in St. Clair County, organized by local community groups to support low-income students.

In Port Huron, Blue Water Community Action will host the event on Wednesday, August 14th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McMorran Place Arena.

Capac’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Capac Elementary School, organized by the Capac School District.

East China Area will have multiple events which include: all elementary schools on August 28th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Marine City Middle School on Wednesday, August 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at St. Clair Middle School on Wednesday, August 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., organized by the East China School District.

Free backpacks will include school supplies, with children needing to be present to receive and proof of St. Clair County residency required. 

For more information and all participating schools, contact Blue Water Community Action at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Initiative To Boost Child Welfare Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with five public universities to provide financial stipends to social work students who commit to working in under-resourced communities after graduation. 

This initiative, backed by $1.7 million in federal Title IV-E funds, aims to address the critical shortage of child welfare workers in the state. Students will receive $5,000 per semester to support their education in exchange for their future service.

The universities involved include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. These institutions will provide financial support and educational resources to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work, committed to careers in public, private, or tribal child welfare in Michigan.

For more information, email: marlamg@umich.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell