business news

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Earns Prestigious CHAP Accreditation

Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP) has awarded VNA & Blue Water Hospice with CHAP Accreditation under the Private Duty, Home Health Care, and Hospice Services Standards of Excellence. This accolade signifies that VNA & Blue Water Hospice meets the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards, focusing on quality care, structure, and long-term viability.

Jessica Whitley, RN, BSN, VP of Clinical Operations & COO, stated, “By achieving CHAP Accreditation, we have shown our commitment to excellence.” The rigorous CHAP evaluation underscores the dedication of VNA & Blue Water Hospice staff in providing top-tier care to the Blue Water Area, covering St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties.

CHAP, an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body, has been setting standards for community-based health care since 1965. CHAP ensures agencies meet Medicare Conditions of Participation and CMS Quality Standards. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Take Your Pic Selfie Museum Opens At Birchwood Mall

There’s a new business in the Blue Water Area, Take Your Pic selfie museum has opened its doors at Birchwood Mall in Fort Gratiot this month. 

This whimsical venue transforms every visitor into the star of their own photoshoot, offering a variety of backdrops that range from fancy and surreal to mind-bending and silly. It’s a playground for your phone camera, encouraging creativity and fun.

Visitors can explore over 70+ various themed rooms and backdrops, each designed to be a perfect selfie spot. The Take Your Pic selfie museum promises moments of pure joy and endless photo opportunities. So, grab your friends, unleash your inner diva, and strike a pose like never before at Take Your Pic. 

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Take Your Pic Museum.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Warns Of Active Ticks And Lyme Disease Risk

With summer approaching, the St. Clair County Health Department alerts residents that ticks are currently active in St. Clair County and across Michigan. 

From May to September, the department monitors tick populations to detect changes and migration. Preventative actions can reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks, which are increasingly present in Michigan. Environmental Health Sanitarian Alicia Hawkins says, “Vector surveillance efforts indicate that blacklegged ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacteria are present in St. Clair County.” 

Ticks often attach to hard-to-see areas of the body and must be attached for 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Full-body checks and proper removal techniques are essential. 

Residents can email photos of ticks to Vector@stclaircounty.org for identification. Also, for more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Cyberattacks On Water Systems Escalate, EPA Increases Enforcement Procedures

Cyberattacks targeting community water systems (CWSs) are escalating in frequency and severity, posing significant risks to public safety according to federal agencies. 

Incidents reveal that attackers can manipulate operational technology, leading to severe disruptions in water treatment, distribution, and storage. Potential consequences include damaging infrastructure and altering chemical levels to hazardous amounts. Federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI, have issued numerous advisories about such threats, often attributed to nation-state organizations. 

An alarming 70% of systems inspected by the EPA since September 2023 failed to meet basic Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, with common issues like unchanged default passwords and insufficient resilience assessments. Immediate action is critical to mitigate these vulnerabilities and protect public health.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Region AACA 31st Annual Marysville Car Show To Benefit Wills Sainte Claire Auto Museum

The Blue Water Region Antique Auto Club of America and the Wills Sainte Claire Automobile Museum will host the Blue Water Region AACA’s 31st annual Marysville Car Show on Sunday, June 9th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Marysville Park. 

The event celebrates the Wills Sainte Claire automobile, produced in Marysville in the 1920s by C. Harold Wills, Henry Ford’s first employee and chief engineer. Open to all vehicles, including motorcycles, the show aims to educate and preserve automotive history. 

Entry fees are $15 to show your vehicle or $20 if your vehicle will be part of the judging competition, with pre-registration discounts available. Spectator admission is free, with all proceeds supporting the Wills Sainte Claire Automobile Museum. The Lions Club concession trailer will be providing food and beverages. 

For more details, visit: willsautomuseum.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Bluewater BorderFest Kicks Off Summer With Star-Studded Lineup

Experience the ultimate summer festival at Bluewater BorderFest Music Festival in Centennial Park, Sarnia, Ontario, from June 20-22! 

This year’s lineup features iconic bands such as Our Lady Peace, Bush, Scott Stapp of Creed, Finger Eleven, I Mother Earth, Skillet, and Saint Asonia. Whether you love classic rock, alternative, or contemporary hits, this festival has something for everyone.

VIP ticket options are available that allow for a fantastic view directly in front of the stage, with a separate entrance, and washroom facilities. VIP Licensed also grants you access to a dedicated bar area.

All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. The event will proceed rain or shine. Artists and schedules are subject to change. Grab your tickets now and get ready to rock out with thousands of fellow music lovers!

For more information, visit: bluewaterborderfest.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell