education

Freshwater Jellyfish Found In Michigan’s Lake Huron

This weekend, a routine sailing expedition on Lake Huron led the crew of Chippewa to an astonishing discovery, the presence of Craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as the Peach Blossom jellyfish. 

Measuring no larger than a quarter, these exotic invertebrates, originating from China, were spotted in the calm waters of the lake. The harmless jellyfish, believed to have entered North America through the aquarium trade a century ago, aren’t deemed invasive to native ecosystems.Despite their jellyfish-like traits, these creatures, resembling marine counterparts, wield stinging tentacles to capture small prey, with stingers too minuscule to affect humans.

Port Huron resident and Owner of The Write Company and Blue Water Woman magazine, Patti Samar, says “There were thousands of them in the water on Saturday, I’ve been sailing Lake Huron for years and had never seen them before, and neither has anyone else at the Yacht Club.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BSBP Excellence Awards 2023: Celebrating Achievements Of Vision Impaired And Blind Individuals

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) along with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) presents a first-of-its-kind virtual celebration, the BSBP Excellence Awards Ceremony, on Wednesday, November 15th, from 10 -11:30 a.m. 

The event will honor the remarkable achievements of BSBP’s customer community and distinguished business partners.

Despite the challenges posed by vision loss, BSBP customers will be spotlighted for their outstanding accomplishments in employment and independent living. The awards also extend to organizations that embody BSBP’s core values of inclusion and diversity.

Join this virtual gathering on Zoom as BSBP acknowledges the resilience and success of individuals and entities contributing to a more inclusive and diverse society.

Don’t miss out on witnessing the triumphs of the BSBP community, register here on ZOOM. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Ongoing Science Behind Omega-3 And Mental Health

Contemporary science continues to unveil positive connections between omega-3 and cognitive well-being. While it may not make you “smarter” per se, ongoing research highlights a spectrum of brain-related benefits from long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA found in fatty fish and supplements.

Renowned author and researcher Udo Erasmus, in his groundbreaking book “Fats that Heal Fats that Kill,” underscores essential fatty acids’ pivotal role in human health, combating diseases like heart disease and cancer. Numerous studies delve into omega-3’s diverse advantages, from reducing heart disease risk to enhancing learning skills, lowering anxiety, and aiding brain development.

Erasmus alerts to a crisis: Omega-3 being removed from modern diets. With omega-3, he envisions not just healthier individuals but also reduced healthcare costs in the future.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Music You Listen To Could Be Physically Bad Or Good For You

Distinguished minds in psychology and neurology, Prof. William Forde Thompson and Assoc. Prof. Gottfried Schlaug, highlights music’s extraordinary potential in treating neurological impairment. 

In a Scientific American article, they share the inspiring journey of 11-year-old Laurel, who, post-stroke, struggled with communication due to severe brain damage. Melodic intonation therapy bridged the gap between hearing and speaking regions in her right brain, circumventing the damaged left-side pathways. After a 15-week treatment, Laurel transformed, articulating sentences of depth and complexity. In 2015, eight years post-accident, Laurel emerged as a motivational speaker for stroke survivors. 

Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water crystal experiments, though debated, add a fascinating layer, suggesting music’s impact on water. Meanwhile, a study comparing classical and popular music by Prof. James O. Young underscores classical music’s precision and expressiveness. The symphony of science and art continues to unravel the healing potential of music in neurological recovery.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Security Tightens At Port Huron High’s Memorial Stadium With New Policy Changes

In a bid to enhance safety and streamline attendance, the Port Huron Area School District has rolled out immediate policy changes at Memorial Stadium, focusing on football games and other events.

Here are a few of the new policy changes you can expect to see in the future.

  • Effective immediately, attendees are prohibited from bringing backpacks or large bags, and footballs will be confiscated. 
  • Unaccompanied minors are required to be Port Huron Schools High Schoolers with valid IDs. For elementary, middle school, and high school students without IDs, parental accompaniment is mandatory. 
  • Additionally, elementary and middle school students must stay with their parents throughout the game. 

These stringent measures aim to provide a secure environment for all attendees and align with the school district’s commitment to the well-being of its students and the community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Long-Serving Board Of Education Member Joe Bixler Resigns To Expand Community Service

In a heartfelt decision, Joe Bixler, a dedicated member of the Port Huron Schools Board of Education since January 1st, 2019, has announced his resignation, effective September 25th. Bixler’s departure is motivated by his desire to extend his community service beyond the board.

Throughout his tenure, Bixler contributed significantly to the district’s progress, actively participating in committees such as Finance, Board Policy, Building & Site, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He also represented the board at important meetings held by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and the St. Clair County Association of School Boards (SCCASB). In addition, he served as Treasurer in 2020 and 2021 and as Vice-President in 2019.

Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas expressed gratitude for Bixler’s unwavering dedication to Port Huron Schools, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the best possible education for all students. Even as Bixler embarks on new community ventures, his advocacy for the district remains steadfast.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell