environment

Port Huron Parks & Rec Hosts First Wiffle Ball Tournament

Gather up your friends and join the City of Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department for their inaugural Wiffle Ball tournament at the 16th St. Park Wiffle Ball field located at 2600 Nern St., Port Huron. 

Teams of 3-4 players, aged 16 and older, are invited to participate, and Co-ed teams are welcome. The tournament, following MLW Wiffle Ball rules, includes ghost runners, four innings, and official MLW Wiffle Ball bats. The team registration fee is $50, with the deadline on July 1st. 

For more information on registration, rules, and fees, call the Recreation Department at (810) 984-9760. You can also register in person at Palmer Park Recreation Center located at 2829 Armour St., Port Huron or online at rec.porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Police Introduces Biometric Monitoring For Enhanced Prisoner Safety

The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) has implemented new biometric health monitoring technology from GT Global Services Inc. to enhance the safety of arrested individuals in custody. 

Using radar technology, the system monitors real-time vital signs and movement patterns in each cell, activating only when occupied. This innovation aims to quickly alert officers to potential medical emergencies, enabling immediate intervention.

Chief Derek Davis highlighted the importance of this technology, noting its role in detecting life-threatening issues, especially related to drug concealment or consumption prior to arrest. The system respects privacy by not using personal identifiers and complements existing prisoner care protocols. This initiative underscores SPS’s commitment to leveraging new technologies for improved operational effectiveness and safety.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Elite Feet’s 10th Annual Brooks Bash Promises Fun, Freebies, And Fantastic Deals

Join Elite Feet Running Store for their 10th Annual Brooks Bash, a two-day celebration on Friday, June 28th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Located at 327 Huron Ave in Downtown Port Huron, Elite Feet invites the community to a weekend filled with fun activities, special offers, and exclusive deals.

Spend $175 or more and receive a complimentary pair of Spenco sandals or flip flops. Purchase any Brooks shoes and get free Brooks swag. Meet knowledgeable Brooks Representatives for personalized assistance and try on demo shoes during a demo run. 

Don’t miss out on closeout sales on all brands, including apparel and accessories. Celebrate your passion for running in style with Brooks and Elite Feet!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Rite Aid Closes 27 More Locations Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Shutdowns

The pharmaceutical industry is currently suffering, with major chain Rite Aid set to close 27 more stores, including 12 in Michigan and 15 in Ohio, as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This move follows the company’s earlier closures, which included 19 stores in Michigan last year. Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filing listed $8.6 billion in debts against $7.6 billion in assets.

The closures reflect a broader trend in the industry, with more than 7,000 U.S. pharmacies shutting down since 2019, as reported by University of Pittsburgh researcher Lucas Berenbrok. Notably, 54% of these closures were independent drugstores. 

Other major chains are also scaling back, CVS closed around 600 locations at the end of 2023 and Walgreens set to shutter over 150 stores this year. 

Source: apnews.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Unemployment Rate Drops Below National Average

Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Michigan’s unemployment rate falling below the national average in May. The state’s rate of 3.9% marks the first time it has been lower than the national rate since May 2023. Whitmer praised the hard work of Michiganders for driving economic growth and community development.

“Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves and working hard,” Whitmer said. She emphasized the need for a balanced budget to address key issues, bolster economic development, and support small businesses.

Michigan’s labor force grew to 5,054,000, with 53,000 new workers in May alone. Payroll jobs increased by 8,000 in May, continuing a four-month growth streak. The leisure and hospitality sector saw the largest job gains, adding 6,000 positions.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Establishes Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2024-4, creating the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to tackle gun violence in the state. This initiative builds on last year’s legislative efforts, including background checks, safe storage laws, and extreme risk protection orders.

“Michiganders deserve to feel safe everywhere,” Whitmer stated. “The new task force aims to reduce gun violence rates and instances, enhancing the safety of our communities.”

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II emphasized the task force’s role in addressing gun violence through community intervention programs and legislation. The task force, housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will identify root causes, compile data, and recommend policies.

The group includes diverse stakeholders, such as state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, and tribal representatives. Their mission is to make Michigan safer for all residents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell