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The Salvation Army Opens 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration For Local Families

The Salvation Army is extending a helping hand to local families in need this holiday season with the commencement of their 2023 Christmas Assistance Registration. 

From October 16th to November 3rd, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 2000 Court St, Port Huron, individuals and families can register to receive Christmas assistance.

During the registration process, applicants are required to provide vital information, including their name, address, phone number, birthdate, and the last four digits of their social security number. 

Additionally, email addresses should be shared, along with the names, and number of children in the household. Details about children in the household, including sizes and gift interests, are also necessary. Lastly, applicants must disclose their household’s income.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program aims to spread the joy of the holiday season by providing support to those facing financial challenges.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Department Of Education Invites Applications For 10 Cents-A-Meal Program to Boost Nutrition For Kids And Local Farms

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has officially launched the application process for the highly anticipated “10 Cents A Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms Program.” This initiative, now in its second year, aims to bolster the nutritional quality of children’s meals while supporting the local agriculture and food business economy.

The state-funded program provides grants of up to 10 cents per meal to schools, early care and education settings, and non-school sponsors for their purchases of Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans. 

MDE Farm to Program Consultant, Cheyenne Liberti, emphasized the potential impact of the program this year, with expanded participation and enhanced communication between grantees and food vendors. The program strives to facilitate the sourcing of local produce from Michigan farms, benefiting both students’ nutrition and local agriculture.

For more information, visit: tencentsmichigan.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Celebrates Successful Playground Replacement Program With Improved Harry Turnbull Park Playground

In a resounding victory for community recreation, the City of Sarnia rejoices in its 2023 playground replacement program, marked by the unveiling of a vastly upgraded playground at Harry Turnbull Park. This transformation, funded by a $300,000 investment, demonstrates the City’s unwavering commitment to enhance the vitality of its recreational spaces.

Facilities Manager, Tom Burnard, extolled the significance of these playgrounds in fostering outdoor enjoyment, diverse play options, physical activity, and social interaction for the youth. He emphasized that such investments ensure the adaptability of amenities to ever-evolving community needs.

The newly improved Harry Turnbull Park playground boasts an obstacle-course-style play structure, catering to varying abilities and play preferences. Sarnia also allocated $300,000 to upgrade playgrounds in Cardiff, Lansdowne, Agincourt, Retlaw, and Newton Parks.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SEMCO Customers Warned Of Door-To-Door Scam: Fake Employees Soliciting Sensitive Information

SEMCO Energy Gas Company has received multiple reports from customers about door-to-door solicitors falsely claiming to be SEMCO employees. These impostors are requesting copies of customers’ gas bills and banking details. SEMCO, however, emphasizes that they do not engage in door-to-door solicitation and never ask for such sensitive information.

Customers are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid sharing personal data with strangers. SEMCO advises against revealing utility bills, driver’s licenses, or bank account numbers to anyone at the door. 

To verify the legitimacy of any claims, customers are encouraged to research independently, particularly regarding utility rates. SEMCO’s rates are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission and can be verified online.

To report harassment or suspicious activities, customers are advised to contact local law enforcement and the MPSC at (800) 292-9555. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Announces Road Resurfacing Project, Impacting Multiple Streets

The City of Port Huron is set to embark on a comprehensive road resurfacing project, beginning this week. 

The affected segments, including Howard Street, Pine Street, Wall Street, and more, will witness new asphalt pavement, select concrete curb and gutter replacements, and ADA accessible sidewalk ramp improvements. 

Funded by voter-approved street millage, the construction will necessitate road closures on each segment with “road closed, local traffic only” signage. The anticipated completion date is May 31st, 2024, with a winter shutdown from November 16th, 2023. 

During the winter hiatus, all roads and sidewalks will be accessible until the project resumes in March/April 2024. Residents are urged to plan accordingly for these essential infrastructure enhancements. 

If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Department of Public Works at (810) 984-9730.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Science Behind The Beautiful Colors Of Fall

Have you ever wondered why the leaves change color in fall? Well, the breathtaking colors of autumn leaves are tied to weather conditions preceding and during the chlorophyll decline, scientists reveal. 

Key influencers are temperature and moisture. Optimal conditions for vibrant displays involve a sequence of warm, sunny days followed by cool, crisp, non-freezing nights. This combination encourages sugar production in leaves, with cool nights preventing their outward movement. 

The results are brilliant pigments, painting leaves in reds, purples, and crimson hues. Carotenoids, always present, contribute to consistent yellow and gold tones. Soil moisture, a variable like weather, also plays a crucial role. 

A warm, wet spring, favorable summer, and sunny fall days with cool nights promise the most dazzling autumn colors, making each fall season a unique spectacle shaped by the unpredictable dance of nature.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell