environment

The City Of Port Huron To Hold Wood And Mulch Distribution Day

The City of Port Huron Forestry Division will be holding a wood and mulch distribution day on Saturday, October 14th, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Forestry Warehouse located at 3663 10th Avenue, Port Huron. The distribution is available to City residents on a first-come, first-served basis with proof of residency required upon check-in.

Residents with a trailer will be allowed to pick up one load of wood, while residents with either a trailer or pick-up truck can pick up one load of mulch. This program is being offered as a source reduction event, with the goal of assisting residents by providing free mulch and wood. Commercial entities and contractors are prohibited from participating.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get free mulch and wood for your fall landscaping needs!

For more information, contact the Forestry Division at (810) 984-9709. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Nurses Association Call For Support Of Safe Patient Care Act

The Michigan Nurses Association, the largest organization for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the state, has launched an ad campaign in support of the bipartisan Safe Patient Care Act. 

The Safe Patient Care Act sets safe limits on the number of patients nurses can be assigned, curbs excessive mandatory nurse overtime, and requires hospitals to disclose their RN-to-patient ratios. Nurses often say maximizing profit, rather than providing safe patient care, motivates healthcare executives’ decisions about how many patients to assign to a nurse. There is no law that limits the number of patients that can be assigned.

A January poll found that 42% of nurses reported knowing of a patient’s death due to unsafe RN staffing levels, nearly double the numbers from 2016. Ninety-three percent of nurses in the poll supported a safe staffing law.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

October Is Disaster Preparedness Month, Here Are Five Tips To Keep Your Family Safe

With October being Disaster Preparedness Month, experts are offering essential guidance to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies. These top five steps provide a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness:

  1. Assessing Potential Risks: Begin by identifying the types of disasters relevant to your geographic area. For natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, understand their characteristics, warning signs, and potential impacts. For man-made disasters such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, or transportation incidents, research local emergency response plans and evacuation routes.
  2. Creating an Emergency Kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Having these essentials on hand is crucial for immediate survival.
  3. Developing a Communication Plan: Establish a reliable communication plan to stay connected with family members and emergency services during a disaster. Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and where to meet if separated.
  4. Evacuation Planning: Prepare for evacuation by knowing evacuation routes, creating a “go bag” with essentials, planning for pets, and maintaining your vehicle in good working order.
  5. Practice and Review: Regularly practice and update your emergency plan to ensure readiness. Familiarity with the plan can make all the difference during a crisis.

Disaster emergency preparedness is not a luxury but a necessity that saves lives and minimizes physical and emotional damage. By following these valuable steps and resources, individuals and communities can reinforce the importance of preparedness during this crucial month.

For more information, visit: servicemasterrestore.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Free Well Water Testing Program To Ensure Safe Drinking Water

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at safeguarding the quality of well water for Michigan families. In collaboration with local health departments (LHDs), EGLE is set to provide free well water testing to residents who rely on household or private wells for their drinking water.

With a $5 million appropriation from the Michigan Legislature, this program intends to address concerns surrounding the safety of well water, which may not always be suitable for consumption. While most wells are initially tested upon construction, EGLE and LHDs emphasize the importance of periodic testing due to potential changes in water quality over time.

Well water can contain various substances, including harmful bacteria, nitrates, and metals like arsenic, which may pose health risks. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Restaurant To Bring 20 New Locations To Eastern Michigan

Fast casual restaurant sensation Big Chicken, founded by basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, is making its grand entrance into Michigan.

H&D Group Investments, the visionary restaurant operators, have signed a franchise deal to establish 20 Big Chicken outlets across multiple Michigan regions, including Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mount Pleasant.

An H&D Group Investments spokesperson raved about the taste, stating that bringing this concept to Michigan was a no-brainer. Big Chicken CEO, Josh Halpern, hailed H&D Group Investments as ideal partners to fuel the brand’s growth. 

The first location, slated to debut by early 2024 will be located at 11476 N. Linden Road in Vienna Township. This surge in eastern Michigan adds to the 300-plus national locations in the brand’s pipeline, underlining Big Chicken’s soaring popularity.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Crime Surge Prompts Joint Effort By Law Enforcement To Combat Vehicle Thefts In Blue Water Area

The Blue Water Area has been grappling with a surge in thefts from vehicles as well as stolen vehicles, prompting a united response from local law enforcement agencies. 

Over the past two weeks, the Port Huron Police Department Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Port Huron Major Crimes Unit, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department have collaborated to make multiple arrests linked to this disturbing trend.

To thwart these incidents, officials advise adopting preventive measures:

  • Lock It Up: Even brief absences require locking vehicles, as leaving them unlocked has been a key factor in recent crimes.
  • Hide Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight to discourage thieves enticed by easy targets.
  • Park Smart: Opt for well-lit areas near surveillance or homes for added deterrence.
  • Install Security Measures: Motion-sensor lights and alarms bolster security.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Notify authorities of unusual behavior immediately.
  • Community Watch: Strengthening community ties enhances collective vigilance.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell