local news

Invasive Beech Leaf Disease Detected in St. Clair County

Invasive beech leaf disease has been confirmed in southern St. Clair County. That’s not great news, as the disease was not previously known to be in Michigan, the home of around 37 million American beech trees.

The disease is associated with a microscopic worm that damages leaves of American, European, and Asian beech species. Infected trees die within six to ten years of initial symptoms.

The disease was detected thanks to landowners who reported the suspected outbreak to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Simeon Wright, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Specialist said, “Though beech leaf disease was detected this spring, the condition of the leaves and number of trees affected at this location suggests the disease has been there for more than a year. Because symptoms are slow to emerge, it is difficult to detect the disease before it is established.”

Symptoms of beech leaf disease are dead buds and darkened, thick tissue bands between leaf veins that make leaves look striped.

See below for instructions on reporting suspected cases and more information about the invasive disease.

DNR and MDARD encourage monitoring for any signs of the disease. If you suspect you have found a symptomatic tree, take one or more photos of the infested tree, including close-ups of affected leaves; note the location, date and time; and report it in one of the following ways:

DNR Forest Health Division: Email DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-5895.

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool.

Download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone – MISIN.MSU.edu/apps/.

For more information on beech leaf disease and other species on Michigan’s watch list, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be Aware of Dive Flags When Boating; Give Scuba Divers Space

What should you do if you see a red and white flag floating on the surface of a body of water? You should be aware that the flag means that a scuba diver is beneath the water and you need to give them some space.

Boaters need to be especially cautious and stay at least 100 feet away from the dive flag when boating in a river, channel, or inlet. Stay at least 300 feet away from the dive flag if boating in open water.

Divers could be doing anything from repairing underwater structures, to recovering lost items, to exploring the underwater world recreationally. Divers are trained to surface within 100 feet of the flag. The dive flag is placed in the water before scuba divers go under the water and removed once they get out.

Scuba divers can often be found near break walls in the St. Clair River, but they could also be in open water. Bubbling at the water’s surface is another clue, besides the flag, that there is a scuba diver at work or play beneath the water.

First responders also have teams that are trained for underwater operations.

Be aware of Dive Flags, keep your watercraft away from the area, and enjoy the water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Kicking Abilities Aside” Kickball League Ready for Players, Sponsors

Earlier this year, we reported on a local mom trying to organize a kickball league for her son and others living with autism. A league is now officially organized and is recruiting both players and sponsors.

“Kicking Abilities Aside” is the name of the recreational kickball league specifically designed for individuals with special needs, ages 5 through adult. The family-friendly environment will bring players and families together for a fun game and socialization.

The league will have three divisions: ages 5 to 11, 12 to 17, and 18 and older. The games will be held at Lenox Township Park at 63775 Gratiot in Lenox, Michigan.

Games start on August 14th and run through September 18th with an end-of-season picnic rounding out the first year of the league on September 25th.

Cost is $25 per player. Business sponsorships are available from $50 to $500. More information can be found below.

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https://www.facebook.com/kickingabilitiesaside

For more information about sponsorships contact Jill Vandenabeele at (586) 531-7686 or kickingabilitiesaside@gmail.com

Sponsor form

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Americorps Gets Funding to Continue Serving Michigan

The Michigan Community Service Commission will be able to continue with Americorps programs thanks to $13.4 million in federal funding.

The grant supports 1100 Michigan Americorps members who serve youth, care for public lands, provide housing and financial services, and increase disaster preparedness.

Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes said, “AmeriCorps service continues to help solve pressing issues across the state. There is a tremendous return on investment through the federal funding of AmeriCorps and the positive impact this service has on communities across the state.” 

The Americorps grant funds the placing of volunteers with 23 organizations, including the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, Special Olympics Michigan, and others.

More information about the Americorps program and service member opportunities can be found at the link below.

https://americorps.gov/

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Boats, Fireworks, Carnival, Music, and More at This Year’s Blue Water Fest and Boat Week

Who’s ready for the Blue Water Fest and Boat Week? Port Huron is.

The annual festival has it all. The party starts on July 13th with the Rotary International Parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m., with the theme “Children’s Storytime”. The parade starts at Huron and Glenwood and ends at Desmond Landing.

Operation Transformation’s Family Night will be entertaining families on Thursday, July 14th. The Blue Water Street Fair will be set up on Thursday and Friday featuring over 70 arts and crafts vendors.

Fireworks are at dusk on Thursday, July 14th, at Desmond Landing.

The main attraction is always the arrival of the boats as they prepare for the Bayview Mackinac Race, leaving on Saturday, July 16th.

There is a lot of construction going on downtown to improve both roads and the seawall on the Black River, so most of the entertainment, including the concerts, will be centered around the Blue Water Transit Center and McMorran Place parking lots, located west of Huron Avenue between Grand River Avenue and McMorran Boulevard.

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Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Challenger Learning Center Adds Dates for Missions

The Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College has room for 70 people to take the Mission: Lunar Quest adventure. The Saturday, July 30th, and Saturday, August 27th dates are open for mission participants.

The missions are open to the first 35 registrants. Seats cost $25 per person.

Kristin Copenhaver, vice president of communication and special projects at SC4 said, “We know that many people are looking for fun and unique things to do in the summer months with their families, friends, community groups, scout troops, office and sports teams, and more. These open mission dates will offer greater access to exciting Challenger Learning Center experiences.”

Those who sign up for Mission: Lunar Quest will launch to the moon in search of a long-term human habitat, and command and assist in Mission Control, or they may board the Spacecraft as an astronaut, serving on special teams and making critical decisions to guide the mission.

Register for the July 30 and Aug. 27 missions at stclair.nbsstore.net/community-missions or contact us with questions at experiencecenter@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5789.

To schedule a full group mission at another time, visit challenger.sc4.edu/schedule-a-visit/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland