marysville

Rep. Greg Alexander Taking A Stand Against The Sexual Transitioning Of Children

State Rep. Greg Alexander, of Carsonville, is taking a stand to protect the welfare of children and families throughout Michigan by opposing proposed regulations that he considers burdensome.

House Bills 4616-17 and Senate Bills 348-49 aim to impose stricter rules on mental health professionals who provide clinical support beyond affirming an individual’s desired sexual orientation or gender identity, or simply endorsing social or medical transitions.

Alexander argues that these bills could lead to minors making life-altering decisions that will impact them long-term. He believes that parents, in conjunction with qualified professionals who work with families, are better equipped to make crucial decisions regarding a child’s development and future, as opposed to legislators in Lansing who may be influenced by radical political agendas.

The proposed legislation would encompass various mental health professionals, including physicians, psychologists, registered professional nurses, licensed social workers or counselors, and marriage or family therapists.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beat High Gas Prices With Advia Credit Union’s Gas Card Giveaway

Tired of skyrocketing gas prices? Advia Credit Union has your back this summer with an incredible gas card giveaway! 

Advia Credit Union and WGRT 102.3 FM, are offering you a chance to win a $50 gas card to help you save at the pump!  

For a chance to win a $50 Speedy Q Markets gas card, head over to WGRT 102.3 FM on Facebook and WGRT 102.3 FM on Instagram, be sure to like and follow both pages for your chance to win! We’ll be picking lucky winners every Monday, starting June 12th through August 4th!

With 61 years of serving and giving back to our community, Advia Credit Union understands the importance of supporting its members. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to fuel your summer adventures.

Visit them online at Adviacu.org or visit one of their convenient branches in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, Marysville, New Baltimore, or St. Clair for all your banking needs.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

5 Tips To Keep Children Safe Around the Pool This Summer

As summer approaches and families head to the water, it’s crucial to prioritize child swim safety. Here are five important tips to keep children safe around water:

  1. Constant Supervision: Always keep a close eye on children near water. Designate an adult as a designated “water watcher” as it only takes seconds for an accident to occur.
  2. Learn to Swim: Enroll children in swimming lessons taught by certified instructors like our friends at the Blue Water Area YMCA. 
  3. Use Proper Safety Gear: Ensure children wear appropriate flotation devices, such as life jackets, especially if they are inexperienced swimmers. However, remember that flotation devices are not a substitute for supervision.
  4. Secure Pool Area: Install fences, gates, and pool covers to prevent unsupervised access to the pool. 
  5. Educate Kids About Water Safety: Teach children about the dangers of water and establish rules, such as no running near the pool and no swimming alone. 

By following these child swim safety tips, families can enjoy a fun and safe summer season in and around the water.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Beachgoers: If The Flags Are Red Don’t Go Swimming

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has introduced a change to its Great Lakes flag warning system, just in time for the start of the summer season. 

To enhance awareness of changing conditions and ensure public safety, the DNR has implemented “double red warning flags” at state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks. These flags indicate that water access is closed due to dangerous conditions, representing the most severe level of the flag system that was integrated in 2022.

The move comes in response to a rise in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reports a total of 1,170 drownings since 2010, with 108 occurring in 2022 alone. 

Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief, stressed the importance of understanding the power of the Great Lakes and the potential for even experienced swimmers to find themselves in life-threatening situations.

For more information on the meaning of the colored flags, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCHD Seeking New Medical Director

St. Clair County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Najibah Rehman, has stepped down from her position leaving the Department to find a replacement. Dr. Rehman joined the department in 2022, filling the part-time physician role created by county commissioners for the chief public health job.

A six-month written notice is required to terminate the three-year employment agreement for this at-will position, but an official from a neighboring community has reportedly been filling in since Rehman’s resignation. The reason behind her departure has not been publicly disclosed.

The job listing for medical director has been posted since Rehman’s reported resignation on April 28, with applications closing on May 29. The position requires a master’s in public health in addition to a medical degree and falls under the supervision of Liz King, the public health officer, the health advisory board, and the county board in accordance with state law.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Blue Water Area YMCA And McMorran Plaza Team Up For Health And Fitness

Fitness enthusiasts in Port Huron can now enjoy free exercise programs this summer at McMorran Plaza, thanks to a partnership between the City of Port Huron and the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. The initiative aims to promote health and wellness within the community.

Residents can choose from a variety of exercise programs instructed by the knowledgeable staff of the YMCA. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, or yoga, participants can browse or register for their preferred program which will commence on June 1st.

A YMCA membership is not required to participate in these free programs. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can take advantage of the opportunity to improve their fitness levels.

Being a nonprofit organization, the Blue Water Area YMCA and their Open Arms Campaign rely on the members of the community to help sponsor these programs for all to enjoy. If you would like to donate or support the YMCA, visit: bluewaterymca.com. 

Photo: Sheila Potrykus-Volker

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell