St. Clair County

Enjoy Michigan’s Free Fishing As Part Of Three Free Weekend June 8-9

Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend returns on June 8th and 9th, offering families and friends the chance to fish without a license. 

Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish in both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. While fishing license fees are waived, all fishing regulations remain in effect.

This special weekend coincides with “Three Free” weekend, granting free access to state parks, boating sites, and off-road trails without a Recreation Passport or ORV permits. During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and visitors can ride off-road vehicles legally without needing an ORV license or trail permit, though all other ORV rules and laws still apply.

Celebrate a child’s first fish or a big fish catch with printable certificates available online. For more details, visit: Michigan.gov/ORVInfo. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

GQT Movies Launches Free Summer Family Flicks Series

GQT Movies is thrilled to announce the 2024 Summer Family Flicks Series at Krafft 8 located at 2725 Krafft Rd., Port Huron. 

Starting this week, families can enjoy free showings of family-friendly movies every Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. for the next ten weeks. The lineup includes popular titles such as Minions: The Rise of Gru, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Sing 2, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.

“Our Summer Family Flicks Series is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage the community and bring families together for a zero-cost movie-going experience,” said Jake McSparin, Vice President of Operations for GQT Movies.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. Concessions will be available at everyday low prices. 

For more details, visit: gqtmovies.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MI Snack Competition Calls For Entries For September 2024 Event

The MI Snack Competition in Port Huron, Michigan, is calling for entries for its September 14th, event. The contest, formerly the MI New Favorite Snack competition, will award over $50,000 in cash prizes, with the top winner receiving a distribution deal with All Star Services.

The deadline for entries is July 12th. Fees are $200 for non-St. Clair County entrants and $100 for local companies. Eligible businesses must be Michigan-based with 10 or fewer employees. All entries will compete in three categories for cash prizes of up to $10,000 per category, with additional $1,000 prizes for St. Clair County competitors.

The MI Snack Competition is presented by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, All Star Services, and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and to register, visit: BlueWaterChamber.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Surprising Benefits Of Crying: Why Shedding Tears Is Good For You

Though often seen as a sign of weakness, crying offers numerous benefits supported by scientific research, according to medicalnewstoday.com. 

Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and self-soothing. It also serves as an attachment behavior, encouraging social support during distress.

Emotional tears, whether related to sadness or joy, release oxytocin and endorphins, easing both physical and emotional pain, and enhancing mood. Crying can also reduce stress by expelling stress hormones from the body, potentially aiding sleep.

Tears contain lysozyme, a fluid with powerful antimicrobial properties, helping to fight bacteria and keep eyes clean. Additionally, basal tears, produced every time we blink, maintain eye moisture and clarity.

Embracing tears not only fosters emotional well-being but also supports physical health, underscoring the natural benefits of this often-overlooked response.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Summer Gasoline Standards Implemented for Michigan Beginning June 1st

Beginning Saturday, June 1st, ozone monitoring will resume in eight Southeast Michigan counties, including Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. 

To combat smog, these counties must now only sell gasoline with a vapor pressure not exceeding 7.0 psi. This measure is part of the summer gasoline program, initiated in 1996 to address ozone level violations in Detroit.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will enforce these regulations to ensure Michigan maintains federal highway funding. “Governor Whitmer’s bold actions to protect our environment are echoed in our efforts at MDARD,” said Director Tim Boring. 

MDARD will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which ends September 15th, to ensure compliance and protect air quality.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

[Canceled] St. Clair County Issues Swimming Advisory For Holland Beach Due To Elevated E. Coli Levels

This swimming advisory has been canceled!

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. Keewahdin Beach in Fort Gratiot remains closed for the same reason.

Water samples will be collected regularly until E. coli levels meet Michigan’s acceptable water quality standards. E coli, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates potential fecal contamination. Elevated levels often occur after storms or strong winds, which cause runoff and wave agitation.

For updates on beach advisories, visit the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page or the Michigan BeachGuard website. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or by contacting the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell