St. Clair County

City of Port Huron Named 2024 Project Play Champion By Aspen Institute

Port Huron’s commitment to inclusive recreation receives national acclaim as the city’s 16th Street Park earns the prestigious title of 2024 Project Play Champion. 

Spearheaded by Port Huron’s Parks & Recreation Department, the park’s intentional redesign as a “free play park” aims to foster engagement among children beyond organized sports.

Recognized for aligning with Project Play’s strategies, the park’s renovation will offer a diverse lineup of activities catering to children of all backgrounds and abilities. From basketball court repairs and a shortened football field, soccer field, challenge course and more, the overhaul is made possible through grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant along with donations from Stebbins Family Fund and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

As a symbol of inclusive play, 16th Street Park stands as a testament to Port Huron’s dedication to youth development and community well-being.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Where Does Our Drinking Water Come From? Inside Port Huron’s Water Journey: From River To Tap

Since 1873, Port Huron has relied on the St. Clair River for its water, serving approximately 60,000 customers across the city and surrounding townships. With two 36-inch intakes, raw water undergoes rigorous treatment before entering the distribution system, boasting 170 miles of water mains and 1,400 fire hydrants.

Managed 24/7, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) ensures water safety through primary and secondary treatments, removing around 2,000 tons of biosolids or “sewer sludge” annually. These residuals, recycled as fertilizer, highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability. 

Despite the areas “highly susceptible” rating for contamination, stringent measures like the Industrial Pretreatment Program safeguard water quality, crucial for the plant’s function and biosolid production.

From river to tap, Port Huron’s water journey exemplifies meticulous care and community resilience.

For detailed information, visit: porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Trev’s Mobile Bike Shed Rolls into Action, Bringing Repairs To Your Doorstep

Spring ushers in a new era of cycling convenience as Trevor Schick launches Trev’s Mobile Bike Shed in Port Huron. Fueled by a lifelong passion for bike mechanics and family support, Schick’s venture delivers maintenance and repairs to the Blue Water Area’s doorstep.

Schick emphasizes customer satisfaction and safety with his newly launched business endeavor and operates on pillars of integrity, safety, courtesy, and anticipation of client needs, striving to elevate bicycle experiences for all.

Eyeing a future inclusive of adaptive cycles for special needs individuals, the company envisions a world where biking knows no bounds. As they pedal forward, Trev’s Mobile Bike Shed aims to become the standard of accessible cycling across the Blue Water Area.

For more information, visit them on Facebook at: TrevsBikeShed.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Suggests Beekeepers Live Longer Lives, Correlates With Honey Consumption

A groundbreaking study reveals a potential link between beekeeping, longevity, and the consumption of bee-related products like honey, according to information published by the National Library of Medicine. Researchers found significant associations between beekeepers and longer telomeres, indicative of increased lifespan compared to non-beekeepers.

Telomere length, a marker for biological aging, was notably longer in beekeepers, especially among those who consumed bee products regularly. The study suggests that frequent intake of bee products, including honey, propolis, and royal jelly, may contribute to maintaining telomere length, thus potentially delaying aging and associated diseases.

Honey, known for its energy density and nutritional value, offers various health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These findings underscore the importance of further research into bee product consumption and its impact on human health, offering new avenues for managing aging-related conditions.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Partnership With Count The Kicks To Combat Stillbirths

In a concerted effort to combat stillbirths and reduce infant mortality rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health has joined forces with Count the Kicks, an evidence-based stillbirth prevention program. The initiative aims to educate expectant parents about the critical importance of monitoring their baby’s movements during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Programs like Count the Kicks help empower expectant mothers to communicate openly about their pregnancy experiences with healthcare providers and loved ones. The initiative provides tools for parents to track their baby’s movements, enabling early detection of potential issues.

Despite advancements in healthcare, stillbirth remains a significant public health concern, with approximately 626 Michigan families affected annually. Racial disparities persist, with a disproportionate number affecting minorities including Black, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islanders. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Slams DTE Gas’s “Fast and Flimsy” Rate Hike Request

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered scathing testimony on Tuesday, rebuking DTE Gas’s latest rate increase proposal before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Nessel opposed the corporation’s bid for a staggering $266 million hike, denouncing it as excessive and unjustified.

Highlighting egregious elements within DTE’s request, Nessel spotlighted the inclusion of frivolous expenses, notably executive corporate jet travel, as particularly offensive. She contended that such expenses lacked merit and unfairly burdened consumers.

Nessel advocated for a more restrained approach, suggesting that DTE’s annual increase should not exceed $112.2 million, ensuring a more moderate 4% rise in customer bills. Her testimony aimed to balance the need for infrastructure investment with the imperative to shield consumers from unwarranted financial strain.

The attorney general’s scrutiny underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding consumers’ interests against corporate overreach, signaling a pivotal moment in Michigan’s energy regulatory landscape.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell