Choze Powell

Downtown Port Huron Commercial Properties Will No Longer Receive Waste Collection Services After July 1st

Starting July 1st, commercial properties in downtown Port Huron will no longer receive waste collection services from the City. 

As a result, tenants will need to establish a new form of waste collection by July 1st. If you are a landlord or business owner, it is crucial to communicate with your tenants regarding your decision on trash collection.

There are two waste collection options to consider, one is Emterra that would allow them to continue servicing downtown businesses and lofts for a fee. The other option is to use the city’s Dumpster Share Program that contains various rates for services.

 

City’s Dumpster Share Program

  • $15.00 per month per Residential Unit
  • $25.00 per month for Commercial – Office & Retail
  • $125.00 per month for Commercial – Food & Beverage

The decision to eliminate the 3-mil annual tax that funded the City of Port Huron Trash Collection for commercial properties was approved by the Council. The previous model was deemed unsustainable and unfair, as only a few properties received service while everyone paid the tax. Additionally, the tax often exceeded the actual cost of service.

To assess the impact on your yearly taxes, contact the City of Port Huron Assessing Office at (810) 984-9742. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Protect Yourself And Stay Safe From Poor Air Quality Due To Smoke And Fires

Smoke and fires raging across the United States and parts of Canada have led to high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air, resulting in an elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) in many regions of Michigan and the eastern US. The AQI, which measures the concentration of pollutants such as ground-level ozone and particulates, serves as a vital tool in assessing air quality and protecting public health.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has advised individuals to take precautions during these smoke events, especially those with chronic diseases, including asthma, other lung conditions, or cardiovascular problems. Additionally, children, pregnant individuals, and those over 65 are considered more vulnerable to the health effects of smoke exposure.

To protect yourself, the US EPA recommends limiting outdoor exercise when the air is smoky and opting for lower-intensity activities to minimize smoke exposure. When indoors, it is advised to maintain clean and cool indoor air. 

For more information, visit: epa.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum Brings You The Rockin’ The 70’s Event

Get ready to groove to your favorite 70’s rock and roll tunes at the upcoming Rockin’ the 70’s event, featuring local bands paying tribute to iconic artists like The Bee Gees, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, The Eagles, and many more. 

The festivities will take place at the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum, located at 228 S Ridge St (M25) in Port Sanilac.The event will be held Saturday, June 17th, from 12 pm – 6 pm.

Attendees can check out performances across four different stages while enjoying delicious food and craft beer. Additionally, arts and crafts vendors will be showcasing their creations, as well as a display of classic cars. 

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students, and free admission for children aged 12 and under. 

Vendors can secure a spot for $25 per space, and classic car owners are encouraged to pre-register their vehicles for free admission. 

For more information, call: (810) 622-9946 or email: schsheather@gmail.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Celebrates Its 100th Birthday This Year

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2023, with the official day being June 11th. 

Established as Port Huron Junior College on June 11, 1923, SC4 stands as Michigan’s second oldest community college, playing a significant role in the academic, economic, and social progress of southeast Michigan over the past century.

SC4 boasts an extensive curriculum, providing around 350 courses to approximately 4,000 students annually. Its accomplished alumni have excelled in various domains such as health care, education, engineering, manufacturing, hospitality, government, public safety, and design, making significant contributions to their communities and beyond.

Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, President of SC4, highlighted the college’s close bond with the community and its unwavering dedication to student growth and success. Throughout its rich history, SC4 has been fortunate to receive steadfast support and commitment from the community it serves.

Happy Birthday SC4!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Clean Energy and Environmental Justice Groups Critique DTE Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan

A coalition of clean energy and environmental justice organizations have released a report card highlighting areas for improvement in DTE Energy’s 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The IRP, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in November 2022, outlines DTE’s proposed strategy for providing electricity to its 2.3 million customers over the next two decades.

The report card criticizes DTE’s failure to ensure affordable energy bills for ratepayers and equitable access to clean energy. They have been accused of undervaluing customer-owned solar and energy efficiency, which can alleviate energy burdens and expedite the transition away from polluting fossil fuels.

DTE received a B- for its plans to retire coal plants, including the closure of two units of the Monroe coal-fired power plant by 2028, the report card highlights the utility’s continued investments in fossil gas. Such investments pose risks to public health and customers’ financial well-being, resulting in an F grade for DTE’s avoidance of additional fracked gas infrastructure.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Experts Stress Motorcycle Safety as Summer Riding Season Begins

With the arrival of summer, motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for long rides and thrilling adventures on the open road. However, safety experts are urging riders to prioritize safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

Summer months typically see an increase in motorcycle fatalities. To promote safe riding, experts recommend wearing Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets, protective clothing, and completing safety courses.

Regular motorcycle maintenance, including checking tires, brakes, and lights, is crucial to prevent mechanical failures. Additionally, riders should make themselves visible to other motorists by wearing brightly colored clothing and using reflective materials.

Obeying traffic laws, being mindful of weather conditions, and sharing the road responsibly are also essential for a safe riding experience. 

Drivers of cars and trucks should always be mindful of motorcycle riders and give them proper space when following behind, and to respect the rules of the road to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell