Choze Powell

The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) is accepting the last batch of applications as the program is set to exhaust all of its funds. The final date for Michigan renters and landlords to submit an application for emergency rental assistance is June 30th.

The program has been funded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority since March 2021. It was put in place to help people facing COVID related economic hardship avoid eviction.

The program has approved over 130,000 people for emergency assistance, and over $750 million has been distributed with the average household receiving about $5,600.

CERA applications are submitted through an online portal, and the portal will close on June 30th. Once the program ends, those who are facing eviction and need help will have to contact their local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA).

Locally, HARA is operated by Blue Water Community Action Agency, and they work with families and individuals at risk of homelessness, those who need help with rent, and those facing eviction or utility shut-offs.

The HARA Coordinator for Blue Water Community Action Agency is Bernie Newby, and she can be reached at (810) 982-8541 or more information is available on the website here:

https://www.bwcaa.org/housing-support-housing-assessment-resource-agency-hara

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Blue Water Area Transit trolley is back, and residents and visitors can take a 5 or 10 cent ride around the city of Port Huron.

The trolley offers a one-hour ride that takes passengers to over 50 points of interest around the area. The regular fare is 10 cents per rider, but senior citizens (60 and up) and persons with disability or valid Medicare cards can ride for 5 cents.

To take a full tour, passengers can catch a ride at the Downtown Blue Water Transit Bus Center across from McMorran place and stay on for the whole ride or get on and off at 17 points along the route.

Dave McElroy, Blue Water Transit general manager, said, “The Trolley offers an overview of local history aboard an old-time trolley vehicle for only 10 cents which is the amount patrons paid in 1886 for the area’s first local transit service!”

For a full list of boarding points and the places to see along the trolley route, visit BWbus.com/blue-water-trolley.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Plans for Blue Water Cruise weekend are set for a full four days of fun in Ft. Gratiot. The event kicks off with a carnival at Birchwood Mall on Thursday, June 23rd and runs through Sunday, June 26th.

Cruise Night is set for Friday, June 24th from 6:30 – 10 PM. Although construction on Pine Grove Avenue may slow things down, organizers are encouraging cruisers to be patient or use alternate routes to get back and forth.

The Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show is Saturday, June 25th at Birchwood Mall. Registration begins at 8:30 AM, and the show is open to the public from 10 AM – 3 PM. Those attending the show should enter the mall parking lot on Keewahdin Road, and the day will also include live music and vendors.

The Fireworks show is planned for Saturday, June 26th at dusk, and viewing is available all along 24th Avenue including from the parking lots at Meijer, Walmart, and Birchwood Mall.

For more information, or to register your car for the show before June 15th, visit BlueWaterCruiseWeekend.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Port Huron City Council is taking nominations for this year’s Spirit of Port Huron Awards, so it’s time for citizens to nominate someone they think has made Port Huron a better place to live.

The Spirit of Port Huron Awards were started in 1986 in an effort to recognize those who stand out in several categories of community oriented services.

Citizens of Port Huron, along with local groups, service clubs, and churches, can nominate people in the following categories:

BROTHERHOOD: A person who has displayed leadership in fostering understanding and promoting harmony  and good will among all. 

CIVIC: A person, business or organization who has significantly contributed time, talent or investment to make  Port Huron a better place to live, work and play. 

CULTURAL: A person who has encouraged the appreciation and advancement of the arts or heritage of Port  Huron and its citizens. 

ECONOMIC PROGRESS: A person or business that has invested or encouraged an investment in the  community that has stabilized or enhanced the economic climate and quality of life in Port Huron. 

GOOD NEIGHBOR: A person who has gone out of his/her way in an unsolicited manner to help a neighbor  or neighbors in an extraordinary manner. 

HEROISM: A person (or persons) who has risked personal injury or his/her life in a spontaneous act to save  others. 

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT: Bestows a special recognition on the rare individual who has consistently and  unselfishly given an extraordinary amount of time and personal effort over the course of many years toward the  betterment of the community and fellow man. 

YOUTH SERVICE: A young person who has displayed outstanding citizenship, principally through  community service activities. 

Nominations should be mailed to Mayor Pauline Repp and include:

1. Your name, address, and phone number. 
2. The nominee’s name, address and phone number. 
3. The category for which they are being nominated. 
4. A description of the activities that support the nomination. 

Mail nominations by July 14, 2022 to:

Office of the Mayor
100 McMorran Boulevard
Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Applications for Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program will be open on June 15th at 9 AM. Those who own commercial or residential properties in a local historic district or that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic sites can apply for tax credit to offset the cost of maintaining or rehabilitating their buildings.

This tax credit program is new as of December 30, 2020, and the rules and details are different from a past program that was in place until 2012. The credits are available as either Michigan Personal Income Tax Credits, Michigan Business Income Tax Credits, or both, and the credits can’t exceed 25% of the total qualified rehabilitation expenses.

Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer Mark A Rodman said, “Throughout Michigan, we are fortunate to have many historic buildings that provide a sense of community history and opportunity for growth and investment. However, unused buildings often contribute to blight and further disinvestment. In many cases, a stimulus can often ensure that these important structures are maintained and rehabilitated.”

Rodman also said, “The new State Historic Tax Credit Program will assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s historic resources, resulting in vibrant, unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play. We are excited to be able to offer this additional source for investment for both commercial and residential properties across the state.”

According to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the “State Historic Tax Credit Program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources.”

To learn more visit:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand