Choze Powell

Port Huron, MI — Michele Jones and Steve Fernandez have been working on PH Country Style Market as a labor of love. The downtown Port Huron grocery store project has faced several setbacks, but they are hopeful that the doors will be open by the end of January 2022.

The biggest recent issue has been installation of the market’s elevator which is currently still crated and sitting in pieces in the main area of the store. They have been waiting on the elevator permit from the State of Michigan, and they just received notice on December 9th that the permit has been issued.

The building at 310 Huron Avenue was originally a Woolworth’s store, one of the first discount stores in the United States, and the last business to occupy it was Emory’s Furniture.

From windows to doorknobs, Jones and Fernandez have discovered many historical features and items during renovation of the building, and they have worked hard to preserve or repurpose them.

Jones removed years of paint from the original doorknobs to create sign-hangers for the upstairs offices, preserving the ornate details from the past.

After sharing the process, Jones said with a smile, “My Martha Stuart gene kicked in.”

When the building is complete, it will feature a main floor grocery area including a full-service deli and meat counter, a basement wine & beer cellar and an area for household & personal items, and a second-story office complex that includes Jones & Fernandez’s personal loft.

To watch a video showcasing the progress on PH Country Style Market, visit WGRT’s Facebook page <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 25 this week which will help disabled veterans who are still paying on their student loans.

The bill will amend the income tax code to allow disabled veterans to deduct taxable income attributed to cancellation or forgiveness of a student loan. It will apply retroactively to the 2016 through 2019 tax years, and it will apply to future tax years beginning in 2025.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and Whitmer said, “Our nation’s disabled veterans have served our country with honor and dignity, and this bill helps alleviate some of their financial burdens. I am proud to sign Senate Bill 25 to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and help make their lives easier.”

VFW Michigan State Commander Kevin Conklin said, “The VFW Department of Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer and Senator Tom Barrett’s efforts to make Michigan the best state in the Nation for veterans and their families, and we look forward to future legislation that helps us accomplish this goal together.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

In response to high COVID-19 rates in the community, McLaren Port Huron is restricting visitors to the hospital, to protect the health of patients, staff and the community, effective Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Exceptions to the visitor restrictions include:

• Obstetrics patients may have one partner and one support person accompany them
• Pediatric patients may have one adult visitor
• ICU patients may have one visitor
• Patients who are mentally disabled or have developmental delays may have one visitor
• Patients scheduled for surgery or procedures may have one visitor, who is expected to leave as soon as possible after surgery.
• Patients who have an outpatient appointment for a hospital service (laboratory, imaging) who need assistance may have one companion.
• Patients in the Emergency Department may have one visitor.
• Exceptions will be made for end-of-life care.

Visiting hours for these exceptions will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID when entering the hospital. All visitors must wear a mask at all times and remain with the patient at all times unless asked to leave by the clinical team. Please note: No visitors are allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, including in the Emergency Department.

The goal is to protect patients, their families and the McLaren Port Huron health care team. Leadership will continue to implement practices to help ensure the health and safety of everyone who enters the facility.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is bringing back their Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little 5K, and registration is now open for the spring run.

This is the 3rd year for the 5K, and it will only accept 18,500 participants for this year’s virtual run. Registration is open now, and the cost is $34 per person.

Runners must complete their virtual run outdoors any time between April 22, 2022 through the 29th.

All proceeds raised from the Happy Little 5 K will support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Michelle O-Kelly, race director for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Bob Ross Inc. in order to support our tree planting and stewardship efforts in Michigan state parks. In just the first two years of this incredibly popular event, race participants have helped generate a stable  source of funding toward healthy, thriving forests at state parks throughout the next decade.”

The Happy Little 5K has raised more than $600,000 since its inception.

To learn more or register, visit www.Michigan.gov/DNRHappyLittleTrees

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Outdoor exploration doesn’t have to be limited to warmer months, and Friends of the St. Clair River has a few options coming up for outdoor recreation.

On December 11th, a winter stewardship program called “Through the Woods” will take place at Woodsong County Park from 10 AM – 12 PM, and a Lakefront Restoration is planned at Fort Gratiot County Park on December 12th and January 10th.

Forestry Fridays happen weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM at Columbus County Park on December 10th & 17th and January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.

Friends Restoration Coordinator, Brooke Hiller, said, “Our staff and volunteers work fifty-two weeks a year, through all seasons, to restore, protect, and enhance our community’s natural resources. These winter stewardship activities allow residents to connect with nature in a unique setting and make a difference protecting these areas full of life, even in the dormant months.”

To learn more about these and other events visit Friends of the St. Clair River’s website at www.scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand