Choze Powell

Blue Water Chamber Quarterly Talk Rep Andrew Beeler

Beeler Updates Chamber of Commerce on Last Quarter in Office

Last week, Andrew Beeler, Michigan State Representative of the 83rd District, joined local leaders and business owners for a Capitol Quarterly Talk sponsored by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beeler shared that the House is in its busy season as they try to move forward on the 2022 budget and other policy issues before summer recess. His main focus right now is ensuring that the taxpayers in his district have a strong voice in Lansing, especially since the legislature seeks to allocate funds with a record surplus.

Since taking office, a couple of areas Beeler has been focusing are health care and veterans. His HB 4345 was passed in March, and it prohibits insurance companies from penalizing Michigan consumers if they decide to purchase cheaper prescriptions from an out-of-network provider.

Regarding veterans, Beeler is working on legislation that would translate military education and skills to certificates which would enable veterans to receive tangible value in the civilian world for things they achieved during active duty. Beeler believes this adds to the benefits the state of Michigan has to offer those completing their service and deciding where to live.

Representative Beeler serves all of Sanilac County, and Burtchville Township, Fort Gratiot Township and the city of Port Huron in St. Clair County. He can be reached by phone at 517-373-0835 or by email at: AndrewBeeler@house.mi.gov.

The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities throughout the year for its members to connect with their elected officials. The next event is on June 18th via Zoom with Senator Gary Peters. Visit BlueWaterChamber.com to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Ft. Gratiot Gearing Up for Cruise Weekend

Fort Gratiot Township and the Fort Gratiot Business Association are getting ready for their biggest event of the year: Blue Water Cruise Weekend. The event is planned for June 24th- 27th.

The kick-off to the weekend is the carnival in the Birchwood Mall parking lot on Thursday, June 24th. The carnival will run on Thursday, June 24th through Saturday, June 26th from 12:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Sunday, June 27th the hours are 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Cruise night is on Friday the 25th, and cars will begin parading through town in the evening. WGRT will be switching its format to your favorite oldies and broadcasting a special program from 5 – 10 PM during the cruise.

The 14th Annual Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show will be in the Birchwood Mall north parking lot on Saturday, June 26th, with registration beginning at 8:30 AM, and Saturday evening the festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk.

For more information, visit BlueWaterCruiseWeekend.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lapeer Ave. Will Be Closed From 7th to 10th

Beginning Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, the City of Port Huron will be making improvements to  Lapeer Avenue from 7th Street to 10th Street. These improvements will include new asphalt pavement, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, and drive approaches.

Funding for this project came from the voter approved street millage and Water Street TIF district. 

During the construction, Lapeer Avenue will be closed to thru traffic, and the closure will last until the end of June. Detour signs will be posted directing traffic to 10th Street, Court Street, Union Street, and 7th Street. 

Please contact the Department of Public Works if you have any questions about this project. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Accepting Funding Requests

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is opening the funding process for the period April 1, 2022, to March 31,  2023. Due to COVID-19 and the rapidly changing needs in our community, we are allocating funds on a one year basis until further notice. Our current funding priorities are as follows:  

FROM POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY  

  • Housing Stability – housing programs, emergency shelters, affordable housing 
  • Food Security – access to enough nutritious, affordable, and appropriate food
  • Other Necessities of Life – access to clothing, Medical and Dental necessities 

HEALTHY PEOPLE, STRONG COMMUNITIES 

  • Healthy Seniors – seniors in poverty have access to nutritious affordable food, transportation, and  health supports 
  • Personal Wellbeing and Safety – supports for people dealing with addiction 
  • Inclusion – supports to reduce isolation and create positive mental health 

ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE 

  • Learning – helping kids with financial challenges succeed in school and develop key life skills • Quality of Life – supporting youth with disabilities and their families 
  • Connectedness – helping kids develop positive relationships with their peers and families The funding process and deadlines are as follows: 

June 30th – Letter of Intent due (see link below to access the form) Note that you need to fill out a Letter of  Intent for EACH program that you are requesting funds for. 

July 12th – Decisions will be made on which Letters of Intent will be invited to submit a Full Program  Application for funding and applicants will be notified. 

September 15th – Full Program Applications are due. 

October 12th to November 30th – Program reviews (these may be virtual) 

January or February 2022 – United Way Board of Directors make final decisions on funding for the period April  1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. 

Letter of Intent link: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXXK29X

Submitted by The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton

Bill Makes Changes That Benefit Craft Brewers

Craft beverage lovers along with microbrewers, wine makers, and distillers will have more options for tasting and offering samples of new brews. Governor Whitmer just signed bipartisan legislation that allows for changes in the Michigan Liquor Control Code.

Senate Bill 49 allows craft beverage producers to sample and sell their brews in the same place which Whitmer says will help small businesses grow and support the economy.

“Michigan is home to some of the best microbreweries and craft distillers in the country, and this bill makes it easier for these businesses to create and operate tasting rooms,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that this bipartisan bill will make it more convenient for Michiganders to sample fine spirits and delicious micro-brews, while also creating jobs and helping grow our small businesses and economy faster.”

Vinomondo Winery in Ft. Gratiot said the changes don’t really affect them. Their winery is still open, though operating at 50% capacity, and guests can sample their wines, bottle their own blends, visit the pub, or shop at the gift shop. Check their website for hours and menus.

David Ringler, Director of Happiness Cedar Springs Brewing Company, said, “We are grateful for this legislation that will allow us to expand services to our customers after a very difficult year. As a destination location in a small town, it is key for us to be able to serve all of our product lines to our guests.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Lisa Motte Takes Position at United Way

Port Huron, MI — Lisa Motte will be the new Resource Development Director the the United Way of St. Clair County. Her new role involves marketing, supporting annual campaigns, and working with volunteers.

Motte said, “I was honored to accept this position because nonprofits are my passion. I have worked in the for-profit industry for more than 25 years and felt I needed to follow my heart to United Way. There is no better way to help so many nonprofits than through United Way of St. Clair County.”

Executive Director of the United Way of St. Clair County, Brent Gillette, said, “We’re very happy to get her from the for-profit world although she has extensive experience in nonprofits. It’s her energy, the infectious atmosphere she brings with her into a room, and her extensive knowledge of the community that will be a big asset to us.”

United Way of St. Clair County staff have been in the office throughout the pandemic safely serving their clients through the 211 phone service and their medical loan and supply closet.

Gillette said they are looking forward to sharing the mission of the United Way with businesses as they did pre-COVID. “We didn’t get a chance to do that for a whole year, and that has really been a hardship for us.”

In 2020, the United Way of St. Clair County supported over 14,441 residents of St. Clair County by teaching life skills, reducing the need for emergency services, adult education and training programs, and improving quality of life through health and advocacy.

To learn more visit uwstclair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand