Bridge Delays Not Tied to Construction
Local drivers frustrated by backups near the Blue Water Bridge can breathe a little easier. State officials say recent slowdowns weren’t tied to Michigan construction but to short-term customs issues in Canada that have now been fixed. The new eastbound I-94/I-69 ramp to Pine Grove Avenue is open, and crews are finishing noise wall work along Scott Avenue by mid-November. The $36 million bridge plaza expansion continues to support hundreds of local jobs, though some drivers still take city routes to avoid delays.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Symphony Pauses Season to Rebuild
The International Symphony Orchestra, serving Sarnia and Port Huron, is pausing its current season due to financial challenges. Ticket sales have lagged, and rising costs made continuing unsustainable. The ISO has closed its Christina Street venue but plans to focus on education and outreach, including reviving the El Sistema youth program at Sarnia’s Imperial Theatre. Fundraising concerts are being planned to support the orchestra’s renewal. The Board says this pause will help the ISO build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Cannabis Industry Sues Over Taxes
Marijuana businesses are suing Michigan over a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana set to start Jan. 1st. The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association says lawmakers didn’t have enough votes to pass the tax under state law and want a judge to block it. The tax, part of Gov. Whitmer’s $2 billion road repair plan, could raise $420 million for local roads but may force dispensaries to cut jobs. State leaders insist the tax is legal, while industry reps warn it could hurt an already struggling market.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet