George James

Lapeer Road to Close Between Abbotsford and Wadhams Roads August 6-7

The St. Clair County Road Commission has announced a road closure planned for this weekend. Lapeer Road will be completely closed between Abbotsford Road and Wadhams Road from Saturday, August 6th to Sunday, August 7th. Local residents and travelers should plan on delays, and patience from drivers is appreciated. 

The detour route is Wadhams Road to Griswold Road to Taylor Road, which is also called Dunlap Road. 

Crews will be completing storm sewer crossings in two locations on Lapeer Road. The two locations are just west of Bartlett Road and west of Hidden Lake Drive. The Road Commission reports that each crossing will require the road to be completely closed, and they will not be under construction at the same time. 

Traffic will not be allowed through the active work zone and will be directed to turn around. Access to homes and businesses, as well as emergency access, will be maintained during the closure, which is planned to wrap up by the end of the day on Sunday, August 7th. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Now is the Time to Lock in Winter Propane Costs

Nobody really wants to think about winter heating right now, but the Michigan Public Service Commission is advising homeowners who use propane to heat their homes to start planning ahead.

Propane is used by almost a quarter of residents in the Lower Peninsula, with the highest use in rural areas. Michigan uses more propane to heat homes than any other state.

The MSPC says now is the time to shop around for the best deals on propane and to lock in a rate. Energy prices have risen dramatically, with much of the blame being placed on the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, according to the MSPC.

Propane providers do offer budget plans along with pre-buy and fixed price plans that are a buffer against higher prices later in the season. Know the size of your propane tank and your average use to prevent overbuying or underbuying.

From the Michigan Public Service Commission:

Propane users also can help reduce their costs by using energy efficiently. Check out the MPSC’s Be Winterwise page for tips and information including ways to reduce energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy has additional energy saver tips.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Downtown Port Huron First Friday: Dog Days of Summer

Ever wish your dog could experience the fun and entertainment of a Friday night in Downtown Port Huron? It’s Fido or Max or Buster’s lucky week, since it’s First Friday, and this week’s theme is “Dog Days of Summer”.

Each “First Friday” of the month has a different theme and this month it’s dedicated to man’s best friend, dogs. Dogs are welcome to stroll around downtown with their owners and see what kinds of treats and surprises the downtown businesses have for the canine customers.

There is a Pet Parade and Costume Contest planned for 6:00 p.m. at A Little Something on Quay. Community members such as Mike Kinyon, Kathy Swantek, Patti Samar, and Carolyn Crowe will be judging the pets for Best Costume, Funniest, Most Creative, Prettiest, and Cutest.

If your dog likes rock and roll, The Fabulous Henhouse Boys will be playing on McMorran Plaza from 8:00-10:00 p.m. To get the full schedule of events in Downtown Port Huron, visit the links below.

https://www.mcmorran.com/plaza

EVENTS

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rockin’ the Rivers Starts This Week with Air Margaritaville

There’s still quite a bit of summer left with several weeks of warm evenings that are perfect for outdoor music. This year’s Rockin’ the Rivers Thursday concert series in Port Huron’s Kiefer Park kicks off on Thursday.

The four-concert series starts off this Thursday, August 4th with Air Margaritaville as the headliner and Dave Frendt as the opener.

The Rockin’ the Rivers concerts are traditionally well attended by music lovers of all ages. You just need to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food trucks are on-site and there is a kids’ zone full of entertainment for children.

The location is right on the St. Clair River in Kiefer Park, next to the Port Huron Municipal Office Center. Parking is free.

Thursday, August 12th brings Your Generation in Concert, a tribute band that covers five generations of hits.

August 18th features Elton Rohn and The Fabulous Henhouse Boys and August 25th features The Gobies, a local favorite, along with Paul Shonk Music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SMR Pilot Program Bus Service to End September 9th

The partnership between the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission and SMR Automotive Systems of Marysville is winding down. The SMR Pilot Program, which has been providing reliable transportation to the Marysville factory six days per week since 2016, will end on September 9th.

The pilot program was provided by SMR Automotive Systems, which employs a large number of people in the Blue Water Area, and was intended to run for just 90 days and then be evaluated. It was so successful that it ran for six years.

According to the Blue Water Area Transportation Commission, SMR has determined that the service is no longer needed. It has been running since 2016.

Starting September 9th, the City of Marysville will provide service with Blue Water Area Transit route #20 from 6:30 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The Blue Water Area Transportation Commission has expressed its thanks to SMR Automotive Systems for providing additional transportation service days and times over the past six years.

For the full bus schedule, visit http://bwbus.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland