George James

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

With Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Looming, MDARD Pleads for Vigilance in Reporting and Prevention

The spotted lanternfly is a menace and has the potential to destroy Michigan staples like apples and hardwood trees. But it’s not picky. It feeds on more than 70 different species, and an infestation could be devastating to the state’s agricultural economy.

Robert Miller with the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said, “Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape.”

The pest has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern United States and dead lanternflies have been found in packaging materials in Michigan. So far, MDARD hasn’t found any live ones.

Miller said, “With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time.”

If you come across the dreaded pest, let MDARD know immediately. Citizen awareness and reporting are critical in containing the pending arrival of the invasive pest.

From MDARD:

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland