George James

No Extra Fee for Veteran-Designated License Plates

There is no longer a service fee for Michigan veterans who seek to get a veteran-designated license plate.

House Bill 5678 was signed into law this week. The bill was introduced by State Representative Bradley Slagh, a Republican lawmaker from Zeeland.

Those honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces, medal awardees, prisoners of war, and spouses, are eligible for the military license plates.

Veterans can choose to note their branch of service or the name of the conflict in which they served. Gold Star families can also get a special license plate.

According to the Senate Fiscal Agency, the bill would decrease restricted revenue for the Department of State by an estimated $75,000 annually. Around 15,000 veteran’s specialty plates were issued in 2020-21. The most popular plate is the Foreign Wars Service Plate, followed by the Disabled Veteran plate and the Vietnam Veteran Plate.

More information can be found at the link below.

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/license-plates/military-and-veteran-plate-options

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Big Reds to Battle At the Big House August 26th

The 2022 season will start off in a big way for the Port Huron High School Big Reds football team, cheerleading squad, Thunderbirds dance team, and Big Red Marching Machine. The season opens with the first game at “The Big House” in Ann Arbor. The stadium, used by the University of Michigan, seats over 107,000 fans.

The Big Reds will take on Grand Rapids Catholic Central, who happen to be the 2021 Division 5 State Champions, at the August 26th afternoon game. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m.

Port Huron High principal Mike Palmer said, “This opportunity for our students is once-in-a-lifetime. To visit this type of venue is tremendous, but to be able to play on the field and be in that setting is just fantastic. We are so proud to be representing Port Huron High and the Port Huron Area School district at this prestigious event.”

Supporters and fans can attend the game and tickets are available now for $10. A ticket and t-shirt combination is available for $25.

Order form: https://forms.gle/xSjzKSJMmW5EX5e1A

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Quay Docks, Marine City Get Grants for Community Development

The Blue Water Area is well-represented in a new revitalization investment sponsored by the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The projects are intended to bring housing, economic growth, and vibrancy to the neighborhoods.

The projects are the Quay Docks Project in Port Huron and the Marine City Apartments project in Marine City.

The Quay Docks project is expected to create 30 full-time jobs after the renovation of the vacant building on Quay Street is complete. The mixed-use development will have two commercial spaces and five apartments. The building will have a green roof along with energy and lighting upgrades to modernize the Quay Street property. 

The Marine City Apartments Project will renovate the Geck Building to include six apartments and six garages. The project will bring more people downtown and contribute to Marine City’s continued economic development.

Funding for both projects comes from grants from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program and special tax programs in both municipalities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yale Bologna Festival Has Something for Everyone July 29th-31st

The Yale Bologna Festival is on the calendar for July 29th through 31st this year and the traditional small-town festival has something for everyone.

This is the 32nd annual festival that celebrates the common lunch-box meat product that is produced at C. Roy, Inc, in Yale. The festival has an abundance of creative traditions from the crowning of the King and Queen of Bologna to the famous outhouse races and the popular parade and fireworks.

This year’s festival has food vendors all weekend long, but no one goes to the Bologna Festival without getting a fried bologna sandwich. There are inflatable midway games, pony rides, and plenty of kids’ activities and family-friendly shows. Living history displays will be at the Yale City Park all weekend.

The Big Bologna Fireworks Spectacular is planned for Friday, July 29th, with the best viewing near Yale High school. The Big Bologna Parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30th.

There is much more to the Bologna Festival and a link to the full schedule of events can be found below.

https://www.yalechamber.com/yale-bologna-festival.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanborn and Court Street Pools Open and Free to Use

What’s better than taking a long, leisurely swim in a city pool? Not much, other than getting to swim for free.

The Port Huron Recreation Department has announced that admission to both the Court Street and Sanborn pools is free of charge until maximum capacity is met. Both pools have a maximum of 150 people at each facility. Lifeguards are on duty at all times at both pools. Children aged 11 and under need to have an adult with them.

The Court Street pool recently underwent upgrades. The tile has been resurfaced in the smaller children’s pool, the deck has been repaired, and there are new flood lights.

Both Court Street and Sanborn have new roofs on their buildings as well.

Open swim at Court Street is Monday through Sunday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. until Friday, August 19th. Sanborn Pool’s open swim is on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. until Sunday, August 14th.

So, add the Port Huron city pools to your list of ways to beat the summer heat.

The Port Huron Recreation Department provides a safe, fun and active recreation and learning environment for adults and youth. Individuals may attend programs, clubs, camps and special events throughout the year. For more information or to register for a program, please visit www.porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland