George James

Port Huron Native, Zimmer, Gets Top MDOT Award

The Michigan Department of Transportation has given its top employee award to a Port Huron native. Kimberly Zimmer received the MDOT Director’s Award for outstanding service.

The annual award is given to the MDOT employee who exhibits leadership and exemplary service. It has been given out for over thirty years.

Zimmer, who grew up in Port Huron, but now lives in Midland, was honored in the officials and administrators category for her response to the historic flooding in Midland and Gladwin counties.  MDOT reports that Zimmer has maintained continued communication with the Federal Highway Administration to maximize federal funds. The funds would not have been secured without Zimmer’s enormous efforts.

Zimmer’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to coordinate with MDOT in dam analysis.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Kim’s outstanding leadership and commitment to quality make her a cornerstone of public service. Director’s Award recipients like Kim help make MDOT the dynamic and responsive organization that it is, and we are all grateful for her service.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Harker and Stone to Become an All-Way Stop

The intersection of Harker Street and Stone Street in Port Huron’s north end is about to become an all-way stop. Those who frequently travel the intersection know why: it’s a dangerous crossing.

After a study by the Traffic Safety Committee and the Transportation Improvement Association, City Manager James Freed has ordered a 60-day test of the all-way stop solution.

The intersection is in a residential neighborhood on the route between the end of the expressway and the Blue Water Convention Center and the Culinary Institute of Michigan. It is often difficult for traffic stopped on Harker Street to see oncoming traffic on Stone Street due to trees, parked cars, and houses.

The intersection did not meet the Transportation Improvement Association’s criteria for a traffic light, but because of the considerable impediments to visibility and the high rate of crashes over the five-year study, an all-way stop is recommended.

The most common of the 32 recorded crashes in the study period, plus eight more in 2020, were right-angle crashes, likely caused by the sight distance issue.

The all-way stop has been ordered to be in effect for a 60-day trial, signed on August 16th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Third COVID-19 Shot Available for High-Risk Individuals

A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine could be coming soon to vulnerable individuals. The Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved an additional dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines for people aged 12 and older who have compromised immune systems.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to move as quickly as possible to get the doses administered. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are the priority for the third shot.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS continues to say that the vaccine is the only way out of the pandemic. She said, “I am pleased that our federal partners have taken action to recommend an additional vaccine dose for those with compromised immune systems.”

There is a sufficient vaccine supply in Michigan right now for both first, second, and third shots. MDHHS encourages anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Health care providers make the call as to whom is eligible for a third shot. It could include transplant recipients, those living with HIV, and those in cancer treatment or on high-dose corticosteroids. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Boat the Blue Brings Art, Boating History, and Fun to Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The Boat the Blue Antique and Classic Boat Show is just a few weeks away, held on September 10th and 11th in Downtown Port Huron.  Port Huron is preparing for the event in a lot of ways, one being the artwork that is displayed in the windows of downtown businesses.

Cynthia Cutright of the Downtown Development Authority said that the art is an extension of the Boat the Blue Art Contest for youth and a contest amongst businesses. Local artist Faith Serio freehand painted each of the pieces, which can be found at Casey’s, Moe’s Deli, Sperry’s and MiMutual.

Boat the Blue Organizer Mark Walker said that boating history and heritage are unique to the area and the boat show is a way to remember, celebrate, and appreciate the history.

The family-friendly boat show offers free boat rides to the public, which started in Port Huron and is now being modeled throughout the country. On September 10th, there will be a music and painting show with the group, “Empty Canvas”.

Walker said, “There are no more generous people in the world than right here in our communities.” He praised the hard-working committee that is working to make the show the best it can be.

http://boattheblue.org/2021-event-schedule

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Superintendent: Teach Students About Race and Racism

Michigan’s State Superintendent is not outright endorsing critical race theory instruction, but he is saying that students need to learn about race and racism as part of their education.

Critical Race Theory is a buzzword that generates strong feelings on both sides of the debate. It is an academic concept that is over forty years old. Its premise is that racism is systemic and inherent to American legal systems and government policies. It also states that race is a social creation.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “To choose to ignore race and racism in our teaching is to efface or erase history, implicitly or explicitly, and to shortchange our children, who deserve to learn the full breadth and complexity of our extraordinary history.”

Both requiring and banning Critical Race Theory have been legislative objectives for Michigan lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle. As someone directly involved in education, Rice chimed in with his opinion when meeting with the State Board of Education.

Rice said, “Race and racism may be inconvenient for some, uncomfortable for others, and searing for still others, but, because they are inextricably a part of our history, they must be taught.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland