George James

Coast Guards Warn Ahead of Float Down

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have issued a joint statement regarding the Port Huron Float Down. The message is clear: don’t do it.

The unsanctioned event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, August 15th. The Float Down has a long history of being organized by no one but enjoyed by thousands who put their floatation devices in the river around Lighthouse Beach and float the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles, all the way to Marysville.

The Coast Guards warn that cold water, fast currents, and alcohol can be a deadly combination that puts a strain on law enforcement. There is also the concern of large crowds amidst a lingering pandemic.

If you disregard the advice to stay off the water this Sunday, the Coast Guards advise that life jackets are worn at all times. It’s also a good idea to float in something where you are not submerged in the water the whole time. Hypothermia can happen quickly in the cold river water.

Also, bring your ID, in case you get blown over to Canada, like 1500 Float Down participants did in 2016. The U.S./Canada border is closed until at least August 21st.

A link to the full statement can be found at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/08/joint-statement-from-canadian–us-coast-guard-leadership-regarding-the-port-huron-float-down-2021.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Asks for Help in Strengthening Food Supply Chain, Food Benefits

In a letter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked for help from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in dealing with disruptions to the food supply chain.

Whitmer said, “As we combat COVID-19 and continue to jumpstart our economy, it is important that we examine and eliminate vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic up and down the food supply chain.”

Whitmer wants Michigan’s struggling dairy farmers to get paid faster in the wake of serious supply chain disruptions and volatile milk prices. 

Whitmer also asked for investment in vertical farming from the $4 billion in the American Rescue plan allocated for food supply chain initiatives. She promoted the advantages of vertical farming, including higher productivity, shorter growing time, less water use, and better control over foodborne illness. Whitmer also highlighted the benefit of having food grown closer to where it is eaten. 

Whitmer is requesting an update to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the cost of a standard healthy diet. Nearly 1.3 million Michigan residents receive federally directed food benefits, which Whitmer considers insufficient to maintain a healthy diet.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

West Nile Virus Detected in Michigan

The first cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in a horse, birds, and mosquitos in Michigan. The mosquito-borne illness is serious, but it can be prevented with precautions.

West Nile is transmitted between birds and mosquitos, but mosquitos can spread it to humans and animals. A 28-year-old quarter horse in Midland had to be euthanized in mid-June after getting infected and suffering neurological symptoms.

State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, said, “With the discovery of WNV in a Michigan horse, this signals that the virus is circulating again in the state. Its presence underscores the need to take all the necessary steps to protect animals from this disease.”

There are highly effective vaccines for horses that prevent West Nile. Animals should be kept in barns under fans during peak mosquito activity time: dusk to dawn. Limiting standing water and using animal-approved repellants is also helpful. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, lack of appetite, weakness, stumbling, tremors, and droopy lip or head tilt. Suspected cases of West Nile should be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Safe Digging Day Reminds to Call 811 Before Starting Projects

It’s August 11th, or “8-1-1”. The date serves as Safe Digging Day, a handy reminder of the Miss Dig 811 number that Michigan residents should always call before digging in the ground. Hitting a gas line while planting a tree could really ruin a seemingly simple home improvement project.

Bruce Campbell, CEO of MISS DIG 811, said, “Not only is contacting MISS DIG 811 free and easy, it’s also a legal requirement for anyone performing excavation work. Whether it’s a large professional excavation site, or a simple backyard project, calling 811 or utilizing missdig811.org will allow the utility providers in the area the opportunity to come out and mark the location of their underground lines”.

Miss Dig recommends that calls be made at least three days before digging will occur. It is totally free and a simple call alerts local utilities to mark the ground where utility lines are buried. 

Calling 811 can prevent unintentional hitting of gas, power, or water lines that can cause serious problems. Projects as small as putting in a new mailbox or as big as digging a foundation all require calling 811.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

“Second Downtown” in the Works with Walker Investment

Port Huron, MI — While developments in downtown Port Huron have been the focus of a lot of investing recently, the south side of town is starting to get some recent attention. Mark and Hale Walker, the brothers who founded MiMutual Mortgage, headquartered in Port Huron, have purchased the building at 3592 Military Street.

Mark Walker said that he and Hale bought the waterfront property because they love the area and the water. Walker said, “Downtown is fantastic but so is the south end.” 

While there are no firm plans for the large former manufacturing building, there are endless possibilities with the expansive river frontage. Walker dreams of perhaps a restaurant where families can enjoy meals while kids play or maybe a combination of residential and commercial use.

Walker said that the southside riverfront is unique and has a lot of history and family living. In correspondence with City Council, Port Huron City Manager James Freed jumped on the opportunity to use the investment to spur a complete overhaul of the area with infrastructure improvements in a new Corridor Improvement Area. The investment could create a “second downtown” in the Military/Connor area.

Walker hopes to have plans for his property formulated by the beginning of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Gets Federal Money to Prepare for Future Flooding

The state of Michigan has been awarded $51.7 million to deal with future natural disasters. The money is part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant that is designated for investment in infrastructure to withstand weather and climate events.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer commented on the grant saying, “This grant will make a difference in building infrastructure that is resilient against changing climate. We have already seen roads, bridges and communities deeply damaged by extreme weather conditions. This investment will allow Michigan to enhance mitigation efforts for our communities, create jobs, and put Michigan first.”   

Michigan received a Presidential Disaster Declaration in July in response to flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Ten million dollars in emergency funding from the state’s general fund already went to mitigate damage from late June storms in southeast Michigan.

Also, the Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing a $50 million purchase of backup generators to keep pump stations going during power outages.

The federal grant is meant to save money in the long run by preparing ahead of the weather events.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland