George James

Did you see the “big pig” rolling around Port Huron yesterday? The 18-foot giant hog could be seen near Sixth and Court Street late afternoon following a tour through the thumb. According to Scott Tillman, State Coordinator for Don’t Touch Term Limits, the display is meant to protest attempts by lobbyists and state legislators to change Michigan’s term limits. 

In November 2019, a group of lobbyists and former legislators filed a lawsuit to overturn Michigan’s term limits. According to a new poll conducted by Pulse Research, and commissioned by U.S. Term Limits (USTL), a supermajority of Michigan voters supports keeping the state’s current 6 and 8-year term limits. The poll found that 69 percent of Michigan voters oppose changes to term limits which would enable legislators to stay in office longer. 

Don’t Touch Term Limits! is a grassroots, non-partisan, non-profit organization formed to “defend the 1992 vote of the people of Michigan for term limits.” The display also made stops throughout the day in Sebewaing, Bad Axe and Sandusky.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The St. Clair police department has announced a Safe Space meetup location at the Police and City Hall building on North Carney Drive. In partnership with the Cargill Cares program and MDK Alarm Systems, the department was able to purchase three high-definition cameras for 100% coverage of the parking lot. 

The Safe Space provides local residents with a location they can purchase and exchange items bought or sold on Craig’s List, Facebook Marketplace, Let Go, or any other social media marketplace. According to the police department, individuals can expect to find signage within a week in the northwest area of the parking lot advising of the Safe Space. For individuals with questions, the department advises to contact 810-329-5710.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

It may not be ready yet, due to mild temps, but Marine City is telling local residents to “stay tuned.” A public ice rink has been installed at Nautical Mile Park on S. Water St. and is expected to be ready to use within the month. According to a recent Facebook post, as soon as the ice is safe,  an open to the public date will be announced. 

The ice rink has been a long time coming for Marine City. Since at least 2016, the Marine City Commission has considered ice rinks throughout the city, but ran into roadblocks brining the visions to reality. In the past, concerns about the cost and specifications of the rink prevented some members of the commission from voting to approve the purchase.

The current rink is already set up and just waiting for winter weather to make its arrival.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

If you have followed Detroit area news, you have likely heard about the “green ooze” that was seeping onto I-696 in Oakland County. There is a twist to the story that hits a little closer to the Blue Water Area and has caused great concern for local officials and environmentalists, including State Representative Shane Hernandez. 

The ooze was traced to a manufacturing facility in Madison Heights. It has since been brought to light that the owner of the Metro-Detroit facility has property in Marion Township, near Deckerville, and a container with the potentially hazardous material was noticed on that property, along with extensive debris.

According to the Sanilac County Emergency Management Office, officials have visited the site and contacted the EGLE concerning this property. The representative of EGLE informed Emergency Management that the site was inspected in 2017 and no hazardous materials were found on the site at that time. A copy of that report has been requested and Emergency Management has also requested a re-inspection of the property to ensure there is no hazardous material or other public health issues at this location.

Michigan State Representative Shane Hernandez, whose district covers the area in question, says he is “outraged by the situation” and vows to get to the bottom of it. According to Hernanez, “as part of the process, the state House Appropriations Committee will schedule hearings into this issue.” According to Hernandez, the hearings will focus on what, when and how officials responded with the information they knew.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

January is the time of year when people often make resolutions to get in shape or increase their fitness levels. Running is often part of those fitness resolutions. 

The Blue Water Race Series has been announced as a fun and competitive way to help area runners meet their goals while helping some good causes along the way. The Blue Water Race series encourages runners to “Make 2020 a year of good- doing good things for your body and mind and doing good things for the community.” 

There are six races on the schedule starting with the YMCA’s Leprechaun Loop in March. The other races include the Run for Recovery with St. Clair County Community Mental Health, the Artful Dodger raising funds for the St. Clair Art Association, the Algonac Pickerel Run benefitting the Lions Club, P.S. You’re My Hero Run which raises funds for victim’s rights, and the Tyler Kreitler Memorial Fund Friendsgiving Race. 

Participants who register for all six races receive a commemorative jacket. There are also prizes for the top finishers in the races. Find out more at the Blue Water Race Series website, bwrs.enmotive.com.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.