George James

Kristi’s Kloset Consignment Shop Moves to Fort Gratiot

Fort Gratiot has gained a new business with the relocation of Kristi’s Kloset. The consignment shop had been located on Pine Grove Avenue in Port Huron for 14 and a half years, but now has a new storefront in Fort Gratiot in the plaza that is home to Buffalo Wild Wings, Munger Physical Therapy, and other businesses. It is in the former home of “Catherine’s” women’s wear.

Owner Julie Cook is thrilled about the new location. Cook raved about the five available dressing rooms, the high ceilings, and the ample parking.

Kristi’s Kloset no longer sells furniture, but they do offer a large selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for Men and Women and children sized 5-18.

Cook said she never dreamed she would have such a great place for her store. She said the reception has been “awesome” and that she is looking forward to serving the community.

Dropping off items for consignment is by appointment only.  Kristi’s Kloset has over 4550 consignors.

Cook said she is planning on more days and longer hours open at the new location at 4355 24th Avenue in Fort Gratiot.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Predicts Adequate Resources to Clear Snow this Winter

Mark Geib, the administrator for MDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, said, “We’re going to be just fine. We have highly trained people, we have the material we need, our equipment has been inspected and is ready to go. We’re in good shape.”

MDOT has budgeted at least $25 million for road salt with 450,000 tons of salt stored throughout the state and has 330 plow trucks at the ready. MDOT also contracts with counties to clear highways bringing the number of plows available to 1300 statewide. There are over 10,000 miles of state highway to keep safe and clear of snow and ice.

MDOT is using a salt spray on some roads in the state, continuing a program that started last winter. The spray prevents the salt from flying off of the road.

Seasonal snowplow drivers are in the process of being interviewed and hired right now, as many are winding down seasonal construction jobs. MDOT anticipates having adequate staffing. 

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Open; Watch for Scams

It’s open enrollment time for those using the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicare. The enrollment period ends on December 7th for Medicare and January 15th for the marketplace.

There are 174 different plans available in the marketplace and costs have been reduced due to federal subsidies.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596.”

Fox also warns seniors to be on the lookout for Medicare scams. She says to be wary of unsolicited calls, door-to-door sales and flyers, and people who say they are “from Medicare”. Even mail that looks like it could be from the government should be inspected to see if it’s legitimate.

Medicare recipients do not need to give their Medicare ID number to anyone unless they are actually enrolling in a plan, according to Fox.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

CMH Players Bring “We’re All Connected” to Citadel

The CMH Players will be bringing live theater to audiences this month. The CMH Players are composed of individuals receiving mental health services from St. Clair County Community Mental Health as well as local community actors and SCCCMH staff.

This year’s show is called “We’re All Connected”. It will be performed at the Citadel Theatre in Downtown Port Huron at noon and 7 p.m. on Friday, November 5th, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th. The noon show on Friday, November 5th is free. The other shows cost $5 per ticket.

“We’re All Connected” is a series of skits that address the concept of stigma. The show teaches how our similarities are greater than our differences.

The CMH Players have put on over 22 plays since starting in 2005. Community sponsors make the CMH Players productions possible. Sponsorships from $50-$1000 are available.

For advance tickets, contact Bethany Murdick at 810-966-3706. Tickets will also be available at the door if seating permits.

For Sponsorship: Mark Hutchinson (810) 966-3386

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Asks MCCA to Refund Auto Insurance Money

Michigan’s auto insurance reform efforts could be leading to refund checks for many state residents who pay for auto insurance.

On November 1st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote a letter to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association asking for a $5 billion surplus to be refunded to the customers. Bipartisan cost-saving legislation is the reason for the surplus.

In the letter, Whitmer said, “Billions in surplus funds should not be held by insurers to invest for their own profit or be conditioned on the renewal of a policy. The surplus belongs to Michigan policyholders and should promptly be returned directly to them in full, in the form of refund checks.”

While auto insurance reform saves money for most consumers, those with auto accident injuries are voicing concern. The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council reports on their #MICare Crisis Dashboard that 18,000 patients rely on the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association for coverage of expenses from lifelong injuries related to auto accidents. The coverage can now be capped with the new laws.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

EGLE Wants You to Compost that Jack-o-Lantern

Halloween has come and gone, the good candy has been pilfered from the treat bags, and the pumpkins might be headed for the trash can. Not so fast, says the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

What to do with those slowly rotting jack-o-lanterns is a perennial question around this time of year. EGLE encourages people to compost pumpkins to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and to help nourish the soil.

EGLE recommends starting your own compost heap if possible and using it year-round to recycle food and garden scraps into rich soil. If that’s not possible, they recommend seeking out community composting options.

Aaron Hiday, statewide composting coordinator at EGLE, is encouraging composting for both individual households and communities.

Compost bins can be purchased at home improvement stores or can be constructed with things like old pallets and scrap wood.

Donating pumpkins to a farm with livestock could be an option as well, as most local livestock, like cows, sheep, horses, and chickens love pumpkins.

Visit the links below to learn about composting facilities in St. Clair County and state-wide.

https://recyclesearch.com/profile/michigan-directory/places?q=food+scraps

https://www.stclaircounty.org/offices/landfill/recycle_cmpstdrop.aspx

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland