George James

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

Military Street Bridge Operating on Restricted Open Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The Military Street Bridge in Downtown Port Huron is currently following the Code of Federal Regulation to reduce potential shut-downs due to damage, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The Military Street Bridge opens and closes as needed to allow tall boats to navigate the Black River, which leads to the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Currently, it is following the Federal Code by only opening if five or more boats are waiting to cross, as well as on the hour and half-hour.

The bascule bridge is currently undergoing repairs to its hydraulic system and the change is meant to reduce wear and tear on the structure. Emergency openings for Coast Guard traffic are an exception to the Federal Regulation.

Temporary repairs have been made to allow the bridge to open and close. Otherwise, it would remain in the open position to allow for boat traffic, but causing a vehicle traffic detour on the business loop. The permanent repairs are waiting until parts come in. The repairs are expected to be completed following Labor Day weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lightship To Get Much-Needed Repairs

Port Huron, MI — The Huron Lightship needs some serious repair after last summer’s damage. City Manager James Freed has recommended that the City of Port Huron award a contract to Martin Construction to repair the structure.

A rare meteotsunami caused water levels in the St. Clair River to quickly raise and then recede, resulting in significant damage to the Huron Lightship. The boat, which had been permanently grounded at Pine Grove Park for decades, actually floated up and destroyed much of the mechanical structures.

Some work has already been done to repair the Lightship, which is a working Museum, under the management of Port Huron Museums. It is not currently open to visitors due to the damage.

The final restoration involves replacing the damaged walkway to the Lightship and backfilling around the ship to maintain stability. After soliciting bids from several contractors, Martin Construction was the only contractor willing to take on the project. The cost is $62,400 for the complete project.

According to Freed, the backfilling needs to take place quickly to ensure the stability of the vessel.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland