George James

MPSC Looks Ahead to Winter Energy Use

The Michigan Public Service Commission has released the 2020-2021 Winter Energy Appraisal. The report projects a rise in home heating fuel demand and a decrease in overall energy demand.

Energy use followed an unprecedented pattern in 2020, as residents worked from home and business energy use was driven down. The Michigan Public Service Commission admits “the pandemic has thrown a curveball” to their typical forecasting efforts.

The MPSC predicts a significant decline in industrial use of natural gas, but an increase in residential, as 77% of Michigan homes use natural gas for heat. Overall demand is expected to decline.

Propane prices are not moving a whole lot right now, while gasoline is down about 46 cents per gallon from this time last year. Demand for gasoline has declined for the first time since 2012.

Electricity demand is expected to decline slightly, with no reason to believe there will be shortages or excessive demand on the power grid, but individual bills may be higher as people are simply home more and using more electricity in their homes.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Trick or Treating Alternatives

Port Huron, MI — To trick-or-treat or not to trick-or-treat; that is the question. As reports indicate that COVID infections are increasing, the idea of taking children door to door to get candy seems risky. The Center for Disease Control says it is indeed a high-risk activity. 

But kids have already had to deal with a year of cancellations and disappointments. Will we really take away trick or treating? The CDC recommends leaving candy out at the end of the driveway, in individual bags, as opposed to reaching into a bowl of candy for every trick-or-treater. They also suggest practicing social distancing, even at outdoor gatherings, or having things like a virtual costume contest or a Halloween movie night. 

There is a free Drive In Movie, The Addams Family, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Country Style Market Place with a socially distanced costume parade at 7:00. Port Huron Recreation has a drive through Halloween Stroll on Halloween this year. Reservations need to be made at porthuronrec.com. 

As far as “official” trick or treat times, there aren’t any in the City of Port Huron, but the Port Huron Police Department recommends looking at the CDC recommendations and being safe. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

High School Winter Sports Season Proceeds with Restrictions

Winter high school sports are scheduled to proceed as planned, but with some restrictions. A bulletin issued to member schools late last week outlined the actions taken.

Football playoffs were scheduled, and schools are looking ahead to winter sports. Practices and competitions are scheduled to begin on time, but schools or conferences could delay the starts and reduce the number of games. Limited spectators and face coverings for athletes are part of the plan.

According to the directive, “Regular-season competition limits in winter sports will restrict the number of teams and individuals at any one competition site. The concept is winter competition will take place as locally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments during the regular season. Out-of-state competition for Michigan schools must follow these MHSAA limitations.”

MHSAA reports that COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be spread at actual sports events, but it is spreading at events after competitions, like team dinners and parties. Athletes and their families are encouraged to limit this type of behavior to do their best to maintain the winter sports season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

NACW 2020 Woman of the Year Award Goes to Cathy Martinek

Cathy Martinek has been named the 2020 Woman of the Year by the Port Huron Chapter of the National Association of Career Women. Martinek also won the designation for the NACW Region.

Cathy recently retired as Account Executive with WGRT. She is active as a volunteer with A Beautiful Me, works to end human trafficking, and is a coordinator for a “Girlfriends” networking group. Cathy was nominated by the Port Huron Chapter of NACW Vice-President Tracy Willard who noted that she is “the greatest grandma extraordinaire and always promoting a healthy self-image” as well as “a natural organizer, incomparable leader and a true girlfriend.”

The award goes to a woman whose conduct exemplifies the highest standards, personally and professionally, while remaining active in her career as well as growing in education and achieving success in her field through her efforts and perseverance. Award winners are known for going out of their way to help and mentor others and demonstrate selflessness.

Congratulations to Cathy Martinek on this well-deserved award.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Asks Drivers to Be Patient This Winter

As winter approaches, the Michigan Department of Transportation is preparing for keeping the roads clear during a pandemic.

MDOT shared that its goal is to clear highways to bare pavement as quickly as possible after a snowfall. But they warn that COVID might be slowing down those efforts this year if workers get sick or have to quarantine. State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Over the years, maintenance workers at the state and local levels have handled everything winter could throw at them but, with the continuing threat of COVID-19, this is going to be an unprecedented winter. We’re working with local agencies and county road commissions to plan for contingencies, but we want drivers to know the pandemic could affect our ability to maintain winter levels of service.”

MDOT reminds drivers that posted speed limits don’t mean much during snowy or icy weather. Vehicle operators are to drive at a “careful and prudent” speed to maintain control of their vehicles.

MDOT has prepared a video with tips on navigating winter roads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCG85h7sm-c

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanilac County Survey Could Lead to Better Broadband Service

Sanilac County is looking for citizen feedback on their initiative to bring high-speed internet to the entire county. The initiative includes homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. The venture is being managed by the Sanilac County Broadband Committee.

Joel Wyatt, Vice Chairman of the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners, said, “For the last year, the Sanilac Board of Commissioners have discussed a county-driven initiative for reliable internet in Sanilac. This last eight months have revealed that objective being more needed than ever.  Businesses, families, churches and especially school children have a tremendous need for solid, fast internet.  It is truly becoming a critical infrastructure service.”  

All Sanilac County residents are asked to fill out the survey. The results will help with identifying areas with poor access to broadband services, as well as help determine the best places to locate equipment. The survey is part of a partnership with the national non-profit, Connected Nation, which works to “to improve lives by identifying innovative solutions for expanding access, adoption, and use of broadband and its related technologies to all people.”

The survey can be found at https://myconnectedcommunity.org/sanilac-county.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland