George James

Local Real Estate Market Follows Statewide Trends: Seller’s Market

Port Huron, MI — The local real estate market is reflecting statewide trends and it is truly a seller’s market. Low interest rates, sparse inventory, and a desire for more space after all that time at home have kept real estate agents busy locally and around Michigan.

Shawn Debuf, a Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Professionals in Port Huron, said, “With mortgage rates at an all-time low, and with less listings, buyers have had to become aggressive with their offers. For example, they may offer over listing price with a cash guarantee even if the home doesn’t appraise at that value.” She reported that values have increased in most areas across St. Clair County.

The website Unclutterer.com reported that nearly half of Michiganders are bored with where they live, after quarantining in the same areas for months on end. They report that “36% of city dwellers in the Great Lakes State now want to move out to the suburbs, or the country”. If they take the plunge into the real estate market, they will need to be ready to make an offer quickly, as properties are moving fast, and desirable houses don’t stay on the market for long.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kelly Secures Nomination for Michigan Supreme Court

The race for the open seats in the Michigan Supreme Court will include a local name this year. Mary Kelly has secured the nomination for candidacy as a Supreme Court Justice.

The nomination was made by Retired Chief Justice Bob Young during the recent Michigan Republican Convention. The Convention was held virtually at the end of August with the nomination made by video. Young endorsed Kelly as a “rule of law” judge.

Kelly served for over three decades as Prosecuting Attorney in St. Clair County. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law.

Two seats on the Court will be up for grabs in 2021. Incumbent Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack is running to retain her seat, while another seat will be vacated by Justice Stephen Markman, who has aged out of the court.

Brock Swartzle, a Court of Appeals Judge, was also nominated at the Republican Convention. Swartzle and Kelly will face off against incumbent McCormack, Democrat Elizabeth Welch, and candidates from other parties for the two vacant seats.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“100 Women Who Care” Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Port Huron, MI — With restrictions on large gatherings, the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has had to get extra creative to continue their tradition of hosting the “100 Women Who Care” fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, involves small groups and a phone app, but the goal is still $10,000 for local charities.

Vice President of the Community Foundation, Jackie Hanton, said that new approach was inspired by a scavenger hunt put on by the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation. Speaking of the 100 Women Event, Hanton said, “It may seem a bit intimidating that the event will be through an app on your phone, but I assure everyone who participates that it will be easy, fun and we’ll be sure you know what to do.”

For the event, small socially distant groups of two to ten women will get together in someone’s home. One person will download the app, GooseChase, and the games will begin. The scavenger hunt style game will include supporting several local non-profits.

Hanton said that the Women’s Initiative is “one big giving circle” and is encouraging local women to make their own “mini-giving circles” this year.

More information can be found at stclairfoundation.org/team-up-with-100-women-who-care-event/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Secretary of State Extensions Run Out September 30

Extensions on driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle renewals expire on September 30th. So, it’s time to make an appointment at a Secretary of State Office if needed, and be prepared to pay those registration and renewal fees that you may have been putting off.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to address customer needs during the pandemic, we have expanded our branch hours and added a number of appointments to ensure everyone who needs to is able to renew their driver’s license or ID ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. There are still many available appointments, and anyone who has not handled their renewals is encouraged to do so immediately.”

If your renewal can not be completed online, the Secretary of State offices have expanded their branch hours to make room for the last-minute transactions. The appointments reserved for renewals are available from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday from now until September 30.

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Some transactions can be completed online at EXPRESS SOS at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Huntington Bank Announces $5 Billion Lending Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a private lending investment program on Wednesday. While the whole state anxiously awaited a ruling on the expected opening of gyms, movie theaters, and other facilities that have been shuttered since March, Whitmer laid out an investment plan from Huntington Bank.

The plan is a $5 billion five-year lending, investment, and philanthropic venture to create financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers, and communities, according to a press release from Whitmer’s office.

The announcement isn’t exactly what owners of bowling alleys and ice rinks were waiting for, but the initiative is intended to provide borrowing opportunities for hard-hit businesses.

Whitmer said, “This is great news for Michigan’s small-business owners who have faced unprecedented challenges as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic over the past six months. These are Michiganders who have spent their lives building their businesses and who need our help now more than ever.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland