George James

DNR Reminds About Trail Etiquette

A welcome sign of fair weather ahead is the release of trail etiquette guidelines from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Hiking and outdoor exploring have never been more popular. With increased traffic, knowing the rules of the trails is vital.

Some trails are shared between walkers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders.

The DNR advises against using muddy trails as doing so can leave uneven bicycle ruts, deep footprints, or hoof tracks from horseback riders. If traveling through mud is unavoidable, the center of the trail is the best place to be to keep from unintentionally widening the trail and damaging the environment. Bicyclists are asked to get off their bikes and tiptoe down the center of a muddy trail.

Bicyclists are also expected to yield to other trail users on Michigan trails and to communicate with horseback riders as to the best way to pass so as not to scare the horses.

The DNR also reminds trail users to “pack it in; pack it out” and leave no trace. If litter is found on the trail, pick it up.

A link to the DNR website with more trail information:

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_105181—,00.html?utm_campaign=news%20digest%20may2021%20week4&utm_medium=digest&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Forgot to file State Taxes? There are Options

State taxes were due May 17th. If you forgot, you are not alone. The Michigan Department of Treasury did not forget, and they have some tips for filing a late return.

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks said, “Taxpayers who missed last week’s individual income tax filing deadline have options. If you have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment, we will work with you on payment options. Our goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties.”

The Treasury reminds taxpayers that they have four years to get a tax refund. After that, they forfeit the return. If money is owed, it’s better to file and pay as much as possible to limit interest charges and late payment penalties.

If taxpayers just don’t have the money to pay, they have some options. They can request a penalty waiver but must show reasonable cause such as serious illness, natural disaster, or criminal acts against the taxpayer. They can also make monthly payments through an installment agreement, which must be approved by the Treasury.

Finally, taxpayers can try to negotiate their tax bill through an offer in compromise. More information can be found on the Treasury eservices website.

To get started with Treasury eServices, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax and click on “eServices Individual Income Tax.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Cedar Point Plans Closures Amidst Labor Shortage

Cedar Point is another victim of the labor shortage that is being felt across the region. Cedar Point jobs are usually coveted and competed for, but this year is different. 

The Sandusky, Ohio amusement park, a popular destination for Blue Water Area families during the summer months, has announced that they will be closed during select days in June to deal with the labor shortage. 

In a public statement on social media, Cedar Point said that they have added over 300 full-time year-round jobs with benefits and introduced $500 seasonal sign-on bonuses. They have also increased pay to $20/hour, a 100% increase from last year. There are also other benefits for seasonal employees like free tickets to the park. Still, they do not have enough workers to meet demand.  

Right now, the Cedar Point calendar shows closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June. Those who had tickets for those days or made overnight reservations will be contacted directly by the park, according to Cedar Point. 

Cedar Point has reported up to 3.6 million visitors per year in recent years, but had a delayed opening in 2020 due to the pandemic.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Halts Construction for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend travel is expected to be heavy as Michiganders head to gatherings and festivities after a year of social distancing. In anticipation of the packed freeways, the Michigan Department of Transportation is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions to ease congestion and increase safety.

The construction stops at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and will remain paused until Tuesday, June 1st. Traffic shifts and shoulder closures will remain in most areas, but construction workers will not be present.

For those heading up north this weekend, I-69 to I-75 still has a lot of work being done, and traffic shifts remain in effect. According to MDOT, I-69 in St. Clair County will have one lane open in each direction between Miller Road and Stapleton Road with traffic shifts.

I-69 in Lapeer County has spots with only one lane open in each direction. Once drivers start heading north on I-75, there are only reported construction zones in Saginaw County, and some closures on US-23 in Cheboygan and Alcona counties.

Over 1.1 million Michigan travelers are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Welcome Centers Back Open for Tourists

Michigan Welcome Centers will be open for business this Memorial Day Weekend. Over one million Michigan residents are predicted to hit the road according to AAA. This is a 57% increase from last year when people were sticking close to home and gatherings were strictly limited.

Safety measures will still be in place at Welcome Centers, but the resumption of in-person work allows them to be staffed.

Paul Ajegba, MDOT’s State Transportation Director said, “MDOT Welcome Centers play a key role in highlighting all Michigan has to offer both to in-state and out-of-state travelers. Our knowledgeable Welcome Center staff have a wealth of Pure Michigan information to help travelers find the destinations, events and activities they’re looking for.”

The Canadian border is still closed to tourists and non-essential travel. While the high-volume Welcome Centers are offering free and rapid COVID testing along with maps and brochures, the Port Huron Welcome Center is not. 

Dave Lorenz, vice president of MEDC’s Travel Michigan, said, “Our Welcome Centers play a critical role in ensuring a positive ‘first impression’ visitor experience, and the safe reopening of the Welcome Centers is great news for the industry.”           

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Live Look” Brings Working Artists to Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Downtown Port Huron already has a growing arts scene, but it is taking another step into getting the community even more involved in creative expression. The Live Look series will give a glimpse into the creative process as artists work on their pieces in plain view.

Downtown Development Authority Director Cynthia Cutright said that the Live Look will be held in conjunction with the Shop, Rock ‘n Stroll which takes place every Friday from June 4th through September 3rd from 6-8 p.m. in Downtown Port Huron.

Cutright said, “The goal is the highlight artists, makers, and creators that we have right here in the Blue Water Area.”

Cutright said that artists are being compensated for their contributions by a grant from the Arts Committee of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. This type of art initiative is the first of its kind in the area and was inspired by local artist and business owner, Jody Parmann.

The first artist will be Shannon Wheeler, who will be demonstrating her woodburning art at Quay Street Park on June 4th. The June schedule is filled, but the DDA is looking for more artists to round out the rest of the summer.

Interested artists can go to the Downtown Port Huron Facebook page for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland