George James

Buses in the Blue Water Area are still running, but by Demand-Response, or “Dial-a-Ride”, only. Beginning Tuesday, regular Blue Water Area Transit routes were suspended. The suspension is part of the mandated effort to allow only essential travel and help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Some people rely on the bus to get to their employment at workplaces that are deemed essential, or to pick up food and medicine, and the bus system is still there for them. The hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Riders are asked to enter and exit the bus via the back door and to maintain at least six feet between riders. Bus rides are free at this time. The Downtown Transit Center and the main office of Blue Water Area Transit are closed, but the Dial-a Ride line is being answered.

In their statement, the Blue Water Area Transit asks riders to stay home unless they are designated as a critical infrastructure worker or are travelling for essential goods and services. The number for dispatch of the Demand-Response bus is 810-987-7373, Option 2.

Polka Dot Pandas Boutique in Downtown Port Huron is leading an effort to get hand-sewn masks made for local medical personnel who are dealing with and preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic. Cloth masks can be washed and reused and are helpful in preserving the supply of N95 masks. 

Tricia Comtois, spokesperson for the family-owned business said that they decided to close their downtown business completely and dedicate their efforts to producing the masks and coordinating efforts with their network of home seamstresses. The response has been mighty as the community tries to find ways to help. 

The masks are not for sale, and orders are not being taken for personal masks. Donating money for the purchase of fabric is helpful, and there is a Paypal link on their Facebook page, “Port Huron Pandas.” Details are on Polka Dot Pandas’ Facebook page. Once the masks are sewn, they will be delivered to the Be Ready St. Clair County Emergency Response Team who decides which medical facilities need them. Comtois said the response has been overwhelming and directs interested donors or sewers to her updates on the Facebook page.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) received preliminary approval over the weekend from the U.S. Department of Education to waive a number of federal requirements for statewide student testing and school accountability.

State Board of Education President Dr. Casandra Ulbrich and State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on March 17, to urge the secretary to grant a nationwide waiver of statewide student assessments in favor of focusing on the more immediate needs of children.

The U.S. Department of Education responded last Friday by offering every state the opportunity to submit expedited waiver requests for a number of federal testing and accountability requirements. MDE submitted its request late Friday afternoon.

Dr. Rice noted in the letter for the waiver that the school closures are in response to extraordinary circumstances for which a national emergency has been declared and that the school closures “will protect the health and safety of students, staff, and our communities.” Michigan’s annual M-STEP tests are scheduled to begin the week of April 13 and run through May 28.

If the public or local school districts would like to comment on this federal assessment and accountability waiver request, they can do so through the email address mde-essa@michigan.gov.

The Treasury Department and the IRS have extended the filing deadline for 2019 federal income taxes to July 15, in response to the financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to local tax advisor, Jo Lynn Manns, CPA with UHY in Port Huron, the extension applies to corporate and individual filings, which were due on April 15. First quarter estimated tax filings have been extended to July 15, also, while second quarter remains at June 15, pending further policy updates. 

Taxes on income from self-employment are included in the July 15 extension. The payroll tax deadline has not been extended. For those expecting a refund, the IRS advises to file now, if you haven’t already. At this time, refunds are not officially delayed, and “The IRS is continuing to process tax returns, issue refunds and help taxpayers to the greatest extent possible,” according to IRS.gov.

All Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide have been closed. At this time, there have been no changes to the April 15 deadline for state taxes, but that could change anytime. Further details and updated information on tax deadlines can be found at IRS.gov.

Economic assistance for small businesses around Michigan that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus has gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced.

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program authorizes the MEDC to provide up to $20 million in support for small businesses. The funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce.

The $10 million in grant funding will be provided to local or nonprofit economic development organizations throughout the state to provide grants up to $10,000 each to support certain small businesses that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

In order to qualify for grant support, businesses must meet criteria including 50 employees or fewer, working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business, and the ability to demonstrate an income loss as a result of the EO, or the COVID-19 outbreak.

Additionally, the program will authorize the MEDC to provide up to $10 million for small business loans with flexible repayment terms to support certain small businesses statewide that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Loans to eligible borrowers must be $50,000 or more and are capped at $200,000. There are requirements to qualify. 

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program will be a top priority for the MEDC, with funds being available no later than April 1, 2020. 

For more information and resources for small businesses in Michigan impacted by COVID-19 visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19. The Ecomonic Development Alliance of St. Clair County also has resources on its website at edascc.com

Beginning today,  Michigan Kroger and Meijer stores will dedicate special shopping hours for the elderly, emergency workers and others directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kroger has dedicated the first hour of shopping on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. to senior shoppers (60 years and older), expectant mothers, first responders and those with compromised immune systems until further notice. The opportunity is extended to these groups as they are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Each store will have staff available to help customers as necessary.

 Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan said the grocery chain requests “ that customers respect these hours for the health of our community during this time of uncertainty.”

Kroger encourages all other customers to shop between 8:00 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. all other days of the week. Kroger has moved to the 9 p.m. closing to accommodate cleaning and restocking.

Kroger pharmacy hours will remain the same and vary by store. Hurst recommends that customers confirm the pharmacy hours with their local stores. 

Meijer has also adjusted its store hours for the foreseeable future to allow more time for team members to deep clean and restock its stores, as well as dedicated hours for senior citizens, customers with chronic health conditions, essential service workers and its team members.

Meijer stores now close overnight at 10 p.m. local time and will open each morning at 8 a.m. local time with dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. local time. Meijer stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for essential service workers and Meijer team members on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m. local time.

Rick Keyes, Meijer President and Chief Executive Officer said the “adjusted store hours will ensure all of customers have access to the products they need in the cleanest shopping environment possible.”

Essential service workers include all medical workers, first responders and law enforcement. Meijer is asking its customers and the public to please respect the times for these important groups.