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Local News

Flock Safety Cameras Help Law Enforcement Officers Fight Crime

Several municipalities in the Thumb area have begun using Flock Safety cameras to improve public safety, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office plans to install their system soon.

Flock Safety cameras provide 24/7 monitoring of roadways with technology that reads license plates and also, according to the manufacturer, gives officers the objective evidence they need to investigate and solve a crime.

The cameras have already helped solve crimes in St. Clair County, including the release of a kidnapping victim from East China in June of this year. In that case, police were able to locate the suspect’s car at an Ohio hotel after it was detected in the Flock Safety alert system which notifies law enforcement when a suspect’s vehicle is recognized by a camera.

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King said the county’s Flock cameras will be installed soon, and he and fellow law enforcement officers feel positive about adding them to their tool kit.

King feels the cameras act as a “force multiplier” by providing stationary surveillance equivalent to having an officer stationed in that spot.

Flock Safety makes products for a variety of situations including neighborhood security, school safety, and private property, along with products designed for law enforcement agencies. They report a 70% reduction in crime where there cameras are employed.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Gordie Howe International Bridge Completion Encounters Slight Delay

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said the opening date was changed to 2025, but officials from WDBA, the agency overseeing the project, say they “continue to work toward opening the bridge to traffic by the contracted date of the end of 2024.”

10/14/22: One of Michigan’s largest projects has been met with a slight delay in completion, but it is still making progress. 

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect the United States and Canada, is set to be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. It will span the Detroit River, connecting Windsor and Detroit. The span of the bridge is set to be 1.5 miles long, and it features a 12-foot-wide pedestrian and cycling path. 

Originally scheduled to open near the end of 2024, construction has been delayed due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite setbacks, WDBA,  the agency overseeing the project, said, “The contractor (Bridging North America) is obligated to meet the contract date specified in the Project Agreement and make adjustments to their construction approach to manage any delays they encounter.”

Find out more information about the bridge and its construction at: michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/special-constuction/gordie-howe-international-bridge

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Nov. 8th General Election Is Approaching

If you are a registered voter, you only have four weeks left until the polls open and you can cast your vote in Michigan’s general elections.

For those who are registered voters, but won’t be able to make it to the polls, you may vote by mail with an absentee ballot. There are more than 1.6 million absentee ballots requested this year, a 171% increase since the 2018 election of the same time period.

Voters who are eligible to register, but have yet to do so, may register online up until October 24th. Voters may also vote in person at their local polling locations on Election Day, November 8th, from 7 AM – 8 PM. 

For more information on how to vote and more visit: Michigan.gov/vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Larry Jones & Tracy Jones Port Huron

Bringing New Life to Old Buildings in Port Huron wsg. Larry & Tracy Jones

Larry and Tracy Jones share how redeveloping properties in Port Huron excites them and keeps them coming back for more. Larry is both an investor and construction worker, playing an active role in the projects his company, Landmark Management, undertakes.

Learn what inspired him to begin a career as a developer and why Port Huron became his home. He also shares how he rises above negative perceptions of downtown Port Huron and has become an advocate for expanding residential housing in the city.

In this episode, Larry and Tracy talk about:

  • The Wrigley Center Project
  • Potential redevelopment of the Municipal Office Center, a.k.a. the M.O.C. or City Hall/Building
  • Why a local economy needs residential areas to support retail and restaurants
  • Growing up on a farm vs. living in a downtown area
  • Larry’s entrepreneurial journey
  • Tracy’s perspective seeing her hometown revived
  • How outside investors and visitors view Port Huron

Learn more about residential space at The Wrigley Center, by contacting Korissa Wilkins from Kramer Realty here:

https://kramerrealty.catylist.com/jsp/agents/agent_overview.jsp?agentID=12376623

Learn more about entertainment, dining and retail space at Wrigley Hall here: https://wrigleyhall.com/

 

The WGRT Local News Podcast is part of the WGRT 102.3 FM Podcast Network. For the latest episodes of all of our featured podcasts, visit our website here:

https://wgrt-1023-fm-podcast-network.captivate.fm

WGRT Local News Podcast is produced by the following team members:

Executive Producer: Jessie Wiegand

Audio Engineer: George James

Administrator: Jessie Wiegand

Marketing: Jessie Wiegand

Follow Jessie on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/wgrt_jessie/

Detroit Rock City Investigates The Paranormal At Carnegie Museum

Ever wonder if one of the most popular historic buildings in the Blue Water Area is haunted? Now you can find out with Detroit Rock City Paranormal as they investigate the Carnegie Museum this fall.

The historic Carnegie Museum opened its doors back in 1904, so there may be some things that go bump in the night. On Saturday, October 29th, from 7 PM – 11:59 PM, adults 18 and up can participate in a paranormal investigation. Detroit Rock City Paranormal is a team of paranormal investigators who use modern technology to discover if there are hauntings or other paranormal activity at specific locations.

Tickets are $35 for museum members and $40 for the general public. Guests are also welcomed to bring their own equipment if they would like, but it isn’t necessary.

For more information visit: phmuseums.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Weatherization Program To Help Low Income Families Reduce Bills This Winter

Governor Whitmer proclaims October to be Weatherization Month. To help low income families with their bills this winter, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will be receiving a large increase in federal funding. 

More than $183 million in additional funding is available over the next five to seven years.  The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs by an average of $283 per year. 

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS says “We want to make sure Michigan residents can keep their heat turned on this winter, getting your home weatherized will also help reduce energy costs, allowing you to spend your money on food, clothing, and other critical household needs. 

For those interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program contact your local energy provider. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell