Local News

Work is still ongoing at the site of the Great Lakes Water Authority water main break that happened on August 13, 2022. Delay in receiving replacement parts has extended the repair timeline, and no date for completion will be set until all parts arrive.

The repairs that restored water pressure and service to 23 affected communities have stabilized the system, and repairs were set to be complete on September 3, 2022.

Due to receiving and having to return a part that didn’t meet GLWA’s specifications last week, officials are waiting for two more shipments of 120-inch water pipe from manufacturers.

Shipments are expected over the next day or two, and GLWA plans to update the repair timeline at that point.

Once the new pipe is in place, it will undergo pressure and water quality testing before GLWA give the final approval of the entire repair process.

Suzanne R. Coffey, Chief Executive Officer, GLWA, said, “As soon as all the pipe is received on-site our crews will reassess the timeline and provide an update on the completion of repairs, including the steps we need to place the transmission main back into service. I want to thank our member partners and the residents of those communities that have limited their outdoor water usage. It has certainly assisted us in maintaining stable system pressures and operations.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

A local tradition that has been taking place since 1964 is once again set to bring food, fun, and fireworks! The Richmond Area Good Old Days Festival is a four day event located in Richmond, MI that begins Thursday, September 8th and concludes on Sunday, September 11th.

The festival will offer a variety of events, kicking off Thursday with Appreciation Night featuring DJ Pat. Friday will feature the Skerbeck Family Carnival, so make sure you’re there to get your favorite carnival treats. Saturday’s highlights include the children’s parade, cornhole tournament, and fireworks. The final day, Sunday, will feature an all you can eat pancake breakfast, antique car show, and more. 

For a great family event full of tradition and fun, you won’t want to miss this year’s festival. For more information email at richmondgoodolddays@comcast.net

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Those who prefer to vote via absentee ballot can apply for their ballot now in preparation for the November 8th general election.

To apply for an absentee ballot, voters can apply online at Michigan.gov/Vote or print an application form from the site and mail, email or hand deliver it to their local clerk.

When voters apply for their absentee ballots, something all registered voters in Michigan are eligible for, they can expect their ballots to arrive in the mail sometime after September 29, 2022.

Absentee ballots can be returned to a voter’s local clerk’s office in-person or at a drop box, or they can mail it in. The Michigan.gov/vote website has a tracking service that allows voters to check on all stages of their absentee voting process: when the clerk receives their absentee ballot request, when the ballot was mailed to them, and when the clerk receives the ballot from them.

The Blue Water Area welcomes a new business that is sure to put a song in your heart. Sophisticatz Karaoke will be located at 4350 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot, MI.

Started by Eilish Warner in 2022, the unique name is a tribute to her grandmother. “My grandmother started a singing trio back in 1958, so we wanted to keep her memory alive by blending the two things she loved most: family and singing,” says Eilish.

Located in the Cubesmart wing (formerly Macy’s) of the Birchwood Mall, Sophisticatz will bring the good times with features such as private karaoke rooms, a private party room, and Karaoke DJ services.

They will be celebrating their Grand Opening September 23rd, at 4:00 PM with a ribbon cutting, raffles, and of course some free karaoke.

For more information about Sophiticatz contact them at (810) 314-9269.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell