Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Port Huron Township Fire Millage On the August Ballot

Port Huron Township is asking residents to approve an increase in the fire millage in the August primary election. The increase will take the current mills levied from 1.5 to 3.0.

Port Huron Township Fire Chief Randy Vesper explained that the increase is needed to allow the hiring of three more full-time members. The increased funding would ease the strain on Port Huron Township’s General Fund while the Fire Department would be able to establish a more consistent workforce and maintain its level of service.

There is currently a shortage of volunteer and paid-on-call personnel, and calls for service continue to increase. Being a volunteer firefighter or a paid-on-call firefighter requires a cumbersome amount of training in everything from Hazardous Materials to Emergency Medical Response.

It has become difficult for potential volunteer firefighters to obtain the required training and the requirements continue to increase with state and local mandates.

If the millage does not pass, the three new hires won’t happen, but the millage increase would be back on the ballot in November.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Over 200 Million Vehicles Have Crossed the Mackinac Bridge

A lot of cars cross the Mackinac Bridge every day, but who’s counting? The Mackinac Bridge Authority is counting, and they decided to recognize the 200 millionth vehicle that crossed the bridge.

Fifty million vehicles have crossed since 2009, with an average of 11,600 vehicles crossing per day.

To commemorate the crossing of the 200 millionth vehicle, the Bridge Authority surprised the occupants of the car that achieved the milestone with a gift basket and the photo op of a lifetime.

The Dalman family of Tawas City was on their way to Pictured Rocks on Wednesday, June 15th, when they were stopped.

Mackinac Bridge Authority Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason said, “It’s our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it’s only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge’s 65-year history. “

Gleason added, “The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it’s remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Financial Literacy to Be Part of Required High School Curriculum Starting in 2024

A bipartisan bill was signed into law requiring high school curriculums to include a financial literacy course. The bill is meant to prepare high school students for the future and empower them to handle their finances prudently.

The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Diana Farrington, a Utica Republican, said, “Personal finance education will serve as a launchpad for Michigan graduates lifting off into adulthood, so they won’t be caught off guard by the financial decisions that await them.”

Farrington said, “The course will teach students how to manage their finances. They’ll be prepared to make smart, everyday budget choices — and equipped to handle the challenges that come their way. Establishing a core class dedicated to financial literacy has been a years-long labor of love for me, and I’m truly excited for the students who will fly to new heights through a fuller, richer education.” 

High schools will need to figure out how to meet the requirement of a half-credit of personal finance education by 2024, starting with that year’s ninth graders.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Time to Nominate for Yard of the Year

Does your neighbor deserve the coveted yellow tulip for their stunning landscaping skills? It’s time to nominate your favorite homeowner or business for the City of Port Huron Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15, 2022, and they can be submitted to the Port Huron City Clerk through mail by writing the nominee’s name and address on a sheet of paper or by filling out the nomination form available <HERE>. You can also email nominations to beautifyph@porthuron.org.

The Beautification Commission selects members from the local Master Gardeners group to judge the nominees. Residential winners are recognized with a wooden yellow tulip to place in front of their homes. Business owners or nonprofit winners receive a plaque.

Judging takes place from the street at the end of July, and the awards will be distributed in September.

For more information, visit PortHuron.org

Mike Ward is Living the Retirement Dream as a Travelling Musician

 

Mike Ward is a Port Huron native who started performing his music around the country in his retirement. His heartfelt songwriting and acoustic style has been appreciated in multiple venues around Michigan and the U.S.

Mike has performed locally at Foundry, The Raven Cafe, The Lake Bonisteel Music Festival, and has several shows coming up in St. Clair County, Lexington, and beyond.

Listen as Mike shares how his kids encouraged him to share his music with the world, and where he gets the inspiration for his poetic songs.

Learn more about Mike Ward Music here:

https://www.psychosongs.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/

MDARD Lifts Ban on Bird Exhibits Just in Time for Fair Season

There’s good news for those who love looking at the poultry and waterfowl exhibits at county fairs. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has lifted the statewide temporary ban that was imposed to limit the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The goal of going thirty days without a new breakout of the virus has been met, so the ban has been lifted, but that does not mean that the highly contagious virus is completely gone.

State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said, “Even though the state has been able to reach this incredibly important benchmark, this does not mean the virus has left Michigan. HPAI continues to be detected in wild birds throughout the state, which is not unexpected as the virus is known to be carried by wild birds. Since the virus is still present in the environment, it is still crucial for owners and caretakers of domestic birds to take every step possible to protect their flocks.”

There isn’t believed to be a risk to humans from bird flu, but poultry and egg products should always be fully cooked and precautions should be taken when dealing with live birds, including poultry and waterfowl.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland