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Local News

City Council Says No Plans to Eliminate Fire Station #4 At This Time

In an update from the Port Huron City Council meeting on June 13, 2022, Mayor Pro-Tem Sherry Archibald said there were two things residents need to know: there is no plan to tear down fire station #4, located on 24th Street, and FEMA has updated the flood plane which affects some city homeowners.

After a lengthy public comment session at Monday’s meeting, where residents expressed opposition to closing fire station #4, Archibald wants to assure residents that they are exploring the best option for updating the city’s fire stations. That’s why the city called for the third-party study done by Redstone Architects.

The 300 page study of the city’s fire stations mentioned that fire station #4 could be closed if a new station was built at White Park, but Archibald said, “That is not the plan at the moment. It is not under consideration at the moment. It is simply something that was an alternative option presented in the study. There is no plan at the moment, even if a new central station is built, we do not plan to tear down station #4.”

At Monday’s meeting, the council decided to approve approximately $1.5 Million in renovations to the Sanborn Fire Station, and they entered into a contract with a company to do architectural drawing, designs, and specs for a new central fire station located at White Park. They also agreed to solicit bids for the cost of the project.

“One thing moving forward, is you cannot make a decision to renovate the existing central fire station or to replace it and build at the White Park location as the study recommends until we have some idea of what that would cost. We have no cost comparison at this point, we only have the estimate the study gave us.”

There are challenges to station #4 because of its size, and those challenges will be taken into consideration as they move forward. The benefit of having station #4 is that emergency response times are quicker for residents that live nearby with the fire department arriving even before EMS at medical emergencies.

Archibald also wants residents to know that FEMA has updated the flood plane. “There are now homes within Port Huron that were never on the flood plane that now are.”

Having a home on a FEMA recognized flood plane can cause homeowner’s insurance rates to rise, so residents should contact the city to find out if their property is affected so they can shop around for the best insurance rates.

Contact the City of Port Huron at: (810) 984-9700 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at https://porthuron.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

State Police Ask for Precautions and Prevention During Heat Emergencies

The Michigan State Police’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division has asked Michigan residents to take precautions during extreme heat.

Captain Kevin Sweeney, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and commander of EMHSD, said, “High heat and humidity can put additional stress on the body, which could potentially be life-threatening. We’re asking that people take precautions during this time and check on the most vulnerable members of their community.”

To prepare for extreme heat, draw the drapes to keep out morning or afternoon sun to reduce the amount of heat entering the home. Make sure pets have plenty of water and a place to cool off.

The State Police ask you to check on family members and neighbors and be aware of cooling centers or public buildings with air conditioning in an effort to prevent emergencies from happening.

Illness from overheating is serious. Limit vigorous activity, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine to stay safe during the heat wave.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Where it All Began” Boat Show Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Chris Craft; June 25th in Algonac

The 37th Annual Michigan Chapter Antique and Classic Boat Show is coming to Algonac on June 25th. The show celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Chris-Craft with the theme “Where it all Began”.

The Chris-Craft boat company got started in Algonac and its history is being celebrated with the boat show, which is free to the public to view from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 90 boats are expected at the show.

While checking out the boats is the main attraction, the show offers a chance to meet the captains and crew, free boat rides, food, and vendors. Boats will be both docked in the Algonac Harbour and on land. Kids’ activities include the opportunity to build your own mini wooden boat, Tootsie the Clown, live music, and ice cream.

Free boat rides are from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on June 25th. A tent will have displays telling the story of the Chris-Craft boat building legacy and its place in Algonac’s history.

For more information, go to the News page at WGRT.com.

EVENT LOCATION: Algonac Harbour Club, 1999 Pte.Tremble Rd., Algonac, MI  48001

Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Shows (Algonac)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Drawbridge Maintenance Tuesday Through Friday

Beginning Tuesday, June 14th at 11:00 p.m., the City of Port Huron’s Streets Division will be doing the annual maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges.  This work will be done during the night time hours to minimize the impact on the motoring public.  The work is expected to be completed by Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.

During this time the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, however, expect periodic lane closes in both directions.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  If there are any further questions regarding this matter, please contact the Department of Public Works.

Young Professionals Program Prepares Youth for Careers

The Young Professionals program through the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! office is making an impact on both Blue Water area businesses and young people in the Blue Water area.

We talked about the program with Youth Program Coordinator Cristine Robson, who said, “Young Professionals works with each young adult to identify their career interests and then matches them up with a worksite that provides industry-related experience.  This summer we’re heavily recruiting worksites in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and trades, but we welcome partnerships from all industries since young people have a wide variety of careers they want to explore.”

The interns are paid $14 per hour and gain valuable work experience. Kyle King, an intern with WGRT said that the program is helping him prepare for a career in radio.

The Young Professionals have placed interns with an interest in early childhood studies with Kiddie Campus child care in Marysville and have provided a valuable service during the pandemic and beyond.

How can businesses get involved in having summer interns? Call/text (734) 612-9526 or contact us through our website:  www.macomb-stclairworks.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bill to Fund School Safety Grants Signed into Law

House Bill 6012, sponsored by State Representative Pamela Hornberger, a Chesterfield Republican, was signed into law last week. The bill funds risk assessment and critical incident mapping in schools to create safety plans. It also funds mental health and security resources for Oxford Community Schools in the wake of the tragic violence that took place in November of 2021.

Hornberger said the bill will help Oxford with many expenses related to the tragedy. The bipartisan bill also helps schools with making buildings safer by determining where further investments are needed.

The bill allocates $14 million for public schools, intermediate school districts, and private schools in the form of $2,000 grants to complete a comprehensive safety and security assessment.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice endorsed the bill but said it’s just a start. Rice called on the legislature to support the governor’s budget request of a $361 million increase in children’s mental health spending and $51 million for school safety grants, along with passing gun safety laws.

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2021-2022/billenrolled/House/pdf/2022-HNB-6012.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland