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Local News

Lead Water Pipes Could Be Eliminated with Federal Investment

Michigan could soon be undergoing a statewide lead water service line program, thanks to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has an allocation for water infrastructure investment.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an Executive Directive to state departments and agencies to work with the legislature to get ready for a big lead service line replacement project.

Whitmer said, “With this Executive Directive, we are accelerating the timeline to replace 100% of lead service lines in Michigan, prioritizing communities that have been disproportionately impacted, fostering enhanced collaboration across departments, and ensuring that the projects are built by Michigan workers and businesses.”

The Michigan Pipe Trades are on board as well, with representative Jeremy Garza saying, “The number one responsibility of a Plumber is to protect the health of the nation and help every family and community access safe drinking water.”

The City of Port Huron has a continuous lead pipe identification process. The Department of Public Works, Water Office, and Water Filtration Plant staff respond to lead service inquiries as they come in.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Find Pixie and Enter to Win $100 Gift Card

Starting today, you can participate in the Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB)  Elf Off the Shelf Tour. Pixie the Elf is hanging around the Port Huron, Marysville, Marine City, and St. Clair areas this weekend, and if you find her, you can win a $100 gift card.

To enter the gift card contest, find Pixie at one of the following locations, snap a selfie with her, and tag the Blue Water Area CVB on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Pixie Glitter Flake the elf will appear at A Little Something in Port Huron today from 4-5:15, and she will also be at the Sperry’s Santa Parade in the evening.

On Saturday, she will be looking for tasty treats at Yum Yums in Marysville from 11 AM – 12 PM, and she’ll continue her quest for goodies at the Sweet Tooth candy shop in Marine City on Sunday from 2-3 PM.

Adults can find Pixie at Mannina’s Wine House in St. Clair from 4-5 PM on Sunday night (November 28).

To learn more, visit the Blue Water CVB’s website here: https://www.bluewater.org/event-detail/elf-off-the-shelf-tour/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Shop Local On Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday. It’s a great day to check some things off of your Christmas shopping list while keeping your dollars in your own community.

It is estimated that $68 of every $100 spent at local small businesses stays in the community. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan businesses are considered small businesses.

William J. Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association said, “While every day is a good day to shop small and buy nearby, we hope Michiganders will make a concentrated effort this Saturday and throughout the holiday season to shop at local retailers and businesses.”

Shopping local is also a great way to avoid the headaches of shipping delays that go along with online shopping.

Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said, “Small businesses play a vital role in their local communities and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pandemic.”

Downtown Port Huron will be celebrating Small Business Saturday and continuing the celebration every Saturday through December 18th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Concerned About COVID Surge

As we enter into the holiday season, St. Clair County Department (SCCHD) is warning residents of the current high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer stated: “As people begin to gather indoors for the holiday season, SCCHD expects to see a further increase in cases, with increased deaths to follow. We are urgently pleading for everyone to take this seriously and take precautionary measures as critical services, educational systems and business communities may become deeply impacted.”

Test positivity is higher than it has been at any earlier point in the pandemic, and the rate of new cases is on pace to meet or exceed any previous high. At this time, Michigan has one of the highest rates of new cases per population for the past seven days in the nation.

Current case trends in St. Clair County continue to be on the rise. As of 11/17/2021:

  • Weekly case positivity is 21.6%
  • St. Clair County is averaging approximately 176 new cases/day
  • St. Clair County had 1,230 new cases in the last week
  • 21% of all St. Clair County hospital beds are being used for COVID-19

Mercatante continued, “It’s about personal responsibility which is key in fighting this pandemic and protecting our community. It will take everyone, working together, to protect those who cannot be vaccinated or who are at greater risk of serious illness or death.”

Personal responsibility includes:

  • Getting vaccinated. If unvaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is free, safe, effective, and available throughout the County. Vaccines are now available for children ages five and older. Boosters available for 18 and over.
  • Wearing a mask indoors, at work, school and anywhere in public when gathered around other people, even if vaccinated.
  • Staying home when sick or not feeling well.
  • Getting tested if having symptoms, even minor symptoms, or if exposed to someone with COVID. Do not spend time with others outside of your household while awaiting test results. Also seek testing prior to attending indoor gatherings.

To find vaccine or testing resources visit www.scchealth.co; https://www.vaccines.gov/; or https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Police Release Sketch of Sanborn Park Assault Suspect

On Monday, November 8th, Port Huron Police responded to a report of an attempt sexual assault. Officers discovered that the  assault occurred at 5:30 p.m. in the wooded area of Sanborn Park. 

A 25 year old female Port Huron resident had been jogging around/in the park when she was attacked by an unknown male. There was a struggle and the male fled before completing the sexual assault. The suspect is described as a white male in his 30’s with a  medium build.  

Port Huron Police officers, K-9 unit, detectives, and the Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and the investigation is  ongoing.  

If you observed a suspicious white male following a white female wearing a bright yellow jacket in the area of Sanborn and  Appomattox around 5:30 pm yesterday, have a Ring Camera in the area that may help, or have any information about this assault  contact the Port Huron Police Department (810) 984-8415 or CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688.  

This a composite sketch of the suspect from the attempt sexual assault described  below. If you recognize the person in this sketch call the Port Huron Police Department.

PHPD Composite Sketch 2021 Assault Suspect
PHPD Composite Sketch 2021 Assault Suspect

Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Back for 9th Year

Does looking at five million Christmas lights sound like a great way to spend an evening? If so, the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights experience might be just the thing to add to your holiday to-do list.

The annual tradition at the Detroit Zoo started last weekend and runs until January 9th. This is the 9th year of the light show. Wild Lights is a walking tour of the front half of the massive property of the Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, about an hour’s drive from the Blue Water area.

Viewing the Wild Lights can take as little as an hour, or you can make an evening of it with dinner at the Polar Patio.

There are over 280 lighted sculptures to view and admission includes viewing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Prices start at $17 and go up to $38 per person for admission to the all-you-can-eat dinner at the Polar Patio. There is limited access and tickets go fast. Advance purchasing is required as tickets are not sold at the gate. Parking costs $8. 

Admission is rain, snow, or shine. Warm footwear is a must.

Wild Lights