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Local News

Roe v. Wade Uncertainty Prompts Pre-emptive Lawsuits

Michigan’s Governor and Attorney General, along with Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union, are taking pre-emptive legal action to protect unrestricted abortion rights in response to the possibility of the U. S. Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

Planned Parenthood, the nation’s biggest abortion provider, is suing Attorney General Dana Nessel to prevent enforcement of a 1931 Michigan Law that bans abortion. They have targeted other states with similar suits.

Nessel says she won’t enforce the 1931 law anyway. In fact, she is part of a multi-state lawsuit to try to restore federal funding for providers such as Planned Parenthood.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to settle the issue as to whether the 1931 law will go into effect if Roe is overturned. Whitmer said she would “fight like hell” to maintain abortion rights.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Prowlers Sign on for Another Five Years at McMorran

Port Huron will be the home of the Prowlers for at least five more years. The Federal Prospects Hockey League team has renewed their lease at McMorran Place in Downtown Port Huron until 2027.

In a statement on their website, the organization thanked the fans and said they are “ecstatic” to continue their relationship with McMorran. The Prowlers have been the home team in Port Huron since 2016.

Owner Barry Soskin described the team as “Bringing a Championship to the city in our first season, setting milestones and breaking professional hockey records for wins and winning streaks in our third year.”

He also said, “The arena is in the center of an expanding downtown, and we are excited to be a part of that growth.”

Regular season games conclude this weekend with Port Huron businessman and former Port Huron Beacons hockey player, Casey Harris, making an appearance on the ice on Saturday when the Prowlers take on the Columbus River Dragons.

The Prowlers have clinched a playoff spot with league playoffs starting immediately after the regular season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fort Street in Downtown Port Huron Closed for Construction Until November

On Monday, April 11, 2022, the City of Port Huron will begin construction on Fort Street from Quay Street to Beers Street. The project includes water main replacement, sanitary sewer replacement, storm sewer installation and street reconstruction.

Due to construction, Fort Street will be closed to thru traffic from Quay Street to Beers Street starting April 11, 2022 and lasting until November 2022. We encourage the public to use alternate routes while Fort Street is closed. 

The project is being funded by TIF district funds and the City of Port Huron’s street and utility funds. Work is expected to be completed by November 2022. 

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this construction work. If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Department of Public Works at (810) 984-9730. 

Submitted by the City of Port Huron

Conservation District Tree Sale Provides Low-Cost Growing Options

A spring tradition in the Blue Water Area is the annual Tree Sale sponsored by the Blue Water Conservation District. The sale is underway until April 14th.

Emily Crimmins, Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program Technician, said that the sale started as a way to help landowners with reforesting their land. With food-growing becoming more popular, they have added fruit trees, asparagus, and strawberries.

The trees and plants are sold as bare roots, so the cost is much lower than it would be if buying a tree with a whole root ball from a nursery. The sale makes it easier for landowners to get their hands on high-quality stock that is appropriate for the region.

This year, there will be four pickup locations: Sandusky, Goodells, Armada, and Sterling Heights. For those who missed the ordering deadline, there will be some over-the-counter sales for whatever is left over.

Crimmins said that the Conservation District can answer questions about what will grow the best in your soil type. More information can be found here:

Tree Sale

https://bluewatercd.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Frontier Communications Commits to Improving Internet Service, Speed

Rural areas don’t always have a lot of options when it comes to internet service, and when the service that is available is unreliable, consumers get angry.

In response to complaints, action has been taken against Frontier Communications to address advertised service speeds. An agreement has been reached with the filing of an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.

The Federal Trade Commission initiated a lawsuit, which was joined by the State of Michigan, against Frontier. The lawsuit alleged that Frontier did not provide the speeds it promised and charged for more expensive and higher speed service than what was actually provided.

While the case was proceeding in federal court, Michigan and Frontier came to an agreement. The agreement includes Frontier making a $15 million commitment to improve its infrastructure in Michigan over the next four years.

Frontier has also provided $20,000 to settle complaints from consumers who complained through the Department of Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau. Along with the investments, Frontier committed to improved marketing and choices for customers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

You Can Help Animal Control Rehab 21 Animals Seized from Local Home

St. Clair County Animal Control could use some help in providing materials for animals that were recently rescued in a case of alleged animal hoarding and neglect in the City of Port Huron.

After a citizen complaint, a search warrant was drafted and executed on a home on the City’s south side. Animal Control and the Port Huron Police Department seized thirteen cats and kittens and eight dogs. Law enforcement reports that several of the animals required emergency veterinary care. The home was found to be in poor condition, and unsuitable for hygienic pet care.

While the case is under investigation, the animals are recovering with Animal Control. They will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared.

St. Clair County Animal Control is asking for donations of Clorox bleach, Dawn dish soap, unscented scoopable cat litter, Indoor Purina Cat Chow, and Small Breed Purina Dog Chow.

Suspected cases of animal neglect, cruelty, or hoarding can be reported to St. Clair County Animal Control.

810-984-3155 or animalcontrol@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland