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

Local News

Safe Digging Day Reminds to Call 811 Before Starting Projects

It’s August 11th, or “8-1-1”. The date serves as Safe Digging Day, a handy reminder of the Miss Dig 811 number that Michigan residents should always call before digging in the ground. Hitting a gas line while planting a tree could really ruin a seemingly simple home improvement project.

Bruce Campbell, CEO of MISS DIG 811, said, “Not only is contacting MISS DIG 811 free and easy, it’s also a legal requirement for anyone performing excavation work. Whether it’s a large professional excavation site, or a simple backyard project, calling 811 or utilizing missdig811.org will allow the utility providers in the area the opportunity to come out and mark the location of their underground lines”.

Miss Dig recommends that calls be made at least three days before digging will occur. It is totally free and a simple call alerts local utilities to mark the ground where utility lines are buried. 

Calling 811 can prevent unintentional hitting of gas, power, or water lines that can cause serious problems. Projects as small as putting in a new mailbox or as big as digging a foundation all require calling 811.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Student Loan Repayments Deferred Until January

Federal student loan repayments have been paused since President Biden took office in January, and they were supposed to be reinstated in September. President Biden announced last week that repayments would be deferred one last time until January 21, 2022.

Biden says the decision will positively affect the 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 3 young people who have federal student loans therefore reducing the negative financial impact of the pandemic on their personal finances.

The pause in repayments only applies to federal student loans owned by the Department of Education, not those owned by banks or other commercial lenders or Federal Perkins Loans that are owned by colleges.

As part of the deferral, loans are also exempt from accruing interest until the COVID emergency relief period ends.

Loan forgiveness is not part of this plan, and student loan holders should be aware of scams related to this deferral. Any correspondence received by borrowers that asks for money to sign up for repayment deferral is a scam.

Information about student loans can be found at Studentaid.gov

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

“Second Downtown” in the Works with Walker Investment

Port Huron, MI — While developments in downtown Port Huron have been the focus of a lot of investing recently, the south side of town is starting to get some recent attention. Mark and Hale Walker, the brothers who founded MiMutual Mortgage, headquartered in Port Huron, have purchased the building at 3592 Military Street.

Mark Walker said that he and Hale bought the waterfront property because they love the area and the water. Walker said, “Downtown is fantastic but so is the south end.” 

While there are no firm plans for the large former manufacturing building, there are endless possibilities with the expansive river frontage. Walker dreams of perhaps a restaurant where families can enjoy meals while kids play or maybe a combination of residential and commercial use.

Walker said that the southside riverfront is unique and has a lot of history and family living. In correspondence with City Council, Port Huron City Manager James Freed jumped on the opportunity to use the investment to spur a complete overhaul of the area with infrastructure improvements in a new Corridor Improvement Area. The investment could create a “second downtown” in the Military/Connor area.

Walker hopes to have plans for his property formulated by the beginning of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Flag Retirement Ceremony Open to Public

The St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs is inviting the community to their annual U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on Wednesday, August 25th at 6 PM. The event takes place at the American Legion Post 382 at 1322 Clinton Avenue in St. Clair.

The “It’s Your Flag” ceremony involves the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 382, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 382, and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 315, Cub Scout Pack 261, and Boy Scout Troop 261.

Those wishing to dispose of worn, torn, faded, and unserviceable American flags can deliver them to the American Legion Post before the event so they can be properly and respectfully disposed of at the ceremony.

Flags can be placed in the flag receptacle at the rear of the building, and the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs will be present to ensure flags that have been collected at the St. Clair County Administration building in Port Huron are properly disposed of as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Harbor Impact to Host Open House

Harbor Impact Ministries has been serving the community for 11 years by providing household items, clothing, food, and education for free to those in need. On August 21st, they are inviting the community to visit them for their first open house.

The Harbor Impact Ministries Open House is from 3 – 8 PM on Saturday, August 21st at their location, 1963 Allen Road in Kimball.

They will have a mix of building tours for guests to become more familiar with their ministry along with live music, games, and food.

Organizers are planning a Battle of the Bands, and musicians can register with Michael Weaver if they’d like to participate.

Harbor Impact takes a multitude of donations which their volunteers organize into themed rooms inside their building. People in need can visit them on their Impact Days once a month in designated time slots.

Visitors on Impact Days can select items from the rooms to meet their need for clothing, food, hygiene items, and pet care among other things.

Harbor Impact also has a Resource Center that offers tutoring, computer classes, and other services that meet the needs of their guests.

To learn more, visit: https://www.harborimpactministries.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Michigan Gets Federal Money to Prepare for Future Flooding

The state of Michigan has been awarded $51.7 million to deal with future natural disasters. The money is part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant that is designated for investment in infrastructure to withstand weather and climate events.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer commented on the grant saying, “This grant will make a difference in building infrastructure that is resilient against changing climate. We have already seen roads, bridges and communities deeply damaged by extreme weather conditions. This investment will allow Michigan to enhance mitigation efforts for our communities, create jobs, and put Michigan first.”   

Michigan received a Presidential Disaster Declaration in July in response to flooding in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Ten million dollars in emergency funding from the state’s general fund already went to mitigate damage from late June storms in southeast Michigan.

Also, the Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing a $50 million purchase of backup generators to keep pump stations going during power outages.

The federal grant is meant to save money in the long run by preparing ahead of the weather events.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland