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Local News

Spa 223 Closing While Spa Blu Makes Plans to Open

Port Huron, MI — The spa scene on Huron Avenue in Port Huron is changing. Spa 223 & Boutique, a downtown Port Huron fixture for eleven years and consistent donor to community causes, has announced that it will be closing at the end of September. The brand-new Spa Blu plans to be opening in mid-October.

Spa Blu will be located at 712 Huron Avenue, on the north end of downtown Port Huron. Owner Suzanne McKenzie, who worked at Spa 223, said that her new facility will have a lot of familiar faces for Spa 223 clients and will live up to the same “gold standard”, but will be a completely new spa under new ownership.

McKenzie said that her staff will offer massage, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. They will eventually offer facials and waxing as well. She said their goal is to provide “an exceptional service in a relaxing atmosphere. When you walk out of Spa Blu, after a service, we want you to feel refreshed and pampered.”

The Blue Water theme will be obvious throughout the new spa, according to McKenzie, and she looks forward to greeting both old and new clients with her new twist on spa treatments.

Spa Blu is planned to open in mid-October.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Climate Change Addressed with MI Healthy Climate Plan

Could Michigan be carbon neutral by 2050? A plan has been introduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan with carbon neutrality in the next thirty years as the goal. 

In introducing the plan by way of Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10, Whitmer said, “The science is clear – climate change is directly impacting our public health, environment, our economy, and our families.” 

The plan does not specify the methods, but tasks the Office of Climate and Energy in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The Governor’s goal is to have state government lead the effort with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget regulating new state buildings and facilities in accordance with the Healthy Climate Plan.

The plan has been endorsed by leaders from Steelcase, Utility Workers Union of America, the Sierra Club, and the American Lung Association. Those interested in being appointed to the Council for Climate Solutions can go to www.michigan.gov/appoinments and fill out an application by November 1, 2020.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Absentee Ballots Mailed – Early Voting Begins in Michigan

Election clerks across the state opened their offices yesterday for early voting and to mail absentee ballots to domestic voters who have requested them. While some clerks have already begun doing both, September 24th was the 40th day before the Nov. 3 election, when they are required by the state constitution to do so.

“Michigan has already held three successful elections this year, and we are on track to see more success and record-breaking turnout in the general election,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Voters can safely and securely vote absentee from home, early at their local clerk’s office, or at their polling place on Election Day.”

More than 2.39 million absentee ballots have already requested – more than ever before – and when voters receive their ballots they are encouraged to fill them out, sign the back of the return envelope, and as soon as possible place them in the mail or hand-deliver them to their clerk’s office or ballot drop box. Clerk office and drop box locations can be found at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Voters who intend to cast absentee ballots but have not already requested them are encouraged to do so immediately at Michigan.gov/Vote. At the same site, Michiganders with a state driver’s license or identification card can also register to vote.

 

State of Michigan 2021 Budget Approved by Legislature

The Michigan Legislature approved a budget plan for 2021, and Governor Whitmer is set to sign it in the coming days.

Shane Hernandez, Chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, said, “This has been a difficult and challenging process – but I am proud we came together to build a fiscally conservative and responsible budget for the people of Michigan. This plan protects funding for students and local public services while also protecting taxpayers.”

The plan does not increase taxes or grow state government, and it keeps funding for schools and local governments at their 2020 levels, which lawmakers say will keep them stable.

Republican lawmakers are highlighting included funding for public safety training and support, investments in broadband initiatives to support jobs and economic development, and support to public health by way of a $20 million investment in personal protective equipment for skilled nursing facilities and funding to increase the safety of drinking water.

Democrats are promoting funding for the Michigan Reconnect program which will provide a tuition-free pathway for adults pursuing certificates or associate degrees, funding for mental -health counselors to assist children in schools, and items that support the health of families across the state. They are also excited about new funding for the Going Pro program which supports job training grants to businesses to support training for positions in high-demand skilled trades industries.

“When we started the budget process in early February, nobody had an idea of how challenging the coming months would be, no knowledge of the devastating impacts that COVID-19 would have, including the impact to our state budget,” said Gov. Whitmer. “But Michigan is strong, and by working collaboratively with our partners in the Legislature we now have a budget I will soon be signing, a budget that funds shared priorities that will move Michigan forward.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand.

Police Urge Citizens to Lock Vehicles

There have been 36 unlocked vehicles tampered with in the Port Huron area since August 9th. Most have just been entered and had valuables removed, but one car was stolen from the 2600 block of Woodstock Drive when the keys were left in the ignition.

The incidents occurred as far north as the 500 block of Lakeview Avenue and south to the 1000 block of Union Street. There was a cluster between Lincoln Avenue and Lyon Street west of 10th Avenue.

The Port Huron Police Department is urging residents to lock their cars and hide any valuables. They are also reminding people to lock their vehicles while warming them up in cold weather.

If you notice an in-progress crime or see suspicious activity, call 911. If you have any information about the suspects in these vehicle break-ins, please call the CAPTURE line at 910-987-6688.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand.

Michigan Small Business Week

Governor Whitmer proclaimed September 20th – September 26, 2020 as Michigan Small Business Week to recognize the thousands of small business across the state that keep Michigan’s economy strong and our communities united.

Governor Whitmer said,  “When our local businesses thrive so do our communities, families, schools, and economy. I hope this week will serve as a reminder of the positive impact small businesses have on our state. I encourage us all to do our part by shopping local now and throughout the year.

In Michigan, small businesses comprise over 98% of Michigan businesses and employ half of Michigan workers. Additionally, for every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy, allowing both business and job growth.