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

Local News

ISO Releasing Virtual Concert

Lambton County, ON – St. Clair County, MI — The International Symphony Orchestra will release the next virtual episode of their Nexus Chamber Series on Tuesday, March 9th. This is the third edition of the five concert series filmed in a variety of locations.

ISO Executive Director Anthony Wing said, “Through all the shutdown and uncertainty, Nexus has enabled musicians between London and Detroit to get out and work again, while making the ISO’s work available to an online audience worldwide.”

The Nexus Chamber Series is filmed by two separate crews on each side of the border, and safety protocols are in place to protect the crew and the musicians. The last episode was filmed at St. Mary Lady of Sorrows Church in Port Sanilac, Michigan, and episode three takes place at 220 Genesis, the former Central United Church Sarnia.

For tickets, visit www.theiso.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

How Do You Feel About Your Tap Water?

Port Huron, MI — The Friends of the St. Clair River want to know how you feel about your tap water, and you can win a $25 Visa gift card for telling them.

A new 11-question survey published by the group seeks understand the community’s view of tap water that comes from the St. Clair River. Responses to the survey are anonymous.

The survey is available until March 31st, and participants can submit their email at the end of the survey to enter a drawing for the $25 gift card.

The Friends of the St. Clair River is focused on restoring, protecting, and enhancing the St. Clair River and its watersheds.

To learn more about the Friends of the St. Clair River and to take the survey, visit www.scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Black River Ice Breaking Starts Sunday

Port Huron, MI — Many area residents enjoy snowmobiling on the Black River’s ice over the winter, but that season has come to an end. With temperatures rising and water runoff from melting snow, the river is no longer safe for recreational activities.

On Sunday, March 7th, ice breaking operations will begin on the river, and the bridges at Military, 7th, and 10th streets will be open intermittently throughout the day.

According to a press release from Chief Corey Nichols, Fire Chief of the Port Huron Fire Department, ice breaking will be conducted from the mouth of the Black River to the I-94 overpass.

Breaking up the ice in the Black River helps water flow freely to the St. Clair River and is part of the overall flood mitigation efforts in the area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

More Teachers Eligible for $500 Checks

The MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants have been expanded to include teachers in the Great Start Readiness Program, Head Start, adult education, and young adult special education classrooms.

Teachers can get up to $500 for extra hours worked and extra supplies purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new appropriation adds another $2.5 million to the program to allow for the teachers who were not previously included.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “My staff has been working with school districts and other stakeholders to help ensure that all eligible teachers and support staff receive the MI Classroom Heroes Grants. We will work urgently to ensure these specific program teachers receive their much-deserved grant payments.”  

Teachers are eligible if they had performed at least 75% of their standard instruction workload in brick-and-mortar classrooms before moving to remote instruction on April 2, 2020.  The checks will be sent from the treasury in June. Eligible specific program teachers should consult the school entity where they worked during the 2019-2020 school year to ensure they receive a grant, according to the Treasury. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Beeler Introduces Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs

State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, has introduced a bill that would push down prescription drug costs by removing co-pay and deductible irregularities.

Beeler said, “I am extremely proud to sponsor this legislation which will actually reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Michigan families. Anytime I can help give patients more control over their healthcare decisions, I’m happy to do so.”

The bill is part of a larger health care package that focuses on patients. According to Beeler, his bill, House Bill 4345, prohibits insurance companies from penalizing consumers when they go out of network to get cheaper drugs. Shopping around for lower prices on medications can often have a detrimental effect on co-pays or out-of-pocket deductibles.

Beeler commented, “I support lowering prescription drug costs without creating bloated government bureaucracies. This is a great example of how we as elected officials can help cut costs without spending taxpayer dollars in the process.”

The Bill has been introduced and read and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

No Injuries in Vehicle Fire on I-94

Kimball Twp. MI — A tractor-trailer hauling trash from Canada caught fire early this morning on westbound I -94.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King, a 31 year old Brampton, Ontario man was driving on I-94, east of Ravenswood at about 4:00 a.m.  He told deputies that he heard a tire pop and started to slow down.  As he started to pull off the road, he heard another pop.  Once he stopped, he got out of the truck and saw flames coming from the right side of the trailer.  He was able to unhook the truck from the trailer and pull it forward a safe distance.

Marysville Police, and fire departments from Kimball Township, Port Huron Township and Clyde Township assisted.

Westbound I-94 was closed until approximately 8:00 this morning from Range Road to Gratiot Road.

The driver of the truck was not injured.  It is unknown at this time what caused the fire. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office