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Local News

High School Winter Sports Season Proceeds with Restrictions

Winter high school sports are scheduled to proceed as planned, but with some restrictions. A bulletin issued to member schools late last week outlined the actions taken.

Football playoffs were scheduled, and schools are looking ahead to winter sports. Practices and competitions are scheduled to begin on time, but schools or conferences could delay the starts and reduce the number of games. Limited spectators and face coverings for athletes are part of the plan.

According to the directive, “Regular-season competition limits in winter sports will restrict the number of teams and individuals at any one competition site. The concept is winter competition will take place as locally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments during the regular season. Out-of-state competition for Michigan schools must follow these MHSAA limitations.”

MHSAA reports that COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be spread at actual sports events, but it is spreading at events after competitions, like team dinners and parties. Athletes and their families are encouraged to limit this type of behavior to do their best to maintain the winter sports season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Time to Fall Back This Weekend

Daylight savings time ends on Sunday November 1st, so it’s time to set those clocks back one hour this weekend. Most people relish the fall time change because they “gain” an extra hour and see a little more light in the morning when they wake up, but many people experience turbulence in their daily rhythms when the clocks change.

One popular suggestion is to go to bed at your normal time and use the opportunity to get up earlier each morning. People who want to add a fitness routine to their morning schedules but don’t feel they have time can take advantage of an extra hour of wakefulness in the morning.

Energy and safety companies use Daylight Savings time to remind homeowners to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This creates a natural ritual of changing batteries twice a year as recommended.

This week was also Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Week in Michigan, and Michiganders are reminded to check the working order of their carbon monoxide detectors as cold weather sets in.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

PH Country Style Marketplace Owners Celebrate Demo Day

Steve Fernandez and Michelle Jones have been working for years to bring a grocery store to Downtown Port Huron, and part of their wait is finally over. The couple welcomed the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and its members to 310 Huron Avenue yesterday for a Demolition Day ceremony.

After encouraging messages from Blue Water Chamber President Thelma Castillo, Mayor Pauline Repp, and St. Clair County Commissioner Jeff Bohm, Steve Fernandez shared with guests how many people have supported them along their journey.

“Everybody said this project was much needed in this community. It’s that kind of real support…this just wouldn’t happen without people taking action and doing things. We could talk all day, but at the end of the day, if you don’t have your community supporting you, this kind of project never gets finished. It never gets off the drawing board.” said Fernandez

Jones and Fernandez thanked officials in the city and county government for taking an active role in making sure the project was well-explained to investors from outside the community. Many local businesses and organizations played a key role in getting Jones and Fernandez to this point, and they are excited to bring this store to the downtown community.

“Lofts are being built, new businesses are coming in. This is an attractive place to live and raise a family, and we’re just proud to be a small part of that.” said Fernandez.

The next steps involve renovating the main floor of the building and the grand staircase that will lead to the basement. Once the grocery store renovations are complete, the couple will focus on the second story which will contain executive offices and their personal living space.

When asked what she is looking forward to, Michelle Jones said getting the store done is her priority. The inside will look very similar to their other property, Country Style Marketplace in Ft. Gratiot, with the addition of a prepared foods section where people can grab fast, ready-to-eat meals. There will also be seating along the windows facing Huron Avenue where people can sit and eat.

With a big smile, Michelle Jones said, “Don’t go down to Hall Road, you’ve got PH Country Style Market coming soon and Country Style Market in Ft. Gratiot that you can go to!”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

NACW 2020 Woman of the Year Award Goes to Cathy Martinek

Cathy Martinek has been named the 2020 Woman of the Year by the Port Huron Chapter of the National Association of Career Women. Martinek also won the designation for the NACW Region.

Cathy recently retired as Account Executive with WGRT. She is active as a volunteer with A Beautiful Me, works to end human trafficking, and is a coordinator for a “Girlfriends” networking group. Cathy was nominated by the Port Huron Chapter of NACW Vice-President Tracy Willard who noted that she is “the greatest grandma extraordinaire and always promoting a healthy self-image” as well as “a natural organizer, incomparable leader and a true girlfriend.”

The award goes to a woman whose conduct exemplifies the highest standards, personally and professionally, while remaining active in her career as well as growing in education and achieving success in her field through her efforts and perseverance. Award winners are known for going out of their way to help and mentor others and demonstrate selflessness.

Congratulations to Cathy Martinek on this well-deserved award.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

City Council Members Could Decide Who Takes Seat

Port Huron, MI — At Monday night’s Port Huron City Council meeting, the second and final reading was given to two ordinances related to buildings on 7th Street. That means that rezoning is final, and the new owners of the Smith Family Funeral Home and the First Congregational Church can move forward with their plans to redevelop those properties.

Plans for the Smith Family Funeral home involve a multi-unit housing development, and the First Congregational Church will be transformed into a state-of-the-art medical facility.

There was a presentation for Council Members Worden and Harris to thank them for their time on City Council. Monday’s meeting was the last for both of them as they are not seeking re-election.

There has been some confusion about candidates running for Port Huron City Council who have verbally withdrawn from the race but are still  listed on the ballot, and the situation that would arise if Lisa Beedon wins her race for St. Clair County Board of Commissioners and resigns from the council. This situation assumes four open seats and four remaining candidates, therefore everyone left on the ballot would get a council seat.

This is untrue however, and Mayor Pauline Repp clarified, “The fourth person is not an automatic. By charter, they have to have received at least 25% of the total votes cast at the election. If they did not, then it is opened up to process applications from the community.” If that happens, the City Council will decide who takes the open seat.

“Only three people will be seated at the next Council meeting because Lisa does not have to resign until after that,” said Mayor Repp.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand.

 

MDOT Asks Drivers to Be Patient This Winter

As winter approaches, the Michigan Department of Transportation is preparing for keeping the roads clear during a pandemic.

MDOT shared that its goal is to clear highways to bare pavement as quickly as possible after a snowfall. But they warn that COVID might be slowing down those efforts this year if workers get sick or have to quarantine. State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Over the years, maintenance workers at the state and local levels have handled everything winter could throw at them but, with the continuing threat of COVID-19, this is going to be an unprecedented winter. We’re working with local agencies and county road commissions to plan for contingencies, but we want drivers to know the pandemic could affect our ability to maintain winter levels of service.”

MDOT reminds drivers that posted speed limits don’t mean much during snowy or icy weather. Vehicle operators are to drive at a “careful and prudent” speed to maintain control of their vehicles.

MDOT has prepared a video with tips on navigating winter roads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCG85h7sm-c

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland