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Local News

Blue Water Area Transit Returning to Normal Routes

Port Huron, MI — Things are getting back to normal for Blue Water Area Transit, as they are starting to re-open services. Buses will run fixed routes starting at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22.

The M-29/I-94 commuter service to Mt. Clemens will begin on June 22, also. Demand Response, or Dial-a-Ride, will continue with riders calling to schedule their rides.

Riders are asked to observe safety precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19. If a bus has two doors, riders are asked to exit through the back doors only. Riders must wear face masks, and maintain social distance from the driver and other passengers. Members of the same household may sit together. Bus capacity will be reduced, so some riders may be passed by if the bus is full and will have to wait for a “stand-by” vehicle.

The suspension of fare collection ends on Monday also, with regular rates going back into effect. Rates range from 40 to 80 cents per ride.

Blue Water Area Transit is also opening the Downtown Transit Center on McMorran Boulevard and the Main Office on Lapeer Road.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Barber’s License Reinstated

Karl Manke, the 77-year old Owosso, Michigan, barber known for cutting hair in protest during the Stay at Home order, had both of his licenses restored today by an Agency order dissolving the summary suspensions orders issued against him.

These orders, along with the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling in his favor, affirm his right to continue to cut hair and keep his barbershop open.

Karl is still facing misdemeanor criminal charges next week that were filed by the Shiawassee County Prosecutor. He will also contest the still pending formal complaint filed against him by the State in an administrative hearing on July 15, 2020.

“I am pleased with the orders issued today to reinstate my licenses so I can continue to move forward,” commented Karl.  “I still believe it is high time for all of Michigan to Stand Up, Open Up for business, and for all the people in our community to Show Up in support.”

Michigan was the last state to open up barbershops and hair salons on June 15th, after Governor Whitmer closed them for nearly three months.  Meanwhile, barbershops and salons had already re-opened in every other state without seeing any significant spike in new COVID-19 cases.

Mr. Manke’s attorney, David A. Kallman, stated, “I am glad the State now acknowledges that Mr. Manke is not a threat to the public’s health, safety and welfare and that it is not necessary to continue the suspension of his licenses. Karl is now free to cut hair and pursue his livelihood without any unjust interference.”

Federal Government Allocates $25 Million for Customs Plaza

port Huron, MI — The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $25 million for the building of the Blue Water Customs Plaza in Port Huron.

The area has waited for over a decade for the federal government to hold up their end of the deal. In the meantime, over 100 properties were demolished to prepare for the plaza, and the City of Port Huron’s $1 million mitigation deal has run out.

The project was originally planned to be a 60/40 split with the Michigan Department of Transportation picking up 40% of the cost. While the Blue Water Bridge is currently closed to non-essential traffic until July 21 due to the COVID-19 virus, it is still one of the busiest border crossings in the nation. Around 5 million vehicles go through Customs to cross the bridge between Port Huron and Sarnia yearly.

U.S. Congressman Paul Mitchell, representing Michigan’s 10th District, said, “With this announcement from the Trump Administration I am hopeful that after waiting more than 10 years this project can finally be built to benefit our economy, transportation systems, and national security.” The funding is part of the Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

All Four Port Huron Museums Open for Tours

Port Huron, MI — The Carnegie Center, the Fort Gratiot Light Station, the HURON Lightship, and the Thomas Edison Depot Museum each feature unique aspects of the Port Huron area’s history, and make up the four locations of the Port Huron Museums. After months of being closed, all four sites re-opened to the public for tours on Wednesday, June 17th.

Museum staff have made some adjustments to adhere to CDC regulations, so visitors will see some changes that help facilitate social distancing in exhibit areas and the museum store. The museum staff and volunteers are also wearing masks, and visitors are required to wear them as well.

Only 10 people are allowed to be in each museum building at a time, and tours may be adjusted to keep visitors spaced out. Hands on exhibits have been temporarily removed or made inaccessible, and the museums sites will be cleaned and sanitized often to keep visitors safe.

New operating hours are Wednesdays – Sundays from 12 PM – 4 PM. and visitors can call the Museums  at 810-982-0891 to schedule a private tour.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Schools Can Resume In-Person Learning

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan schools may resume in-person learning in phase 4 of the MI Safe Start plan, with strict safety measures in place. The governor also announced that on June 30th, she will release an executive order and a robust document called “Michigan’s Return to School Roadmap” that will provide details on what will be required and what will be recommended for schools.

The Return to School plan will align closely with the MI Safe Start Plan. The governor will consider the six phases of the MI Safe Start Plan and the Michigan Economic Recover Council’s 8 regions of the state to determine when, where, and how face-to-face instruction can resume.

Districts, students, staff, and families must be nimble and be prepared to move backwards if there is evidence of community spread of the virus.

The Roadmap will set the minimum health and safety requirements, although districts may choose to enact more aggressive measures in consultation with local public health officials. These minimum requirements will apply to all schools, including traditional public, charter, private, and parochial schools. 

 

Yard of the Year Contest Open for Nominations

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron’s Beautification Commission is accepting nominations for its Yard of the Year contest. If you know of a yard around the city that stands out for its beautiful flowers and lovely landscaping, you’ll need to nominate them by the July 15th deadline.

Nomination forms are available on the city’s website and can be submitted to the Beautification Commission by mail or email.

Lucky winners will be notified at the end of July. Residential winners will be awarded the wooden yellow tulip for display in their yard, and business winners will we awarded a plaque. The City Council will recognize the winners at their regular meeting on August 10th.

Nomination forms are available at www.porthuron.org

Beautification Commission Email: beautifyph@porthuron.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand