Local News

Have you adjusted to daylight savings time yet? The semi-annual clock-change is popular (or should we say unpopular) top of conversation every “time” it rolls around. And, it’s happened before, but could it really happen this time? 

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, to eliminate the twice-yearly time change in Michigan was approved last week by the House Commerce and Tourism Committee. Hoitenga says, “Time change is a nuisance. Workers and students across our state have been hurt by it for decades. Not only is the practice antiquated, it’s also impractical and serves no real purpose.” She thinks Michigan residents are ready to put an end to this practice.

Hoitenga cited studies that show the time change is bad for student performance and that workers across the state struggle to make it to work on time after the dreaded “spring forward.” The Northern Michigan lawmaker’s bill calls for Michigan to remain in Daylight Saving Time all the time.

The House Bill now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Similar efforts have been pushed before, but maybe for some, here’s to hoping it’s successful this time around.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Due to the weather, the following schools and businesses have made changes to their regularly scheduled activities:

• St. Clair County Community College (SC4) – Classes beginning at 4 pm or later, as well as evening activities, are canceled for November 11th.
• Port Huron Area Schools’ after school activities, practices, CATCH, Prime Time and clubs are canceled for  Monday, November 11, 2019
• Marysville Public Schools – No evening activities
• St. Edwards on the Lake – Monday night Bingo is canceled
• Capac Community Schools – Monday afternoon and evening classes canceled
• Port Huron Tae Kwon Do – All evening classes are canceled
• Landmark Academy – After school activities are canceled – this does not affect LABS. LABS are open as usual.

Mosher’s jewelers in Port Huron has announced, in a letter to friends and loyal customers, that the business will be closing after 125 years in the community. 

In the letter, William Mosher and Emily Mosher Wallace state that the difficult decision to close was made as it was time to retire. The sibling pair are thanking the community for making their time in the business “successful and satisfying.” A private sale is going to be taking place next week before a public going-out-of-business sale on Thursday, November 14th. Mosher’s says that all repairs and custom orders will still be completed. The private preview sale will only be open to customers who received a letter. 

The iconic storefront is located at 336 Huron Avenue in Port Huron. Future plans for the building have not been made public at this time.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Crain’s Business Detroit reported last week that Comcast Corporation has plans to expand and invest nearly $3 million to open 10 new Xfinity stores in Southeast and mid-Michigan, including one in Fort Gratiot. Community Development Director for Fort Gratiot Township, Sharon Wilton, confirmed the news. 

According to Wilton, the store will be going in the former David’s Bridal location on 24th Avenue next to Alexander Fine Jewelers. Wilton said the Township had not been contacted directly by Comcast, but has been working through the building’s landlord. There is no official date of when the storefront might be open, but a temporary permit of occupancy has been issued. The store is expected to feature Xfinity’s portfolio of products, including internet, video, connected home solutions and the Xfinity Mobile wireless service.

In other Fort Gratiot business news, Wilton said that the plans for Culvers at the former Ruby Tuesday on 24th Avenue in front of Birchwood Mall are back in the works. Wilton says that the business has notified the township they plan to open within 90 days.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Losing a loved one to suicide is a devastating loss for a family and the community as whole. It was evident when the Algonac community lost Cory Rivard, Jr. in 2011.  

Since then, the family has started a foundation in memory of their son to try to raise awareness for the prevention of suicide. Cory was an athlete and outdoorsman, who shared that love, with his younger brother, Joshua.  It was that common bond that prompted Joshua with the idea of remembering Cory through the donation of a bike maintenance station and air pump to be installed at the Algonac Lions Field. 

This practical donation provides the tools needed to make basic bike repairs so citizens can continue their outdoor adventures. Being active physically, especially in the outdoors, has a proven impact on mental health. Since the installation, Mayor Terry Stoneburner presented the Algonac Asset Award to Robyn Rivard on behalf of the Cory Rivard, Jr. Promise Foundation, as an expression of gratitude for this unique gift.  

The Foundation continues to educate and donate to try to keep other families aware of mental health struggle and to promote wellness. Saginaw Valley State University, Joshua Rivard’s Alma Mater, chose the Cory Rivard, Jr. Promise Foundation as the recipient of the 2014 Battle of the Valleys, which is a philanthropic rivalry between SVSU and Grand Valley State University, where Cory attended.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Today is a very special day. It is Veteran’s Day, where we honor those who have served in the Armed Forces for our country.  This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.  

The Blue Water area has a tradition of offering many opportunities to thank our veterans including free haircuts at places like Shear Karma Salon in Port Huron and free and discounted meals at many local restaurants like Daybreak Cafe and Golden Corral in Fort Gratiot. Port Huron Area School District’s Fort Gratiot Middle School has an annual event that draws a crowd every year. Veterans and those who are on current, active duty are invited to attend and be honored for their service. 

Andrea Goossens, a counselor at Fort Gratiot Middle School, says that the school also has a “Wall of Honor” for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Goossens said she is proud to be a part of the event that has been held for over a decade. The eighth-graders at the school are invited to this somber event and the intent is to foster an understanding of the sacrifices that military members and their families make every day.  

Last year, the students welcomed a few World War II veterans in attendance, including Douglas Stafford of the U.S. Army, who passed away just two weeks after the event at the age of 92. The assembly was his last public event before falling ill.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.