Local News

Old Farm Subdivision in Fort Gratiot Township may be converting the gas lanterns that have illuminated their streets since the 1970s to LED lighting. Residents of the “Old Farm” neighborhood petitioned the township to change their neighborhood lighting from gas to electric forming what is known as a lighting district. 

Fort Gratiot Township Supervisor Rob Crawford said many residents want the changes because of long-term cost savings and maintenance. The township supervisor said, “Currently it costs residents $20,000 per year to operate the gas lamps, and the LED lights will cost approximately $9500 annually to operate.” Crawford went on to say that, “Installation of the new LED lights would cost nearly $200,000 and would become the largest lighting district in terms of cost that the township has ever considered.” 

A Street Lighting District is initiated by a resident-petition and created by a local government agency to pay the costs associated with lighting on and around public streets, highways, parks, and alleys. In this scenario, residents (per household) would pay, on average, around $400 per year for three years. This would cover the installation and operational costs. After that three year period, the cost would drop to around $45 per household to operate the lights. Currently, residents pay approximately $90 per year to operate the gas lamps. A public hearing is set for October 16th at the township offices.

Reporting for WGRT – Karly Hurley

Did you know that more than 400,000 people in the United States are living with Down Syndrome? Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, and the 15th annual St. Clair County Down Syndrome Walk will be an opportunity for the community to embrace and support individuals living with the condition. The walk will take place Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. starting at Pine Grove Park. 

While the event is free to participate in, walkers are encouraged to raise money that will go towards supporting the St. Clair County Down Syndrome Support Group. Those funds primarily go towards scholarships to assist families with educational, recreational, and medical needs. They also help provide welcoming information and resources to share with new parents whose children were recently diagnosed with Down Syndrome. For more information on the group or event, visit the event on our website here. 

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will unveil the new health sciences building to the public this week. Construction on the $9.8 million Capital Outlay project began last summer and was finalized to open for students in August. The building features an innovative hospital simulation wing, ambulance bay, home setting, and more highly-developed manikins.

 The building, along with the state-of-the-art equipment, will mainly function to help prepare students with realistic scenarios and training. According to SC4, the renovated facility will accelerate the expansion of programs while also allowing for a more interdisciplinary approach to patient care, and serving more students through advanced teaching systems. The community is invited to the Grand Opening Celebration beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. For the public opening, visitors will be able to see health care simulations in action, learn about college programs offered and get an up-close look at new training equipment.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

First Aid is typically associated with physical pain or emergency, but St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH) wants to remind residents that first aid for a mental health issue should be treated just as seriously. A mental health first aid program being is being offered locally, and it will prepare and train people to interact with a person in a mental health crisis. 

The program teaches the common signs of mental illness, signs of substance abuse, knowing how to talk to a person in crisis, and connecting that person with help. While the program is designed for anyone over 18, the agency suggests that employers, law enforcement, health care workers, first responders, and faith leaders take part in the program. The next training at Community Mental Health will be held at the end of October. To register for the 2-day program contact CMH. Trainings can also be held at an offsite location at no cost. 

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

The Blue Water Bridges that connect Port Huron and Sarnia continue to stand the test of time due, in part, to how well they are maintained. The painting of span 2, which is the youngest of the two bridges, is currently underway. Blue Water Bridge Administrator  Amy Winn-VanHoeck said this is the first time span 2 has been painted in its entirety on the U.S. side since it was put into service in 1997. 

The Michigan-based company Atsalis Brothers Painting is the contractor painting the U.S. half of the bridge. The aim of the paint is to seal the steel structure from the elements. Winn-VanHoeck said span 1 saw its first crossing in 1938. She also said that both bridges are painted every 20 to 30 years depending on need.  In between those times, the Michigan Department of Transportation crews paint localized areas of each bridge as needed. According to the Bridge Administrator, both spans are in “incredibly good shape,” and the structures are inspected every year. 

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

The Great Lake to Lake trail opened this week and now connects the city of South Haven on Lake Michigan to Port Huron. 18 separate trails are connected and the route travels through 9 counties. A large group of riders left on September 12th from South Haven and arrived in Port Huron this past week.  When the group arrived in Port Huron they were greeted by a newly finished area marking one end of the trail.  

The City of Port Huron set a large Red buoy to mark the end, and in South Haven, a Green buoy is positioned there.  Port Huron City Manager James Freed said the city is excited about the new Great Lake to Lake Trail. He went on to say that there will be many enhancements in coming years to increase bike lanes and trails in Port Huron. Freed said the goal is to create a more bike-friendly community.