Local News

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative began in 2010 as a way to mitigate damage to the Great Lakes and its watersheds. The initiative was authored by Senator Debbie Stabenow to help stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species, but it was also designed to restore fisheries and wildlife habitats, clean up beaches, and prevent future contamination. Now, the program is set to expire in 2020. Stabenow, along with 12 U.S. Senators and 41 U.S. Representatives, including 12 members from Michigan, have introduced a new bill. The 2019 act reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for another five years and increases its funding level from $300 million to $475 million by fiscal-year 2026.  Senator Stabenow said renewing and expanding funding should be a no-brainer.

The State of Michigan is rolling out a first-ever statewide incident report for elder abuse. The Vulnerable Adult Incident Report was created to help law enforcement and prosecutors identify and prosecute instances of elder and vulnerable adult abuse. Stephen M. Guilliat, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for St. Clair County, said a standardized report like the one being rolled out is overall a good idea. He said that more people would be apt to report elder abuse, especially if there is a confidentiality component to the standardized form. He went on to say that some in the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s office already have specialized training in the prosecution of such cases. The new form identifies important steps for responding law enforcement officers to take if there is suspected abuse to a senior or vulnerable adult whether that abuse is physical, emotional, or financial. The form will help determine if the victim is a vulnerable adult, identify if there has been physical harm, and document injuries, signs of neglect, or financial exploitation.

The small game hunting season opens on Sunday in Michigan. The statewide season opens for rabbits, snowshoe hair, ruffed grouse, fox, and gray squirrel. Woodcock season opens a week later on September 21st. A base license is required and can be purchased from an authorized retailer. The cost is $11 for Michigan residents. The DNR reminds hunters that if they are planning to hunt for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, woodcock, or waterfowl an extra stamp or endorsement is required. Toward the end of the month, Michiganders will celebrate Michigan Trails Week from September 22nd through the 29th. Michigan has more than 12,500 miles of designated trails to enjoy according to the DNR’s website. Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Chief, said Michigan’s vast and diverse trails system plays a big role in stimulating tourism and encouraging healthy lifestyles for all ages.

At the Port Huron City Council meeting Monday night, one of the last agenda items to come before city leaders was an ordinance prohibiting marijuana establishments in the city. The ordinance passed almost unanimously with councilmember Scott Worden as the only “no” vote. Port Huron City Manager James Freed led the discussion on the ordinance saying that marijuana is currently legal and will remain so for residents. The ordinance that passed temporarily halts marijuana businesses from operating in the city. Freed went on to say that city officials would like more of an opportunity to look at zoning of such businesses within the city. He said there are too many unknowns in the recreational industry. The ordinance that passed has a sunset clause and will no longer be in effect after June 30, 2020. Freed welcomed input over the next 10 months for those looking to shape the marijuana industry in Port Huron. He invited those interested in the marijuana business to contact his office and set up an appointment to discuss the issue further.

Water safety is always a concern in the Blue Water Area given the amount of water that surrounds the area. The City of Port Huron Fire Department is taking steps to make sure its first responders are properly trained to handle water emergencies. The fire department now has its own underwater rescue team. Twelve firefighters completed the training, and they were given pins at the Port Huron City Council meeting Monday night by Chief Corey Nicholson. The team is not an underwater dive team, but they are trained to use scuba equipment. The twelve firefighters received 100 hours of training over the past 18 months. Chief Nicholson said the department can now more adequately respond to drowning and near-drowning incidents. Many of the training sessions were attended by firefighters on their own time.

The Great Lake to Lake trail opens this week and will connect the city of South Haven on Lake Michigan to Port Huron. Eighteen separate trails will be connected, and the route will travel through nine counties. The inaugural ride begins Thursday, September 12th in South Haven and concludes a week later in Port Huron. Port Huron City Manager James Freed said the city is excited about the new Great Lake to Lake Trail. There will be construction on the Port Huron trailhead located at Lighthouse Beach. According to Freed, a huge red buoy will note the end of the trail. He said there will be many enhancements in coming years to increase bike lanes and trails in Port Huron. The goal, Freed said, is to create a more bike-friendly community.