Construction crews working on the reconstruction of Michigan Street struck a 2-inch gas main yesterday when working in the area of Grand River and Michigan Street. Captain Chris Shattuck of the Port Huron Fire Department said they were dispatched at 12:44 p.m. and arrived on the scene two minutes later. Once the line was breached, the area was cleared.  The gas line was fixed, and there were no injuries reported. The fire department left the scene at 1:41 p.m. Wednesday afternoon once the issue was resolved. Work will continue on Michigan Street with new underground service, roadway, and sidewalks.  The work is still slated for completion in mid to late September.

Studio 1219 in downtown Port Huron is receiving some regional recognition. The art studio won  WDIV Local 4 Detroit’s “Vote 4 the Best” contest in the arts and entertainment category. Studio 1219 is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit art gallery and educational facility that seeks to promote emerging Michigan artists while also providing an art atmosphere for all ages and economic backgrounds through their programming.

Studio 1219 was up against some formidable opponents in the contest, but they prevailed over the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Glass Academy. Gina Panoff, Executive Director of Studio 1219, said the studio is “so grateful for the widespread community support of Art Studio 1219. It takes a team of dedicated staff, artists and community members to be recognized.” In gratitude, Gina said, “thanks everyone who supports the studio and everything it strives for; helping artists become established, educating all ages and abilities in the creativity of art, and displaying local artists work.” The studio currently has over 150 different artists displayed and offers a variety of resources to the community.

Next weekend, the Michigan Lighthouse Festival will be showcasing the Fort Gratiot Light Station Friday through Sunday, August 2-4. There are 129 Michigan Lighthouses, and each year the Michigan Lighthouse Festival shines its light on one lighthouse, specifically highlighting its history in Michigan’s story. This year,  the spotlight is on the Fort Gratiot Light which is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan.  Established in 1814, it was named after General Charles Gratiot. The festival begins at the Light Station on Friday with a social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner under a tent at 6:00. While in the area, event organizers are encouraging attendees to check out the Huron Lightship and other locations within driving distance like the Port Sanilac Light, Harbor Beach Light, and the Port Austin Light. If you’re interested in more information, you can visit michiganlighthousefestival.com.

Congressman Paul Mitchell announced yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election next year to the seat he twice has been elected to since 2016.  Representative Mitchell, age 62, was emotional at times as he spoke on the House floor to announce his resignation. He said he will serve out his term with the 116th Congress but will not seek re-election.  In his speech to Congress, Mitchell talked about his life and the need to spend more time with family. He also went on to say that a career in Washington was never his goal, and his objective has “always been simply to work to address significant challenges this nation faces, including health care, immigration, and infrastructure.” Mitchell represents the 10th district in Michigan which covers the entire thumb and the northern part of Macomb County. He currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Armed Services Committee.

The Port Huron Police Department has some good news to report this week.  They welcome Cadet Allison Groff to their department. Cadet Groff has been through the PHPD Explorer program and is a two-time graduate of the PHPD Youth Academy.  She was also recently awarded the Emily Knox Memorial Law Enforcement Scholarship.

The Port Huron Police Department also wants to encourage residents to help them fill a patrol vehicle this Saturday with food at Kroger on Krafft Road.  The food drive is called Zero Hunger Emergency Food Drive. It will be on July 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the north end Kroger. The Port Huron Police along with Entercom Radio and Kroger asks citizens to help make a difference by donating non-perishable food items to children in need this summer.

More road work has commenced in Port Huron, as Michigan Avenue North of Quay Street is being replaced with new underground service including a new sanitary sewer line, new sidewalks, and a new roadway.  Michigan Street will be closed from Quay to McMorran, and access to the Quay Street lot will only be available from the Fort Street entrance. Jeff Payton, owner of the Vintage Tavern said, “the construction is happening right at the Vintage main entrance, ” but he also noted that the Vintage will remain open during road construction. The iconic restaurant used an aging sanitary sewer that traveled westward toward Huron Avenue as it exited the building. Payton says the work being done will ensure a more serviceable sewer leading from the Vintage and other businesses in the vicinity.  Port Huron City Manager James Freed expects the project to wrap up sometime in mid to late September.