U.S. EPA Seeks Public Input on Ten-Mile Drain Superfund Site Cleanup Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced a 30-day public comment period on a proposed plan to remediate the pipes and vaults of the storm sewer system at the Ten-Mile Drain Superfund site. The EPA has identified this site in St. Clair Shores as heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Under the recommended cleanup plan, crews will excavate six manhole vaults and 2,110 feet of pipe, along with contaminated bedding and backfill. These areas will then be backfilled, and new piping and manhole vaults will be installed. All excavated material will be properly disposed of at an EPA-approved off site landfill.

The meeting will be held Thursday, June 22nd, at St. Clair Shores City Council Chambers located at 27600 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores. The Open House will be from 5pm – 6pm, with the public meeting beginning at 6:30pm.  

For more information, visit: cumulis.epa.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Secures $61 Million Grant to Improve Internet Access in Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded a $61 million grant to Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The grant aims to enhance high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved communities across Michigan.

PFN, a Michigan-based company, will utilize the grant to implement the Infrastructure for Michigan’s Peninsula and Critical Crossings (IMPACC) project. This initiative will involve the installation of 535 miles of new middle-mile fiber in underserved areas throughout the state.

Governor Whitmer expressed her commitment to providing quality internet access for every Michigander, emphasizing the importance of connectivity for education, healthcare, and economic growth. 

The project includes the construction of undersea and overland fiber routes to connect various regions, from Charlevoix to Beaver Island, Benton Harbor to Chicago, Charlevoix to Grayling, Port Huron to Flint, and Benton Harbor to Grand Rapids.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Helps Promote Healthier Lifestyles

As a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, is aimed at empowering individuals to live life to its fullest and healthiest potential. 

The 12-month group-based program comprises 16 core sessions held weekly for 16 consecutive weeks, followed by an additional 9 sessions spread throughout the remaining months. Participants engage in discussions on topics including healthy eating, stress reduction, problem-solving, and more.

The program’s goals are to help you shed 7% of body weight and gradually increase physical activity to a minimum of 150 minutes per week. The aim is to empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes and prevent the onset of diabetes.

Programs like these are made possible by the support of the community through donations and volunteers. If you would like to help support the Blue Water Area YMCA and its Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

McMillin’s Furniture Celebrates 75th Anniversary

McMillin’s Furniture, located at 1 South Main Street, Yale, is a renowned name in the furniture industry, and is happy to announce its 75th-anniversary celebration. Featuring a staggering 35,000 square feet on their showroom floor, McMillin’s Furniture showcases a large selection of beautiful furniture for an enhanced shopping experience.

Customers are invited to explore the flooring department, which showcases a wide array of hardwood, tile, and carpet samples. In the event that customers don’t find exactly what they’re looking for, McMillin’s Furniture is committed to sourcing it.

In addition to furniture, McMillin’s Furniture boasts an impressive collection of unique clocks, lamps, and framed art, offering customers an opportunity to add the perfect accent pieces to elevate their living spaces.

Customers are encouraged to stop in and discover the vast array of furniture options that can transform their homes from nice to truly extraordinary during McMillin’s Furniture 75th Anniversary.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Recognizes June Employee of the Month

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is proud to announce Chris Haslip as the Employee of the Month for June 2023. LHMC commends its dedicated team of staff and volunteers for their commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Blue Water Area.

Chris Haslip, who has been with LHMC for seven years, serves as a receptionist in the Rehabilitation Services Department. She was nominated by a fellow employee who praised her outstanding skills and contributions. 

According to fellow employees, “Chris Haslip is a receptionist extraordinaire at the Marysville physical therapy clinic!” She warmly welcomes patients with a smile, ensuring their experience begins on a positive note. Her professionalism shines from their initial phone call to their final day of therapy. She efficiently manages scheduling, making necessary adjustments based on patient availability, illnesses, and clinic requirements.

Congratulations to Chris Haslip on this well-deserved recognition and for providing exceptional service and care to patients.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell