Bridges take a beating in Michigan, with a damaging freeze-thaw cycle, de-icing chemicals, and heavy traffic in many places. The Michigan Department of Transportation is using pioneering technology to reinforce bridge components in an effort to strengthen and increase the lifespan of the state’s bridges.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “The aim is bridges that last a century with minimal maintenance. This technology, developed here in Michigan, is becoming wildly popular all over the country.” 

The new technology is carbon fiber reinforcements that have a tensile strength comparable to steel but are resistant to corrosion. The longer-lasting bridges require less maintenance and could save taxpayer dollars on life-cycle maintenance.

MDOT Chief Bridge Engineer Matt Chynoweth said, “Rusting of steel elements is the leading cause of deterioration in our bridges. Since carbon fiber is non-corrosive, we are eliminating that potential for damage. Using a material that will not corrode is a real game-changer.”

A carbon-fiber fabrication plant has been built in Michigan. Two new bridges on I-94 and one on I-75 in Detroit are part of the innovative technology.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

COVID-19 forced a lot of people to get creative with their wedding plans, and although the virus is still affecting everyday life, service providers in the wedding industry report that 2022 will see an unprecedented increase in weddings.

WeddingWire.com shares several helpful tips for those planning a wedding in 2022 and beyond, including booking vendors early and preparing for higher costs.  They also recommend flexibility on dates, notifying your guests early, and being patient with your vendors.

As St. Clair County vendors prepare for an increase in weddings, they are also continuing to adjust to the effects of COVID on their businesses and staff. Good communication is key to making sure services are clearly defined, and getting quotes in writing will help avoid confusion and conflict.

The WGRT Bridal Show on January 9th at Alexanders’ Premier Banquet Facility is a great place to meet local wedding vendors and plan for your future life.

Tickets are available for $5 each on EventBrite <HERE>, and engaged couples will be able to explore almost 40 vendors showcasing floral arrangements, event spaces, dresses and tuxedos, wedding photos, and more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Conner Street Pub on the south end of Port Huron has a new owner, and he’s no stranger to the restaurant business. Bob McCormick, current owner of Big Boy Ft. Gratiot, became the new owner and reopened the restaurant as McCormick’s Conner Street Pub this month.

McCormick has been part of the restaurant industry since he was a teenager working at local places such as Burger Chef and the Fogcutter. He was also a regional director for the Big Boy corporation for many years.  In his role as regional director, he opened Big Boy restaurants in Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Thailand.

When asked why he decided to buy Conner Street Pub, McCormick said, “I started eating here, and my favorite thing was the wings. When I found out it was for sale, I checked into it.”

McCormick updated the menu but kept the Irish theme. “We increased the dinner menu by 75-80%,” he said. They also decided to keep the Irish egg rolls, and McCormick said fans can rest assured that they are made the same way.

All of the staff from Conner Street Pub stayed on to launch McCormick’s Conner Street Pub, and past owner, Dino Tata, has been a huge help getting McCormick acclimated to the new restaurant.

“Dino stopped by today to see how I was doing and ask if I had any questions or needed help with anything. So it was a great transition, and he was a great guy to deal with,” said McCormick.

McCormick’s Conner Street Pub also features a banquet room that holds 75 people, and they provide catering services for pick-up or delivery as well. Prices and menus are available online, and they are booking reservations for parties now.

The pub will also be hosting fun events for the community. A welcome karaoke party is planned for Friday, January 7th at 8:30 PM, and a comedy show is scheduled in the banquet room Saturday, January 29th. Tickets are $20 and available online at: www.mikeballdotcom.com

Learn more at https://www.mccormicksconnerstreetpub.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Did you know there was a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum? There is, and they just released a limited edition bobblehead that University of Michigan football fans may be really excited about.

The Jim Harbaugh bobblehead was released by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum last week, just ahead of the Wolverine’s win at the Orange Bowl on December 31, 2021.

Harbaugh just completed his 7th season as U of M football coach, and it was his most successful season yet. The team is headed to the College Football Playoff National Championship game in Indianapolis on January 10, 2022.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it features the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads. The range of bobbleheads is extensive, including famous figures from sports, politics, and pop culture.

Featured products on their website showcase bobbleheads of Bernie Sanders, The Golden Girls, and the main characters from Home Alone.

You can find the Jim Harbaugh bobblehead, manufactured by FOCO, at www.BobbleheadHall.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand