Are You Part of the 2022 Wedding Boom?

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

Bob McCormick New Owner of Conner Street Pub

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

 

U of M’s Harbaugh Gets Commemorative Bobblehead

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

State AG Reinforces Stiff Penalties for School Threats

Making a threat against a school to get a day off could end with a lot of days off – in jail. Michigan Attorney General released a video explaining the consequences of making threats, whether real or fake.

Nessel said, “Local law enforcement agencies have reported threats on social media that number in the hundreds within their own communities. As a result, kids in our state have missed valuable days of instruction as school administrators are forced to close buildings to keep kids safe.”

Explaining the penalties that can be levied when the perpetrators get caught, Nessel said, “Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences.” 

According to state law, communicating a threat of terrorism is a 20-year felony. Calling in a bomb threat is a 4-year felony and using a phone to make a threat is a 6-month misdemeanor, with more possible charges for each threat against a school employee or student.

The video can be viewed on the Department of Attorney General’s YouTube page. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Office of Rural Development Charged with Reaching Out to Rural Michigan

Rural Michigan could be getting some help with the establishment of the Office of Rural Development within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

On issuing the executive directive to establish the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned the “unique challenges and opportunities in our rural communities.”

The responsibilities of the new Office of Rural Development will include collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others to develop economies of rural areas. Affordable housing is also on the radar for the new Office.

Along with promoting sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy development, the Office will study population and demographic trends and provide guidance on education-related issues.

Bolstering high-speed internet access in rural communities is a goal for the new Office, as is a collaboration with tribal leaders.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “We are committed to investing in our rural communities and businesses through job creation, broadband and infrastructure expansion.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

James Freed City of Port Huron

City Encourages Online and Drive-Thru Services

The City of Port Huron offers several options for residents who want to take advantage of city services without an in-person visit to the Municipal Office Center.

High levels of COVID-19 infections are causing many to opt out of in-person visits in favor of no-contact options like online services or onsite drop boxes or limited contact services like drive-thru services.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, said, “We just wanted to remind folks that we have enhanced our online services and drive-thru experience to allow folks an option to avoid in-person contact during this new wave of COVID-19. We have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases among our City staff and first responders. We continue to take necessary mitigation measures to ensure we can continue staffing City operations at the appropriate levels.”

Utility bills such as water and sewer bills can be paid online at Porthuron.org, but users will be charged a service fee. Many banks offer online bill pay services that offer their customers free options for sending digital utility payments.

Port Huron residents who have questions about remote services can contact the city Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4:30 PM at (810) 984-9700.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand