Backups on the Blue Water Bridge are causing serious delays and traffic jams on eastbound I-94 and M-25/Pine Grove (in both the North and Southbound lanes).
Avoid the area if possible and seek an alternate route into Port Huron if you are travelling on the expressway. As of 2 PM on Friday, Eastbound traffic is backed up just after the Dove Road exit on eastbound I-94.
McLaren Port Huron has decided to host their popular Festival of Trees event at the hospital again this year and forgo the pre-pandemic gala at the Blue Water Convention Center.
Festival of Trees is held from Thanksgiving through the New Year, and last year’s event transformed the South Tower lobby into a winter wonderland. Spectators could drive by and see the beautifully decorated trees through the windows.
The 2021 event raised more than $65,000 to support new technology for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
This year, McLaren Port Huron will transform all main floor public areas into winter wonderlands viewable to the public throughout the South, Main, North, and Karmonos lobbies.
All funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support the purchase of equipment to enhance breast imaging services at the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
The Lexington Arts Council has been holding their Friday Music in the Park Concert Series since the beginning of July, and Dave Bennett, a crowd favorite, will take the stage at Patrick Tierney Park on August 13th at 7:30 PM.
Dave Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso and pianist who has become a favorite at Lexington’s Music in the Park with his Swing Era repertoire and rock-a-billy playlist. According to his website, “Dave’s “Rockin the ‘50s” show always brings down the house! Dave pays tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis (piano and vocals), and Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley (electric guitar and vocals).”
Concerts are free to the public and there is also a free shuttle service to and from the park with busses running continuously from many of Lexington’s churches.
Visitors can bring a lawn chair and purchase refreshments in the park, and concerts happen rain or shine.
For a full schedule of shuttles and concerts, visit the Lexington Arts Council’s website <HERE>.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Crossing the Blue Water Bridge has been restricted since the start of the pandemic. There are some updates to the crossing restrictions and a new program for international commuters.
The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that travelers always check with either U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or Canada Border Services to get the latest travel rules. They should also start expecting longer wait times and congestion at the border.
Some of the changes instituted during COVID-19 restrictions have become permanent. Cash is no longer accepted for eastbound travelers. Only commercial cards, debit or credit cards, and the new Edge Commuter Pass are accepted.
In explaining the commuter pass, Blue Water Bridge Administrator Amy Winn-VanHoeck said, “Our commuter pass program is a newer addition and one we are thrilled to now be offering our customers. The reduced toll rate using this commuter pass makes it very reasonable for customers, and the ease of using the pre-paid pass automated toll lane will help to streamline processes and offers a different method of payment now that we have opted to continue to forgo the use of cash.”
The commuter pass rate is $2.50 per non-commercial vehicle.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
The Sarnia Police are asking residents to deal with wildlife without calling 911. There has been an increase in calls to the 911 dispatch service regarding the spotting of coyotes, deer, and raccoons.
The Sarnia Police remind residents that raccoons in the trash can or coyotes in the street do not constitute an emergency. Police will not respond to sightings of wildlife.
Police may respond if an animal is injured or acting aggressively toward humans. Sarnia Animal Control may then get involved as well.
If a wild animal is making a home in a yard or in the neighborhood, residents will need to contact a pest control company to trap and deal with the animals in an appropriate manner.
Coyotes have been of particular concern in the area, but they generally try to avoid human contact. The Sarnia Police suggest driving the coyotes away by yelling “go away” in a firm voice, banging pots, spraying a water hose, or throwing objects toward the coyote. Flashlights and motion-activated lights can also scare off coyotes.
Bears are a different story, and have been spotted in Lambton County. Bear sightings can be reported to the BearWise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
On August 2nd around 11:00 p.m., a 20 year old Detroit resident was sitting in a parked vehicle on Francis Street near 15th Street when he was approached by two white males. The victim was ordered out of his vehicle and when he failed to comply, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun.
The victim attempted to drive away when he was fired upon by one of the suspects. The victim’s vehicle was struck multiple times with one of the rounds entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle, striking the victim in his foot. The victim drove himself to the home of a relative where police and EMS were called. The victim was transported to McLaren Port Huron with non-life threatening injuries. The suspects were last seen fleeing the area of Francis Street and 15th Street on foot.
If you have any information regarding this shooting or have video surveillance/Ring camera in this area call the Port Huron Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (810) 984-5383 or CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688.
Anonymous texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an apple or android device. Tips can also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org.
Submitted by Port Huron Police Department