Michigan Roads Slated for Huge Federal Investment

Michigan is expected to get billions in federal funds over the next five years with some of it earmarked for roads and bridges. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to collaborate with the legislature to begin planning for the major rebuild.

The directive focuses on streamlining the infrastructure projects by using the right mix of materials to complement work already in progress; set priorities that benefit community development, recreation, and promote equity; and make roads and bridges more resilient to flooding.

The plan emphasizes the “dig once” philosophy to complete water, internet, and other utility work in the process. The addition of electric vehicle chargers and making way for the future of mobility are also priorities.

Whitmer said, “With this executive directive, we are getting ready to build up local roads and bridges across Michigan, create thousands of good-paying jobs for Michiganders, and ensure small businesses, downtowns, and neighborhoods have high-quality, reliable infrastructure to rely on as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our state. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Get Nostalgic With Andy’s Wine Bar

Some Blue Water Area residents didn’t feel like it was truly Christmastime until they had their first Tom & Jerry at the Brass Rail in Downtown Port Huron.

Andy Bakko, owner of Andy’s Wine Bar, is bringing back that tradition by featuring the drink at a special holiday event on December 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th.

Drinks will be served starting at 5 PM on those nights, and there will be heated tents set up outside the wine bar located at 104 Water Street near Desmond Landing in Port Huron.

Sales are cash only to keep things moving, and the original Brass Rail staff, including Di, will be on hand to serve up the Tom & Jerry’s. Wine, beer, and sprits are available as well, and guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a chair if they’d like to sit down.

Learn more at the Facebook page for Andy’s Wine Bar <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lead Water Pipes Could Be Eliminated with Federal Investment

Michigan could soon be undergoing a statewide lead water service line program, thanks to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has an allocation for water infrastructure investment.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an Executive Directive to state departments and agencies to work with the legislature to get ready for a big lead service line replacement project.

Whitmer said, “With this Executive Directive, we are accelerating the timeline to replace 100% of lead service lines in Michigan, prioritizing communities that have been disproportionately impacted, fostering enhanced collaboration across departments, and ensuring that the projects are built by Michigan workers and businesses.”

The Michigan Pipe Trades are on board as well, with representative Jeremy Garza saying, “The number one responsibility of a Plumber is to protect the health of the nation and help every family and community access safe drinking water.”

The City of Port Huron has a continuous lead pipe identification process. The Department of Public Works, Water Office, and Water Filtration Plant staff respond to lead service inquiries as they come in.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Find Pixie and Enter to Win $100 Gift Card

Starting today, you can participate in the Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB)  Elf Off the Shelf Tour. Pixie the Elf is hanging around the Port Huron, Marysville, Marine City, and St. Clair areas this weekend, and if you find her, you can win a $100 gift card.

To enter the gift card contest, find Pixie at one of the following locations, snap a selfie with her, and tag the Blue Water Area CVB on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Pixie Glitter Flake the elf will appear at A Little Something in Port Huron today from 4-5:15, and she will also be at the Sperry’s Santa Parade in the evening.

On Saturday, she will be looking for tasty treats at Yum Yums in Marysville from 11 AM – 12 PM, and she’ll continue her quest for goodies at the Sweet Tooth candy shop in Marine City on Sunday from 2-3 PM.

Adults can find Pixie at Mannina’s Wine House in St. Clair from 4-5 PM on Sunday night (November 28).

To learn more, visit the Blue Water CVB’s website here: https://www.bluewater.org/event-detail/elf-off-the-shelf-tour/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Shop Local On Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday. It’s a great day to check some things off of your Christmas shopping list while keeping your dollars in your own community.

It is estimated that $68 of every $100 spent at local small businesses stays in the community. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan businesses are considered small businesses.

William J. Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association said, “While every day is a good day to shop small and buy nearby, we hope Michiganders will make a concentrated effort this Saturday and throughout the holiday season to shop at local retailers and businesses.”

Shopping local is also a great way to avoid the headaches of shipping delays that go along with online shopping.

Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said, “Small businesses play a vital role in their local communities and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pandemic.”

Downtown Port Huron will be celebrating Small Business Saturday and continuing the celebration every Saturday through December 18th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Concerned About COVID Surge

As we enter into the holiday season, St. Clair County Department (SCCHD) is warning residents of the current high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer stated: “As people begin to gather indoors for the holiday season, SCCHD expects to see a further increase in cases, with increased deaths to follow. We are urgently pleading for everyone to take this seriously and take precautionary measures as critical services, educational systems and business communities may become deeply impacted.”

Test positivity is higher than it has been at any earlier point in the pandemic, and the rate of new cases is on pace to meet or exceed any previous high. At this time, Michigan has one of the highest rates of new cases per population for the past seven days in the nation.

Current case trends in St. Clair County continue to be on the rise. As of 11/17/2021:

  • Weekly case positivity is 21.6%
  • St. Clair County is averaging approximately 176 new cases/day
  • St. Clair County had 1,230 new cases in the last week
  • 21% of all St. Clair County hospital beds are being used for COVID-19

Mercatante continued, “It’s about personal responsibility which is key in fighting this pandemic and protecting our community. It will take everyone, working together, to protect those who cannot be vaccinated or who are at greater risk of serious illness or death.”

Personal responsibility includes:

  • Getting vaccinated. If unvaccinated, speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination. The vaccine is free, safe, effective, and available throughout the County. Vaccines are now available for children ages five and older. Boosters available for 18 and over.
  • Wearing a mask indoors, at work, school and anywhere in public when gathered around other people, even if vaccinated.
  • Staying home when sick or not feeling well.
  • Getting tested if having symptoms, even minor symptoms, or if exposed to someone with COVID. Do not spend time with others outside of your household while awaiting test results. Also seek testing prior to attending indoor gatherings.

To find vaccine or testing resources visit www.scchealth.co; https://www.vaccines.gov/; or https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department