MDOT Reminds to Keep Snow Out of Roads When Clearing Driveways

Winter weather is here and with it comes a few reminders from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Snow that is cleared from driveways can not obstruct the vision of drivers. It also should not be pushed into the road.

The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits “the obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush.” MDOT says that this includes the end of driveways where drivers could have a hard time seeing past the mountains of snow.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Piling snow at the end of a driveway may be convenient, but makes it difficult for drivers to make sure it’s safe to pull out onto the highway, and tough for drivers to see other vehicles waiting to pull out.”

Ajegba said, “Our crews work to keep the shoulders clear and knock down snowbanks at intersections for motorist safety, and residents and business owners need to do the same at their driveways.”

Pushing snow across a roadway also causes problems as it leaves a trail that can end up being slippery for drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PH Country Style Market - Photo by Jessie Wiegand

PH Country Style Market Planning for January Opening

Port Huron, MI — Michele Jones and Steve Fernandez have been working on PH Country Style Market as a labor of love. The downtown Port Huron grocery store project has faced several setbacks, but they are hopeful that the doors will be open by the end of January 2022.

The biggest recent issue has been installation of the market’s elevator which is currently still crated and sitting in pieces in the main area of the store. They have been waiting on the elevator permit from the State of Michigan, and they just received notice on December 9th that the permit has been issued.

The building at 310 Huron Avenue was originally a Woolworth’s store, one of the first discount stores in the United States, and the last business to occupy it was Emory’s Furniture.

From windows to doorknobs, Jones and Fernandez have discovered many historical features and items during renovation of the building, and they have worked hard to preserve or repurpose them.

Jones removed years of paint from the original doorknobs to create sign-hangers for the upstairs offices, preserving the ornate details from the past.

After sharing the process, Jones said with a smile, “My Martha Stuart gene kicked in.”

When the building is complete, it will feature a main floor grocery area including a full-service deli and meat counter, a basement wine & beer cellar and an area for household & personal items, and a second-story office complex that includes Jones & Fernandez’s personal loft.

To watch a video showcasing the progress on PH Country Style Market, visit WGRT’s Facebook page <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

 

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

New Tax Break for Disabled Veterans

Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 25 this week which will help disabled veterans who are still paying on their student loans.

The bill will amend the income tax code to allow disabled veterans to deduct taxable income attributed to cancellation or forgiveness of a student loan. It will apply retroactively to the 2016 through 2019 tax years, and it will apply to future tax years beginning in 2025.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and Whitmer said, “Our nation’s disabled veterans have served our country with honor and dignity, and this bill helps alleviate some of their financial burdens. I am proud to sign Senate Bill 25 to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and help make their lives easier.”

VFW Michigan State Commander Kevin Conklin said, “The VFW Department of Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer and Senator Tom Barrett’s efforts to make Michigan the best state in the Nation for veterans and their families, and we look forward to future legislation that helps us accomplish this goal together.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Health Department Needs Help with Monoclonal Antibody Clinic

The St. Clair County Health Department is putting out a call for volunteers to staff its Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center.

Medical staff that are trained and experienced with intravenous infusion are needed as well as medical support staff. The support staff will assist with patient monitoring and vitals.

The dramatic uptick in Covid Cases in the area has caused the treatment center to be activated in the county. Volunteer medical staff are needed on Tuesdays and Fridays in December from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The monoclonal antibody infusion therapy is considered to be highly effective as it reduces viral loads and can consequently lessen symptom severity. The lessened symptoms can prevent hospitalizations by 70%, according to a memo published by the health department.

Patients are referred to the clinic by their health care provider and are generally considered to be at high risk of requiring hospitalization if symptoms progress.

Volunteers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be provided with personal protection equipment and on-site training.

Visit mivolunteerregistry.org or email: dlois@stclaircounty.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Increase Patrols on I-94 This Week

There are more police on I-94 this week and they are keeping an eye on commercial vehicles. The Michigan State Police announced the “Eyes on 94” operation that will be increasing enforcement on the Interstate 94 highway throughout this week. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio State law enforcement agencies.

The focus will be on violations made by commercial vehicles that could contribute to crashes, like distracted driving, following too close, improper passing, speeding, and improper lane use.

Captain Richard Arnold of the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division said, “This enforcement effort is a great example of the commitment by the MSP, Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police, and the Ohio Highway Patrol to reach our common goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes.”

Arnold said that the operation is increasing awareness by being highly visible this week. The State Police said that I-94 is prone to weather-related crashes at this time of year, especially involving interstate commercial vehicle drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Visitors Restricted at McLaren

In response to high COVID-19 rates in the community, McLaren Port Huron is restricting visitors to the hospital, to protect the health of patients, staff and the community, effective Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Exceptions to the visitor restrictions include:

  • Obstetrics patients may have one partner and one support person accompany them
  • Pediatric patients may have one adult visitor
  • ICU patients may have one visitor
  • Patients who are mentally disabled or have developmental delays may have one visitor
  • Patients scheduled for surgery or procedures may have one visitor, who is expected to leave as soon as possible after surgery.
  • Patients who have an outpatient appointment for a hospital service (laboratory, imaging) who need assistance may have one companion.
  • Patients in the Emergency Department may have one visitor.
  • Exceptions will be made for end-of-life care.

Visiting hours for these exceptions will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID when entering the hospital. All visitors must wear a mask at all times and remain with the patient at all times unless asked to leave by the clinical team. Please note: No visitors are allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, including in the Emergency Department.

The goal is to protect patients, their families and the McLaren Port Huron health care team. Leadership will continue to implement practices to help ensure the health and safety of everyone who enters the facility.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron