MDOT Predicts Adequate Resources to Clear Snow this Winter

Mark Geib, the administrator for MDOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, said, “We’re going to be just fine. We have highly trained people, we have the material we need, our equipment has been inspected and is ready to go. We’re in good shape.”

MDOT has budgeted at least $25 million for road salt with 450,000 tons of salt stored throughout the state and has 330 plow trucks at the ready. MDOT also contracts with counties to clear highways bringing the number of plows available to 1300 statewide. There are over 10,000 miles of state highway to keep safe and clear of snow and ice.

MDOT is using a salt spray on some roads in the state, continuing a program that started last winter. The spray prevents the salt from flying off of the road.

Seasonal snowplow drivers are in the process of being interviewed and hired right now, as many are winding down seasonal construction jobs. MDOT anticipates having adequate staffing. 

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

James Freed City of Port Huron

MIOSHA Citation Against City of Port Huron Dismissed

On October 21st, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) filed to dismiss a citation against the city of Port Huron. The citation was related to claims that the city violated COVID-19 regulations.

MIOSHA dismissed the citation 6 days after city officials said they planned to have their lawyer, Todd Shoudy, depose the agency’s director, Bart Pickelman.

The city of Port Huron has consistently maintained that it was not guilty of violating the COVID-19 workplace mandates established by Governor Whitmer in Executive Orders.

According to Port Huron City Manager James Freed, everyone was following safety protocols such as mask wearing and physical distancing, and the city was spending over $100,000 on microbial cleaning in its buildings, facilities, police cars, and fire trucks.

“When this first started, we took it very seriously. My job is safety: safety of our residents, safety of our staff. So if you ask people to come to work, you must provide a safe environment, and we took that very seriously,” said Freed.

When the inspector visited, he told city officials that he observed no violations. They later learned that he wrote a citation anyway which is what motivated the city to appeal.

During the deposition for the appeal, Freed said the inspector admitted under oath that he had observed no wrongdoing and destroyed emails and documents related to the case.

“It’s very disheartening. We have the resources to defend our name, to challenge when wrongfully accused, and to follow due process. My heart does break for the small business owners, for the mom-and-pops, who didn’t have the resources to defend themselves, to either plead guilty or take a settlement, because they couldn’t go through the process, and they didn’t have the resources to put MIOSHA under oath,” said Freed.

The city spent between $10,000 – $15,000 to appeal the citation.

The Michigan Supreme Court determined that all Executive Orders issued by Whitmer after April 30, 2020 were unconstitutional, and there are still cases similar to the one involving the city of Port Huron that are in appeal or open until the business resolves the situation.

A formal adoption of the Attorney General’s request to dismiss the case against the city should happen soon, and Freed expects the Michigan House and Senate Oversight Committees will begin investigations into this situation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Foundry Port Huron Writers Round November 20 2021

Singers & Songwriters Taking the Stage at Foundry

Foundry calls itself the Home for Creators in Port Huron. With a mix of art experiences, pottery workshops, and live performances, the building at 1219 Military Street is becoming just that.

One of Foundry’s regular live performances is the Writer’s Round, a monthly music event that features three musicians performing their own unique songs. The artists take turns telling the story behind their song and then performing it for the audience. Concerts usually last around an hour and a half, and the cost is $25 per person.

Writer’s Rounds take place in Foundry’s Listening Room which has a warm aesthetic featuring multi-colored pallet wood walls and eclectic furniture. The room seats about 50 people.

Caleb Malooley, chief songwriter and lead vocalist for The Gasoline Gypsies, organizes the Writer’s Rounds and chooses the artists who participate.

Malooley said, “It’s a cool experience. It’s a whole different thing than pretty much any other show I’ve ever been part of.”

To hear Caleb talk more about Writer’s Rounds and the way they help him connect with fans, listen to him share on LIMElight here: https://wgrt.com/limelight-podcast/songwriters-sharing-the-stories-behind-their-music/

The next Writer’s Round at Foundry is November 20. 2021, and tickets are on sale here: See Tickets

Caleb Malooley Performing at Writer's Round - Foundry Port Huron - Photo by Lee Hoffman
Caleb Malooley Performing at Writer’s Round – Foundry Port Huron – Photo by Lee Hoffman

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Open; Watch for Scams

It’s open enrollment time for those using the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicare. The enrollment period ends on December 7th for Medicare and January 15th for the marketplace.

There are 174 different plans available in the marketplace and costs have been reduced due to federal subsidies.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596.”

Fox also warns seniors to be on the lookout for Medicare scams. She says to be wary of unsolicited calls, door-to-door sales and flyers, and people who say they are “from Medicare”. Even mail that looks like it could be from the government should be inspected to see if it’s legitimate.

Medicare recipients do not need to give their Medicare ID number to anyone unless they are actually enrolling in a plan, according to Fox.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

CMH Players Bring “We’re All Connected” to Citadel

The CMH Players will be bringing live theater to audiences this month. The CMH Players are composed of individuals receiving mental health services from St. Clair County Community Mental Health as well as local community actors and SCCCMH staff.

This year’s show is called “We’re All Connected”. It will be performed at the Citadel Theatre in Downtown Port Huron at noon and 7 p.m. on Friday, November 5th, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th. The noon show on Friday, November 5th is free. The other shows cost $5 per ticket.

“We’re All Connected” is a series of skits that address the concept of stigma. The show teaches how our similarities are greater than our differences.

The CMH Players have put on over 22 plays since starting in 2005. Community sponsors make the CMH Players productions possible. Sponsorships from $50-$1000 are available.

For advance tickets, contact Bethany Murdick at 810-966-3706. Tickets will also be available at the door if seating permits.

For Sponsorship: Mark Hutchinson (810) 966-3386

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Asks MCCA to Refund Auto Insurance Money

Michigan’s auto insurance reform efforts could be leading to refund checks for many state residents who pay for auto insurance.

On November 1st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote a letter to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association asking for a $5 billion surplus to be refunded to the customers. Bipartisan cost-saving legislation is the reason for the surplus.

In the letter, Whitmer said, “Billions in surplus funds should not be held by insurers to invest for their own profit or be conditioned on the renewal of a policy. The surplus belongs to Michigan policyholders and should promptly be returned directly to them in full, in the form of refund checks.”

While auto insurance reform saves money for most consumers, those with auto accident injuries are voicing concern. The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council reports on their #MICare Crisis Dashboard that 18,000 patients rely on the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association for coverage of expenses from lifelong injuries related to auto accidents. The coverage can now be capped with the new laws.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland