Lapeer Ave. Will Be Closed From 7th to 10th

Beginning Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, the City of Port Huron will be making improvements to  Lapeer Avenue from 7th Street to 10th Street. These improvements will include new asphalt pavement, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, and drive approaches.

Funding for this project came from the voter approved street millage and Water Street TIF district. 

During the construction, Lapeer Avenue will be closed to thru traffic, and the closure will last until the end of June. Detour signs will be posted directing traffic to 10th Street, Court Street, Union Street, and 7th Street. 

Please contact the Department of Public Works if you have any questions about this project. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Tick App Helps Track Tick Populations

Tired of ticks? It’s a banner season for ticks in Michigan with their numbers rising. Staying aware of tick hot spots and taking measures to prevent ticks from getting comfortable on people or pets is easy with the launch of The Tick App.

The App was developed by Jean Chao, who researches ticks and tick-borne illnesses in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, along with scientists at the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University.

The Tick App is both educational for the user and useful for researchers who are tracking ticks. Tick discoveries can be reported through the app and fears about infection can be calmed or precautions can be taken.

Tsao reports in MSU Today that not all ticks carry Lyme disease or other pathogens and removing a tick before it’s been on people’s or pets’ bodies within 12 hours can reduce the likelihood of infection. Lyme Disease is a serious illness.

The best way to avoid ticks is to use an effective repellent and to stick to trails that are out of tick habitats. If you do come across a tick on your skin, save it and freeze it so it can be examined by a doctor to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office Created

After vetoing repeated attempts by the legislature to incentivize internet providers to reach underserved communities with high-speed internet, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order to establish the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office.

The Office will be coordinating and advancing the state’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to every home and business that needs it. A $2.5 billion potential economic benefit is estimated to be lost each year due to the “digital divide”.

Whitmer said, “A fully connected Michigan is essential for our state to reach its economic potential in the 21st-century global economy.”  

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office will be housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Development.  LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin said, “Expanding high-speed internet access and affordability will help ensure that Michigan remains a world leader in innovation. We need to make major investments to support digital inclusion and this office will be focused on leveraging every dollar available through the American Recovery Plan and other federal programs.”  

Efforts will be focused on bringing internet service to underserved communities throughout Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Accepting Funding Requests

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is opening the funding process for the period April 1, 2022, to March 31,  2023. Due to COVID-19 and the rapidly changing needs in our community, we are allocating funds on a one year basis until further notice. Our current funding priorities are as follows:  

FROM POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY  

  • Housing Stability – housing programs, emergency shelters, affordable housing 
  • Food Security – access to enough nutritious, affordable, and appropriate food
  • Other Necessities of Life – access to clothing, Medical and Dental necessities 

HEALTHY PEOPLE, STRONG COMMUNITIES 

  • Healthy Seniors – seniors in poverty have access to nutritious affordable food, transportation, and  health supports 
  • Personal Wellbeing and Safety – supports for people dealing with addiction 
  • Inclusion – supports to reduce isolation and create positive mental health 

ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE 

  • Learning – helping kids with financial challenges succeed in school and develop key life skills • Quality of Life – supporting youth with disabilities and their families 
  • Connectedness – helping kids develop positive relationships with their peers and families The funding process and deadlines are as follows: 

June 30th – Letter of Intent due (see link below to access the form) Note that you need to fill out a Letter of  Intent for EACH program that you are requesting funds for. 

July 12th – Decisions will be made on which Letters of Intent will be invited to submit a Full Program  Application for funding and applicants will be notified. 

September 15th – Full Program Applications are due. 

October 12th to November 30th – Program reviews (these may be virtual) 

January or February 2022 – United Way Board of Directors make final decisions on funding for the period April  1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. 

Letter of Intent link: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXXK29X

Submitted by The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton

Bill Makes Changes That Benefit Craft Brewers

Craft beverage lovers along with microbrewers, wine makers, and distillers will have more options for tasting and offering samples of new brews. Governor Whitmer just signed bipartisan legislation that allows for changes in the Michigan Liquor Control Code.

Senate Bill 49 allows craft beverage producers to sample and sell their brews in the same place which Whitmer says will help small businesses grow and support the economy.

“Michigan is home to some of the best microbreweries and craft distillers in the country, and this bill makes it easier for these businesses to create and operate tasting rooms,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that this bipartisan bill will make it more convenient for Michiganders to sample fine spirits and delicious micro-brews, while also creating jobs and helping grow our small businesses and economy faster.”

Vinomondo Winery in Ft. Gratiot said the changes don’t really affect them. Their winery is still open, though operating at 50% capacity, and guests can sample their wines, bottle their own blends, visit the pub, or shop at the gift shop. Check their website for hours and menus.

David Ringler, Director of Happiness Cedar Springs Brewing Company, said, “We are grateful for this legislation that will allow us to expand services to our customers after a very difficult year. As a destination location in a small town, it is key for us to be able to serve all of our product lines to our guests.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Port Huron Rec Fills Summer Schedule with Free Fun

What’s better than fun activities for kids during the summer? FREE fun activities for kids during the summer. The Port Huron Recreation Department has announced a full roster of free summer fun for families.

The list includes free drive-in movies to be held in partnership with Sperry’s Moviehouse. The fun gets started on Tuesday, June 8th with The Lion King, 2019 version, starting at dusk. Families can watch from their cars in the McMorran Southwest parking lot and tune in on their car radios. There are eight movies scheduled throughout the summer and fall.

The SuperSlide is also opening back up this summer after a year off. The innovative and unique hillside slide is located at Palmer Park in Port Huron. The slide is for kids and kids-at-heart who are at least five years old and 40 inches tall. The slide is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with evening hours of 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Rec on the Go Bags will be handed out on Wednesdays starting June 16th.

More information about all of the free programs this summer can be found at porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland