Efforts Wind Down to Bring Trader Joe’s to the Blue Water Area

The quest to get a Trader Joe’s in the Blue Water Area may be coming to an end. Organizer Carolyn Middleton spearheaded the effort back in 2014 and is ready to call it quits.

The emergence of new loft housing and the renaissance of the downtown commercial and cultural scene, along with the proximity to the bus station and boaters, prompted Middleton, a real estate agent, to try to persuade Trader Joe’s, a neighborhood grocery store chain that is known for affordable gourmet and unique offerings to come to Port Huron.

For six years, Middleton recruited fellow community members to join her in petitioning the franchise, but never got more than an automated response from Trader Joe’s. Middleton has over 4000 people still following her Facebook page, “Bring Trader Joe’s to the Blue Water Area”, but thinks it’s time to accept that it isn’t happening.

In 2018, the owners of Countrystyle Marketplace in Fort Gratiot announced their intention to create a downtown grocery store, and their plans for the location are in progress. Meanwhile, the newly renovated Aldi in Fort Gratiot does offer some products similar to Trader Joe’s. The nearest Trader Joe’s stores are in Rochester Hills, Grosse Pointe, and Royal Oak.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Karl the Barber Demands Charges Be Dropped

Remember Karl the Barber? He is the Owosso barber who stayed open during the COVID-19 shutdown and had criminal charges filed against him for violating executive orders that closed down hair salons.

The dust had no chance to settle on the Michigan Supreme Court ruling that struck down the validity of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s many Executive Orders when Karl Manke’s lawyer demanded that all charges be dropped against Mr. Manke.

In a press release, David A. Kallman, Manke’s lawyer, referenced several of his clients, saying, “All administrative actions and criminal charges predicated on the EOs pending against Mr. Manke must be dismissed. Our client Friske Orchards Farm Market is also requesting the immediate cessation of all threatened administrative actions by state agencies against their business. All of our clients who operate gyms and physical fitness centers, such as Crunch Fitness, are requesting that all actions against them be dismissed immediately.”

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel has said she will not enforce the Executive Orders anymore, but the validity of pending charges levied before the Supreme Court ruling remains to be seen.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

October is Agritourism Month

It is Agritourism Month in Michigan. Trips to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch add to the economy and have social and cultural benefits, but this year, protecting farmers and other visitors is a top priority.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell addressed promoting agritourism in the midst of a pandemic, saying, “Agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state. Our operators are implementing key safety measures to assure the well-being of their customers. We also need visitors to help the agriculture community by following on-farm safety protocols, wearing masks, social distancing whenever possible, washing their hands often, and staying home if they are not feeling well.” 

Agritourism includes farmers markets, on-farm markets, wineries, roadside produce stands, on-farm weddings and events, corn mazes and others. October is the peak time for agritourism as it is harvest time and the time when Michiganders traditionally visit local farms.

In the Blue Water Area, Simpson Family Farm, MacCallum’s Orchard, and CornFun Corn Maze Adventure & Pumpkin Patch are listed on the state’s michiganfarmfun.com website.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grand River Open – Majestic Lot Still Closed

Grand River Avenue is back open after roof work was completed by a local contractor. The closure of the road was unrelated to the work being done by DTE on the Majestic Lot.

The Majestic Parking Lot, a popular parking lot for those shopping at Downtown businesses, will continue to be closed until December 2020. The lot is being reconstructed as a result of infrastructure work being done by DTE, and the City of Port Huron is working closely with DTE to keep up with its progress.

Parking is available in the city owned McMorran lots that surround the Blue Water Transit Center. Those large parking lots usually charge patrons after the first two hours, but they will remain open and free to the public during construction. The walk from the McMorran lots to businesses on Main Street is about 2 city blocks .

The City of Port Huron has also established convenience spots along Huron Avenue for customers who are making a quick trip or pick up from a downtown businesses. Those select spots are designated for loading and unloading or trips of 15 minutes or less.

Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 810-984-9730.

 

Two Charged Following Drug Raid

(Port Huron)  Two Port Huron men are facing charges following a drug raid on October 1st.

According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation ended with the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of 13th Street shortly before 11:30 on October 1st.  Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized about $2500 worth of crack cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspects were arraigned before 72nd District Court Judge Mona Armstrong on Sunday.  Vincent Lumetto, age 61, is charged with controlled substance less than 25 grams and maintaining a drug house, while 29 year old Deangelo Lee is charged with controlled substance second or subsequent offense.  Bond for both was set at $10,000 cash/surety.

Both men face a probable cause hearing before Judge Armstrong on October 13th at 9:00 a.m.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

It’s “Farm to School Month”

October is “Farm to School Month” in Michigan. Almost a million meals have been provided to state schoolchildren and families as part of the pandemic response, and effort has been made to use local food as much as possible.  

Farm to School Month is a national program that connects consumers with fresh food through the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

In explaining the connection between the lunch line and the farm, MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “Michigan’s local farmers, farm workers, and school nutrition professionals are key components of our state’s vibrant food system. The framework in place through Farm to School efforts have been crucial as farmers, school food service workers, and volunteers continue to serve as frontline heroes, expanding their efforts to provide food to our students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Examples of local products used in school lunches include dairy, fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, meat, and beans. Efforts are also underway to improve nutrition education and increase the number of school gardens.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland