State Sells Bonds to “Fix the Darn Roads”

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced closing on the sale of an $800 million bond issue. The sale is the first step toward a road rebuilding project throughout the state.

The bonds are expected to cover the cost of the repair of the freeways with the highest use, starting with a $60 million I-496 rebuild.

The total $3.5 billion bond sale is planned to finance 122 major highway projects, including the rebuilding of I-69 in St. Clair County, which is already in progress.

The bond sale was endorsed by Moody’s Investor Services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A statement from Moody’s said, “Michigan’s state trunkline bonds are not susceptible to immediate material credit risks related to coronavirus because of strong coverage of debt service and limits on additional leverage. The longer-term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis.”  

The state’s all-in true interest costs are 2.727%. The $800 million sale is expected to generate $1.017 billion in proceeds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Port Huron Area Schools Closed for 14 Days

Parents of students at Port Huron Northern, Fort Gratiot Middle School, and Keewahdin Elementary received a message tonight informing them that in-person classes are cancelled at all three schools for the next 14 days. The message from St. Clair County Health Department Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, and Superintendent of Port Huron Schools Jamie Cain, said that a small number of COVID-19 cases were identified and confirmed at the schools.

The three schools will transition from a hybrid model to an all-virtual format for 14 days starting on Tuesday, September 15th. No students should report to the building on the 15th, but the building will be open on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, September 16th for students to pick up supplies or receive support from staff.

Meal services will continue, and food may be picked up from the Port Huron Performing Arts Center on Tuesday between 9-11 AM or 5-7 PM. Five days of breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled unless students receive word from their coaches.

Nomination Period Open to Recognize Outstanding School Support Staff

If you know of a school support staff member who has gone above and beyond in their job, you have a chance to nominate that person for the Michigan Education Support Staff Professional of the Year Award and the national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award

The Award is intended for school support staff who work as paraprofessionals, in clerical services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, technical services, and in the skilled trades.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “School support staff greatly contribute to the success of our students and schools – ensuring students arrive at school safely; that they are fed; that their schools are clean; and that they have assistance in classrooms. It is important to recognize our education support staff professionals and value their contributions to student success.”  

Parents and students as well as public and private entities can nominate support staff from now until September 25, 2020. Nomination forms can be found at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

OT Operation Transformation

Operation Transformation Planning a Fundraising Open House

Port Huron, MI — Operation Transformation will be having an Open House as their annual fundraiser this year. Instead of a banquet, the Open House will give patrons a chance to show their support while practicing social distancing.

The Open House will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from September 28th to October 1st at the Operation Transformation building at 1904 Poplar Street.

Operation Transformation brings together churches and volunteers to meet the needs of the community through various networking and direct service ventures. They have been around since the year 2000.

Guests are invited to drop in to the Open House to watch a video about the work that OT does as well as bid on silent auction items and get a snack. Donations will be gladly accepted and the first $500 each day will be doubled. The Open House needs to raise 50% of the yearly budget.

This year’s video highlighting the work of OT will be available to watch on optrans.org. There will also be live and silent auctions. Details can be found on Operation Transformation’s website and facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Absentee Ballots Requested in Record Numbers

As of last week, more than 2.1 million Michiganders had already requested absentee ballots. The 2.1 million requests surpass the total number of absentee ballots requested in last month’s primary – 2 million – which set a new record for absentee voting in Michigan.

Of the 2.1 million requests, approximately 1.7 million were submitted since August 5, the day after the primary election. In St. Clair County, there have been 31,217 requests for absentee ballots.

Registered voters can request an absentee ballot is sent to them by visiting www.Michigan.gov/Vote or by visiting their local election clerk’s office. Michigan citizens who are eligible to vote but unregistered, and who have a Michigan driver’s license or ID, can also register to vote at Michigan.gov/Vote through Oct 19th. Eligible citizens, including those without a Michigan license or ID, can also register at their local clerk’s office through Election Day.

 

RenFest Offers Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

The entertainment industry has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 shutdowns, and Renaissance festivals around the country have had to cancel their fairs.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival decided to innovate rather than cancel, and they are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive through the streets of Hollygrove this year. The Festival on Parade debuted over the weekend, and tickets are still available for its second weekend on September 19-20th.

Patrons of the Festival on Parade will have the opportunity to purchase goods from their favorite festival artisans including Autumn Moon, Swords & Shields, and a local favorite: Lounies Soap Company.

Entertainers include jousters, the Festival Falconer, Pumpernickel the Fool, and the Enchanted Pegasus and Unicorn. Parade goers will also be able to tune into a Festival themed playlist courtesy of Townsquare Media.

To get your tickets to see the Michigan Renaissance Festival like never before, visit MichRenFest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand