While it seems like summer was just yesterday, and fall had barely begun, clearly winter is here and looks to be sticking around for quite a while. Ski resorts are already open in the Upper Peninsula and the rest of the state is not far behind. Soon, Blue Water area skiers will have an expanded option when outfitting for their next trip. 

John Eppley, of Alpine Cycles, wants to build on the local company’s long history, which his father, Kurt Eppley, and uncle, Bob Eppley, started in 1981. They already have a full-service bike shop and ski shop along with a skateboard, scooter, and accessory shop. The family business expanded in 2008 with a skate shop next door and has been active in raising funds for a new skatepark at Optimist Park in Port Huron.  But, there’s even more happening with Alpine Cycles, as they have announced their expansion into another storefront just down the street from their original shop.  

Alpine has expanded their operations into 720 Huron Avenue, the former Cool City Games location, with the new space as a dedicated ski shop. They now own all four storefronts, including Jan’s Hair Design, which is staying in the space between the Alpine stores.  John said they want to bring back the local ski culture and have a place where ski enthusiasts can meet up before they hit the slopes. He sees potential for the ski culture to flourish and is excited to be a part of it. While the ski shop is now open for business, a Grand Opening is planned for Small Business Saturday.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Blue Water community always has a big heart, especially when it comes to children in need.  A local family is trying to raise funds for their little boy, Isaac VanCamp, who has cerebral palsy and kidney disease, among other health concerns. Isaac, who attends Woodlands School in Kimball, uses a wheelchair, and the family is in need of a modified van to get Isaac and his wheelchair around. 

Wheelchair accessible vans are an expensive investment, but make a world of difference to those with disabilities and their caregivers. The Van Camps have been able to put a down payment on a van thanks to some other local fundraisers, but could use a little help paying for the modifications. Last weekend, a fundraiser was held at Family Fun and Skate in Kimball where friends and supporters gathered pledges and and held a friendly competition in the family’s benefit. 

Family Fun and Skate welcomed in wheelchairs onto the rink, and a few hundred dollars was raised, but more is needed.  The VanCamps have three other children, including Isaac’s twin brother, Steven, who also has some serious health problems. The family has founded Michigan Kids on the Move, which outfits PowerWheels vehicles for kids with mobility issues and is active in advocating for children with special needs.  You can find out more about this local family and ways to help them out by visiting their Facebook page “Double Trouble.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Have you adjusted to daylight savings time yet? The semi-annual clock-change is popular (or should we say unpopular) top of conversation every “time” it rolls around. And, it’s happened before, but could it really happen this time? 

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, to eliminate the twice-yearly time change in Michigan was approved last week by the House Commerce and Tourism Committee. Hoitenga says, “Time change is a nuisance. Workers and students across our state have been hurt by it for decades. Not only is the practice antiquated, it’s also impractical and serves no real purpose.” She thinks Michigan residents are ready to put an end to this practice.

Hoitenga cited studies that show the time change is bad for student performance and that workers across the state struggle to make it to work on time after the dreaded “spring forward.” The Northern Michigan lawmaker’s bill calls for Michigan to remain in Daylight Saving Time all the time.

The House Bill now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Similar efforts have been pushed before, but maybe for some, here’s to hoping it’s successful this time around.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Due to the weather, the following schools and businesses have made changes to their regularly scheduled activities:

• St. Clair County Community College (SC4) – Classes beginning at 4 pm or later, as well as evening activities, are canceled for November 11th.
• Port Huron Area Schools’ after school activities, practices, CATCH, Prime Time and clubs are canceled for  Monday, November 11, 2019
• Marysville Public Schools – No evening activities
• St. Edwards on the Lake – Monday night Bingo is canceled
• Capac Community Schools – Monday afternoon and evening classes canceled
• Port Huron Tae Kwon Do – All evening classes are canceled
• Landmark Academy – After school activities are canceled – this does not affect LABS. LABS are open as usual.

Mosher’s jewelers in Port Huron has announced, in a letter to friends and loyal customers, that the business will be closing after 125 years in the community. 

In the letter, William Mosher and Emily Mosher Wallace state that the difficult decision to close was made as it was time to retire. The sibling pair are thanking the community for making their time in the business “successful and satisfying.” A private sale is going to be taking place next week before a public going-out-of-business sale on Thursday, November 14th. Mosher’s says that all repairs and custom orders will still be completed. The private preview sale will only be open to customers who received a letter. 

The iconic storefront is located at 336 Huron Avenue in Port Huron. Future plans for the building have not been made public at this time.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Crain’s Business Detroit reported last week that Comcast Corporation has plans to expand and invest nearly $3 million to open 10 new Xfinity stores in Southeast and mid-Michigan, including one in Fort Gratiot. Community Development Director for Fort Gratiot Township, Sharon Wilton, confirmed the news. 

According to Wilton, the store will be going in the former David’s Bridal location on 24th Avenue next to Alexander Fine Jewelers. Wilton said the Township had not been contacted directly by Comcast, but has been working through the building’s landlord. There is no official date of when the storefront might be open, but a temporary permit of occupancy has been issued. The store is expected to feature Xfinity’s portfolio of products, including internet, video, connected home solutions and the Xfinity Mobile wireless service.

In other Fort Gratiot business news, Wilton said that the plans for Culvers at the former Ruby Tuesday on 24th Avenue in front of Birchwood Mall are back in the works. Wilton says that the business has notified the township they plan to open within 90 days.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.