environment

Shelby Township Senior Center Introduces State-of-the-Art Outdoor Fitness Park To Promote Senior Health and Well-Being

The Shelby Township Senior Center has unveiled a game-changing addition to its fitness and wellness facilities, with the inauguration of a cutting-edge Outdoor Fitness Park located behind the Shelby Township Activities Center located at 14975 21 Mile Road.

Exclusively catering to individuals aged 50 and over, this Outdoor Fitness Park is a result of Community Development Block Grant funding.

Its prime focus is to offer a safe and supportive environment where senior citizens can engage in physical activity, enhance their overall health, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

To partake in the various engaging events and activities at the Shelby Township Senior Center, seniors need to register as members annually, with a membership fee of $5 for Shelby Township and Utica residents and $10 for non-residents. 

For more information, email: seniors@shelbytwp.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Area School District Seeks Operating Millage Renewal on August 8th

On August 8th, the Port Huron Area School District will present a crucial proposal to voters – the Operating Millage Renewal. This ballot initiative aims to extend the levy of 18 mills on most commercial, business, rental properties, vacant land, and second-home properties. Notably, this renewal will have no impact on property taxes for primary home residences.

The 18 mill Non-Principal Residence property tax, which supports the district’s operational needs, is set to expire in December 2023, before the 2024-25 school year. Its continuation is vital to ensure the provision of quality programming, educational materials, and support for the dedicated staff. Importantly, this is not a new tax but a renewal of the existing millage initially approved by voters in August 2018.

Residents are reminded to cast their votes on Tuesday, August 8, to decide the fate of this critical millage renewal, which exclusively affects non-principal residence properties.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Baseball Players in Petrolia to Benefit from Park Upgrades and Improvements

The town of Petrolia announces upcoming upgrades to its ball diamonds at Greenwood Park, with further plans for Bridgeview and Kerr parks.

During a recent council meeting, a comprehensive plan was endorsed, kickstarting the replacement of Diamond 2 dugouts at Greenwood. Additionally, funds will be allocated in next year’s budget for extensive enhancements across all three parks.

According to Laurissa Ellsworth, Communications Director, the estimated cost for each dugout stands at approximately $15,500, excluding the new benches. Work is set to commence promptly and is projected to be completed within four weeks. Moreover, new foul line fencing will be installed in front of the bleachers.

Anticipated improvements include fencing repairs, new distance signs, base plugs, foul posts, enhanced drainage, and upgraded dugouts. The town’s staff is diligently working on pricing and quotes, intending to incorporate them into the 2024 capital budget.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Embarks on Phase I Signage Project for Downtown Revamp

In a bid to give downtown Port Huron a fresh facelift and improved navigational experience, the city has commenced Phase I of its new signage project. The initiative involves replacing all wayfinding signs in the downtown area, along with parking lot signage, destination markers, and the downtown kiosk situated at Huron Ave and Quay Street.

The outdated and faded signs that have served the city for years will be swapped out with modern, eye-catching markers. The installation process is already underway, and authorities estimate it will be completed within a couple weeks. 

The city council greenlit the $106,537 project in November 2022, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the city’s appearance and functionality. Additionally, a proposal for Phase II, encompassing signage throughout the entire city and parks, will be presented to the council in their upcoming August meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tragic Lightning Strike Incident Leaves One Man Critically Injured in Clinton Township

A terrible incident occurred over the weekend when lightning struck two individuals in the 8900 Block of Capac Rd. Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, along with Tri Hospital EMS and the Brockway Township Fire Department, rushed to the scene following reports of the incident.

Two men, aged 58 and 62, were gathering firewood in an open area when tragedy struck. The lightning struck the 58-year-old male from Clinton Township leaving him with critical injuries. He was swiftly transported by Tri Hospital EMS to Marlette Regional Hospital before being transferred to Hurley Medical Center in Flint for further treatment.

The 62-year-old man from Warren sustained only minor injuries and received immediate medical attention on-site. 

There are more storms expected early this week, so take precaution and stay inside if possible when there are signs of lightning and adverse weather conditions. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s Unemployment Rate Reaches A 23-Year Low

Michigan’s unemployment rate plummeted to 3.6% in June, marking the lowest rate in 23 years. The state’s labor force participation rate showed a continued increase, with an additional 23,000 workers joining the workforce. Furthermore, the economy saw a remarkable surge, adding 76,000 jobs year over year.

Impressively, Michigan’s labor force expanded by a record-breaking 85,000 during the first half of 2023, the highest ever for the first six months of a year since the data series began in the 1970s.

This economic success is attributed to the strategic investments made in manufacturing projects, housing developments, community revitalization, and worker empowerment. The upcoming balanced, bipartisan budget is expected to further boost economic development, lower costs for Michiganders, and improve essential infrastructure. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell