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St. Clair County Community College To Host Free Total Solar Eclipse Celebration On April 8th

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is gearing up for a spectacular event as they prepare to host a celebration in honor of the April 8th total solar eclipse. The college invites the public to join in the festivities from 2 to 4 p.m. at the campus opposite the College Center on River Street.

Attendees can anticipate a variety of engaging activities, including informational sessions, interactions with SC4 professors, and the opportunity to peer through solar telescopes for a firsthand view of the eclipse. 

Instructor of Physics/Astronomy, Patrick Wilcox, emphasized the significance of experiencing such a phenomenon locally, remarking on the lasting impact it leaves on observers. The eclipse, wherein 98.1 percent of the sun will be obscured as seen from Port Huron, will reach its peak visibility around 3:15 p.m.

SC4 is committed to ensuring safe viewing practices, providing resources to protect attendees’ vision from the potentially harmful effects of direct sun exposure.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Senate Introduces Bill To End Daylight Saving Time

Michigan Senators Thomas A. Albert and Joseph N. Bellino Jr. has proposed Senate Bill 770, aiming to abolish daylight savings time in the state. 

The bill, introduced on March 7th, seeks to exempt Michigan from following daylight savings time as mandated by federal law. Instead, the state would maintain a consistent time throughout the year. However, this change is contingent upon approval by the electorate. A referendum is slated to be held during the general election on November 5th. Should a majority of Michigan voters support the bill, it will take effect 30 days after the official declaration of the vote. 

This move could potentially end the biannual clock adjustments, offering residents more stability in their daily schedules.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Pine Grove Avenue Lane Reduction For Utility Repairs From March 12th To March 15th

The Department of Public Works will undertake essential utility repairs on Pine Grove Avenue between Pine Grove Park Drive and Prospect in the City of Port Huron. The repair work is expected to continue until approximately Friday, March 15th.

During this period, the northbound lanes of Pine Grove Avenue will be restricted to one lane, spanning from Pine Grove Park Drive to Prospect. However, southbound traffic will remain unaffected by the repairs.

The Department of Public Works regrets any inconvenience caused by these necessary repairs and advises motorists to plan alternate routes or anticipate delays if traveling through the affected area. 

For inquiries or further information, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Public Works directly.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Begins Major Upgrades To Edison Shores Pump Station, Road Closure In Effect

The City of Port Huron is set to commence extensive upgrades to the Edison Shores sanitary pump station, located on the northwest corner of Thomas Edison Drive and St. Clair Street, starting Monday, March 11th. These improvements will involve the replacement of three raw sewage pumps, piping, valves, flow meter, operating equipment, as well as concrete repairs and exterior enhancements. 

To facilitate the construction, Thomas Edison Drive will be closed to through traffic between Stone Street and St. Clair Street until approximately April 15th. A guided detour and Road Closed Local Traffic Only signs will be in place. By-pass pumping, utilizing portable pumps powered by a diesel generator and a pipeline across Thomas Edison Drive, will ensure uninterrupted sewer flow during the construction period. 

The Department of Public Works is available to address any inquiries or concerns regarding this project.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

James Freed City of Port Huron

Port Huron City Manager Forms Roundtable Group For Downtown Corridor Redesign

City Manager James Freed has unveiled the establishment of the Huron Avenue/Military Street Roundtable Working Group, aimed at collaborating with city authorities and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regarding potential alterations to the downtown corridor’s design. 

This initiative responds to MDOT’s upcoming reconstruction project slated for 2025, targeting Huron Avenue from the Military Street Bridge to Glenwood Avenue. Comprising residents, business figures, and community advocates, the group will facilitate community involvement in decision-making processes. “We value the importance of community engagement and feedback,” emphasized City Manager Freed, underlining the significance of public input in shaping downtown’s future. 

Mayor Pauline Repp expressed support for the endeavor, underscoring the necessity of hearing from community stakeholders. The working group plans to commence meetings in April, with a  formal report and recommendations expected by fall 2024.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

How Daylight Savings Time Became A Fixture In America

Daylight Savings Time (DST) continues to be a subject of debate and adjustment. Established in the U.S. during World War I to conserve energy, DST has seen numerous changes since its inception. Initially enacted on March 1st, 1918, its purpose was to save on energy costs during wartime. Despite its repeal post-war, DST resurfaced during World War II, dubbed “war time.”

The lack of uniformity post-World War II led to widespread confusion until the Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST across the nation, along with official time zones. 

Fast forward to 2007 when the current schedule was implemented, starting on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November. People often use the expression, “spring forward, fall back,” to remember which way to set their clocks. So, don’t forget to spring your clocks forward this weekend to stay on time.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell