local news

Roundabout Coming to M-136 & North Road 

Another roundabout, or traffic circle, could be coming to St. Clair County. The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding a virtual meeting open to the public on August 31st at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the future construction of a roundabout at the M-136 and North Road intersection in Clyde Township.

The intersection at the end of Keewahdin Road, which is part of a stretch of M-136, and North Road currently has a stoplight. MDOT is in the design phase of the project. Construction is planned for 2023.

A roundabout is being proposed to improve safety and traffic operations.

The virtual meeting is open to MDOT staff and contractors, community stakeholders, local businesses, and interested residents. The meeting will start with a brief presentation and then have a question and answer session. Questions can be submitted using a chat tool.

The public is asked to help MDOT recognize and address any concerns related to the construction of the roundabout. Comments and questions can be submitted using an online comment form, by mail, or by email.

Click here to join the meeting

To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316.

Conference ID: 255 348 474#

COMMENT FORM: Public input is being sought to help MDOT recognize and address any concerns that may result from this project. Please provide comments and questions using the online comment form, or by mail or e-mail to MDOT Public Involvement and Hearings Officer Monica Monsma at MonsmaM@Michigan.gov or:

Monica Monsma

MDOT Environmental Services Section

P.O. Box 30050 

Lansing, MI 48909 

517-335-4381

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Richmond to Dedicate New Football Field to Late Coach John Kocher

Before the first kick-off of the season on Thursday night, Richmond Community Schools will be dedicating their football field to the late Coach John Kocher and rededicating Ben Boldt Stadium. The Richmond community has a tradition of cheering their football teams on to victory, but they proved their support when they passed a $37.1 million bond proposal two years ago that included a state-of-the-art synthetic turf football field.

Chris Rinehart, Athletic Director for Richmond Community Schools, said he got goosebumps just thinking about how incredible the new football field is. Rinehart said every piece of the field is fantastic, from the color scheme to the feel of the turf, and the whole community is using it.

Rinehart said that the dedication of the field to Coach Kocher is important to the community because Coach Kocher, who battled cancer until his passing in March, enjoyed being a part of the success of students. He was passionate about kids and football.  The dedication was proposed by community members Nick Matthes and Pat Akerley and the whole community embraced the idea.

Referring to Coach Kocher, Rinehart said, “Knowing what he meant to this community, and what he did in Richmond, we are all proud to be a part of it.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Detroit Jazz Festival Moves to Livestream

The Detroit Jazz Festival is a tradition for people from the entire region who look forward to the sweet sounds of live jazz in Hart Plaza in Downtown Detroit. Everything was looking good for the tradition to continue this year, outdoors and in-person, but the Festival has now changed course and moved to virtual.

The Festival will be livestreamed from September 3rd through 6th. The construction of Detroit’s Hart Plaza is not quite done, and keeping large crowds safe amidst a pandemic was getting to be too much for the planners.

Chris Collins, Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation president and artistic director explained the switch, saying, “This is a winning solution that preserves the legacy of the Detroit Jazz Festival while bringing amazing performances into a virtual format.” Collins said the 2022 Detroit Jazz Festival will be “even better” at the revamped Hart Plaza next Labor Day weekend.

The Detroit Jazz Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world. The livestream will have no replays or “on-demand” capabilities. The performances will be held on sound stages in the Renaissance Center with no live audiences.

Jazz enthusiasts will be able to view or listen to performances for free in a number of ways including: The Festival’s social media channels and web page; on public radio and television stations; and on the DetroitJazzFest LIVE! App

https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

“Ice Cream Saves Lives” Fundraiser August 24th

Can ice cream really save lives? The St. Clair County Dive Team Auxiliary thinks it can. The “Ice Cream Saves Lives” fundraiser lets supporters donate to the Auxiliary while enjoying summertime’s favorite treat.

The Ice Cream Saves Lives event will be held on Tuesday, August 24th from 4:00-9:00 p.m. at the Milkhouse Café, located at 4189 Keewahdin Road in Fort Gratiot.

The Dive Team, which is critically important in an area surrounded by water, will have many opportunities for patrons to interact with the Team. They will have members there to answer questions and meet the public, as well as give the public a chance to use the underwater communication devices.

The Milkhouse Café is locally famous for its ice cream taco Tuesdays. The fundraiser happens to be on Tuesday, so everyone will get a chance to enjoy their favorite ice cream taco or anything else on the menu.

All sales from the event will go to the St. Clair County Dive Team Auxiliary, which supports the “Educate, Respond, Recover” efforts of the Sheriff’s Office.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Friends of St. Clair River Offers 10-week Conservation Program

Do you love the natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of the Blue Water Area and want to share that passion with others? Would you enjoy field trips and case studies involving wildlife habitats and conservation? If so, the MSU Extension Michigan Conservation Stewards Program hosted by Friends of the St. Clair River could be a great opportunity.

The ten-week course consists of interactive online classes and is for those who are interested in science-based ecosystem management. The course includes live online content, capstone projects, and in-person field experiences.

Kirsten Lyons, Stewardship Director for Friends of the St. Clair River, said, “We’re proud to host this conservation leadership training program again. Nearly two dozen alumni from our 2018 Conservation Stewards program have been in the community restoring trails and natural areas, leading conservation efforts, and educating youth about the environment.”

Those interested in participating need to sign up soon. Registration closes on September 1st and the cost is $95. A link to signup information:

To register, contact Kirsten Lyons at stewardship@scriver.org or visit www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Native, Zimmer, Gets Top MDOT Award

The Michigan Department of Transportation has given its top employee award to a Port Huron native. Kimberly Zimmer received the MDOT Director’s Award for outstanding service.

The annual award is given to the MDOT employee who exhibits leadership and exemplary service. It has been given out for over thirty years.

Zimmer, who grew up in Port Huron, but now lives in Midland, was honored in the officials and administrators category for her response to the historic flooding in Midland and Gladwin counties.  MDOT reports that Zimmer has maintained continued communication with the Federal Highway Administration to maximize federal funds. The funds would not have been secured without Zimmer’s enormous efforts.

Zimmer’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to coordinate with MDOT in dam analysis.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Kim’s outstanding leadership and commitment to quality make her a cornerstone of public service. Director’s Award recipients like Kim help make MDOT the dynamic and responsive organization that it is, and we are all grateful for her service.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland