local news

New Traffic Shifts Planned for I-69 Road Work

Interstate 69 in St. Clair County is at the heart of the Rebuilding Michigan program that is targeting roads that are critical to the state’s economy and carry heavy traffic loads. While the work is going on, drivers will need to be prepared for new traffic shifts and closures of lanes and ramps.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says that the investment in roads is aimed at making longer useful lives of the roads and improving the condition of the state’s infrastructure. The work is planned to make the roads smoother and improve the driving experience.

The work going on right now involves moving the eastbound I-69 traffic onto the newly built lanes on the eastbound roadbed. The eastbound Riley Center Road ramps will reopen.

The westbound ramps at M-19 near Emmett will be closed and detoured. The ramps will be closed through October of this year.

Next week, the westbound traffic will be shifted to the eastbound roadway and the westbound ramp at Riley Center will be closed and detoured.

The latest work on I-69 started over the weekend and is scheduled to be completed in November of 2022. The project has a $38 million price tag.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Leadership Change for County Parks

St. Clair County Parks Department has had a change of leadership. Mark Brochu has retired after 26 years as Director of County Parks. Nancy Winzer has stepped in as the new Director.

Brochu is credited with developing the Wadhams to Avoca Trail. He also oversaw $13 million in improvements to the county parks system. Over his tenure, the county parks system grew to seven unique parks.

Winzer already has a job as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Port Huron. She will be keeping that job while also directing the County Parks. Winzer has been the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Director since 2010 and has earned a slew of regional and state awards for her many accomplishments in providing a variety of recreational opportunities for all abilities and age groups in the Blue Water area.

The St. Clair County Parks department has a few projects lined up for the near future. They are developing a six-acre parcel on the North Channel of the St. Clair River near Algonac. There is also a disc golf course going in at Columbus County Park, along with several other enhancements throughout the park system.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Will Be Looking for Impaired Boaters July 4th Weekend

Summer in the Blue Water Area often means boating and fun on the water. Sometimes that includes toasting the short summer season with a cocktail or other adult beverage. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is warning boaters to enjoy the water responsibly.

Operation “Dry Water” is a national law enforcement campaign that enforces sober boating. It is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The legal alcohol limit is the same as for operating a motor vehicle- .08%.

Lieutenant Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement Division supervisor, said, “Boaters can have a good time and enjoy the resources, but they are expected to drink responsibly and operate safely.”

Boaters are asked to be aware of kayakers, swimmers, and hidden debris. The recent rains and high waters have moved things around in the water, and boaters need to have unimpaired judgment when operating a watercraft.

The DNR says to expect to see more officers on the water over the July 4th weekend. In addition to looking for drunk boaters, they will be looking for boaters wearing life jackets properly and handing out free coupons in partnership with McDonald’s.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Enter Stage Right Wins Federal SBA Grant

Port Huron, MI — The show will go on for Enter Stage Right, which performs on the Citadel Stage in Downtown Port Huron. They have received a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The grant will help pay overhead expenses as well as provide for upgrades to get the opening season off to a good start. The theatrical production company hasn’t been able to hold in-person shows since March 15, 2020.

Executive Director Regina Spain said, “Truly, the knowledge that no matter what, we’ll have our theatre and will be able to pay our artists takes away the fear of losing one more thing due to the pandemic. We’ve kept our artists engaged with trainings and ‘out of the box’ performances, but it’s a struggle and we’re incredibly excited to get back to our audience and community.”

 Out of 15,000 applicants, Enter Stage Right was one of the winners of the SBA grant. They are waiting on another grant from the Michigan Council of Arts & Cultural Affairs, which could provide additional benefit to the theatre.

The theatre will reopen during the first weekend of August with the “Will on the Water” production.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Hunter Hospitality Family House Open Ahead of Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The community has rallied behind the creation of the new Hunter Hospitality Family House and it is now open. The opening is ahead of the projected schedule.

The house provides lodging to families with loved ones who are hospital patients or who need to stay near the hospital for ongoing treatment. The Family House is a single unit designed to be a private refuge for families.

The house has a fully stocked kitchen and laundry room and has sleeping accommodations for six people.

Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, said, “We couldn’t have opened the Family House without the community’s generosity. A lot of companies donated time and services.  They believe in our mission, and we’re so grateful for their help with this expansion.”

The Family House is one of three properties managed by the Port Huron non-profit. The other two houses provide bed-and-breakfast style lodging near both hospitals in the city. 

The charity was established in 2011 in memory of Hunter Willard. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be on December 7th, which would have been Hunter’s 30th birthday.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Youth Getting Hands On Experience with Police

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Police Youth Academy is in full action this week at Port Huron High School, and youth are receiving hands on experience working with local law enforcement.

The Academy for 8th – 12th graders started Monday and runs from 8 AM – 4 PM through July 2nd.

Monday’s session included classroom training on domestic violence situations including details about the law, how police respond to a domestic violence call, and when to make an arrest in a domestic violence situation.

The day of training culminated with Youth Academy participants responding to simulated domestic violence calls and putting their classroom training to work. Volunteers acted out scenarios, and Youth Academy teams worked with Police Department mentors to properly investigate and handle the situations.

Youth Academy participants will continue the classroom and hands-on training with traffic stops, building searches, and other police scenarios along with safety training with mock weapons and dealing with intoxicated individuals.

Graduation from the Academy is on Friday, July 2nd.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand