local news

Flood Guidance Issued by MDHHS

With rain in the forecast, and historic flooding having taken place in some areas of the state over the weekend, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing guidance for those experiencing flood events.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and other injuries.”

During a flood, people should stay out of the waters. Floodwater could be fast-moving and can carry debris. There is also the danger of electrocution from power lines in the water.

Driving in floodwaters is a bad idea. Vehicles can be swept away. If drivers are stranded, they should wait for help instead of trying to walk or drive through the water.

MDHHS warns that flood water can harbor bacteria and pollutants, so avoid contact and wash up if you have been in floodwaters. Those who use wells for drinking water should get their water tested after a flood.

More information at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339–562670–,00.html

The Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Courts Rule in Favor of City in Chicory Building Lawsuit

The question of who will pay for the cleanup of Port Huron’s Chicory Building, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018, has been answered by the courts.

The historic building near the Black River was once a chicory production facility, dating back to the early 1900s. The building burned in a massive fire on June 22, 2018, and an oil leak was discovered a week later. The City of Port Huron cleaned up the oil leak and hauled away a large amount of asbestos at an expense of nearly $474,000.

The City took the owners of the property, Harshad C. Mehta and Shilpa H. Mehta, to court to recoup the costs. The lawsuit was brought before Judge Michael West in October of 2018, who ruled in favor of the city, awarding a judgment of full reimbursement for the cleanup plus interest.

The owners appealed the decision and it was finally decided last week, with the Court of Appeals denying the appeal and upholding Judge West’s decision.

City Manager James Freed celebrated the decision, saying, in an email to City Council, “We are grateful to the Courts for standing by our community as well. This decision provides excellent case law for municipalities across our state going forward.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Boat Night Organizers Looking for Vendors

Port Huron, MI — Downtown Port Huron has decided to close Huron Avenue during Blue Water Fest, and they are looking for arts & crafts vendors to fill up the streets.

Vendors can apply through an online application available on the Downtown port Huron Facebook page or <HERE> . The opportunity to have a booth on Huron Avenue is open to non-food vendors only.

Some downtown businesses will join the mix and set up tents in the street as well. The booths must be open on Thursday and Friday from 4 – 9 PM, but they may be open longer if the vendor desires.

Business vendors will pay a $250 vendor fee while arts & crafts vendors will pay $150 and nonprofits $100. This will be a great way to share your business with the foot traffic that spends time downtown during Boat Week and Blue Water Fest activities.

Although this year’s Boat Week activities were scaled down due to uncertainty about rules for public gatherings, a lot of favorites will still be present this year.

The Rotary International Day Parade is planned for Wednesday, July 21st, OT’s Family Night is planned for Thursday, July 22nd, and popular events like Mannequins Making a Difference and the Blue Water Fest carnival will take place that week.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

St. Clair County Looking for Input for New Master Plan

St. Clair County is updating its Master Plan and they need help from residents. They have created a website that asks residents what they would like to see in several different aspects of county planning.

One part of the website is a Community Ideas Board with interactive conversations. Right now the conversations include economy, environment, quality of life, recreation, transportation and mobility, and community development.

There is also an interactive map where users can share what they love and don’t love about St. Clair County. The options are for “Something I Like”, “Needs Improvement”, and “Think Big”, where users can share what they do with an area if money was no object.

There is also a survey with a rotating topic. The current topic is “Quality of Life”.

According to the Planning Commission, “A master plan creates a shared vision to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the county.  It provides a road map into the future for the county’s built, economic, and natural environments.”

The survey ends on July 31st of this year. The results will be shared on the webpage. 

https://stclairmpc.mysocialpinpoint.com/masterplan

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Child Tax Credits Being Issued Monthly Starting in July

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer  is urging parents to file a federal income tax return if they haven’t yet done so or use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool in order to be eligible  for  federal Child Tax Credit  payments.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 increased the  federal Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per year for children under 6 years old and $3,000 per year for children 6–17 years old.  The Federal Government is now preparing to issue those tax credits in the form of monthly payments.

Families meeting the guidelines will receive Internal Revenue Service-issued checks or direct deposits once a month from July – December: on July 15th, August 13th, September 15th, October 15th, November 15th, and December 15th.

These payments will not count as additional income that could affect a family’s eligibility for public assistance.

Low-income families with children are eligible for this program – including those who have not made enough money to be required to file taxes. The Non-filer Sign-up Tool is designed for those individuals who don’t normally file a tax return, such as families experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and other underserved groups. The tool is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Race Series Gets Started this Weekend

The Blue Water Race Series kicks off its second season this weekend with the Artful Dodger Race in St. Clair. The Race Series consists of six running races that span June to December of this year. Those who participate in all six events not only have a major athletic accomplishment to be proud of but can earn a commemorative jacket.

The races in this year’s series include summer, fall, and winter runs. The summer races start with the St. Clair Artful Dodger this weekend and the Algonac Pickerel Run on the 4th of July. The fall races are the P.S. You’re My Hero run in Port Huron on September 19th and the Run for Recovery in Port Huron on October 9th.

November brings the Friendsgiving Tyler Kreitler Memorial Run in Marine City, and the Jingle Bell Run in Port Huron.

Runners get to choose between 5k and 10k options for most races. There are usually one-mile walks as well.

To get more information about the Blue Water Race Series, visit the following link to the website or check out Blue Water Race Series Facebook page.

https://bwrs.enmotive.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland