port huron

Hunter Hospitality House Plans New “Family House”

Port Huron non-profit, Hunter Hospitality House, is adding a third property to its roster of homes away from home for people who need to stay close to local hospitals.

HHH has announced the acquisition of a ranch style home next door to Lake Huron Medical Center. The house will be named the Hunter Hospitality Family House.

The organization saw the need for a house that was specifically designed for families, unlike their other properties that are more bed-and-breakfast style, more suitable for adults. The new home will be more comfortable for entire families to stay in while being close to loved ones in the hospital. While the house is near Lake Huron Medical Center, transportation to McLaren Port Huron is provided by HHH.

The house needs renovation. Roofing, flooring, construction, and landscaping all need professional attention. Donations of both time and talent will be needed to make the Family House a reality, just as those donations have sustained the other HHH properties.

The new house is scheduled to be opened on December 7, 2021, which is the 30th birthday of the late Hunter Willard, after whom the organization is named.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

U.S. – Canada Border Closed Until October 21st

The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel for another 30 days until October 21st. With the restrictions in place, all travel related to tourism, recreation, and entertainments is prohibited by land, water, air, and rail. This includes opening or checking on a cottage or seasonal home.

The restriction on discretionary travel was put in place on March 21st in an effort to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, during the week of August 31st to September 6, 2020, travel volumes were down 85% for those crossing via land, and 91% at airports compared to the same time a year ago. There are no restrictions on commercial traffic, but it was around 18% lower.

An online survey of 1,000 Canadians done by Research Co. found that 90% agreed with the closure, though the tourism industry has been negatively affected in both countries.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

New Grant Program for Small Businesses in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Small businesses are still being affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns and changes in consumer spending habits. A new grant program for small businesses in the City of Port Huron will provide short-term working capital to fifteen eligible businesses with the hope of improving the business’s viability and retaining jobs.

The City of Port Huron Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will help for-profit businesses with a $5,000 grant. The goal of the program, funded by Community Development Block Grant funds the City received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is to retain jobs for low to moderate income people and stabilize local businesses.

The City of Port Huron designated $75,000 of its $462,000 in CDBG funding to the St. Clair County EDA for Small Business Assistance in April. The EDA is accepting applications from eligible businesses located inside the boundaries of the City of Port Huron from now until Friday, October 2, 2020.

For eligibility information, visit the online application <HERE> .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Parents Concerned About Youth Vaping Can Learn More at Summit

Parents and caregivers who are concerned about vaping can learn more at the Virtual Vaping Summit on September 23rd from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The St. Clair County Substance Prevention through Early Action and Knowledge (SPEAK) Coalition is hosting the event through live stream on their Facebook page.

A survey completed by the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) in 2017-18 reported that 10% of St. Clair County 7th graders used vaping products, and 38% of 11th graders acknowledged regular use.

The SPEAK Coalition focuses on many areas of substance abuse and addiction, and addressing the youth vaping crisis is one of their primary goals.

Vaping is unhealthy for kids, teens, and young adults because it contains high amounts of addictive nicotine and many other harmful substances. Use can adversely affect brain development and contribute to future cigarette use.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Museums Fall Schedule Announced

Port Huron, MI — A fall line-up has been announced by Port Huron Museums. The fall schedule has several new events for the community, keeping social distancing in mind.

While the Huron Lightship is currently closed for repairs, the Thomas Edison Depot, Carnegie Center, and Fort Gratiot Light Station are open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Museum is offering guided trolley tours with a variety of topics. Private tours can be arranged with history experts Dave Dazer or Andrew Kercher to get an inside look at Port Huron’s rich history while enjoying a ride in the trolley.

Pioneer Day is not cancelled this year, but will be held in keeping with social distancing mandates. The ticketed event will feature candle making and a lesson in the history of the 1850s era Kammer log cabin. The family friendly event runs from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on September 26th on the grounds of the Museum in Downtown Port Huron.

Information and reservations for events can be found at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Port Huron Area Schools Closed for 14 Days

Parents of students at Port Huron Northern, Fort Gratiot Middle School, and Keewahdin Elementary received a message tonight informing them that in-person classes are cancelled at all three schools for the next 14 days. The message from St. Clair County Health Department Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, and Superintendent of Port Huron Schools Jamie Cain, said that a small number of COVID-19 cases were identified and confirmed at the schools.

The three schools will transition from a hybrid model to an all-virtual format for 14 days starting on Tuesday, September 15th. No students should report to the building on the 15th, but the building will be open on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, September 16th for students to pick up supplies or receive support from staff.

Meal services will continue, and food may be picked up from the Port Huron Performing Arts Center on Tuesday between 9-11 AM or 5-7 PM. Five days of breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled unless students receive word from their coaches.