Celebrating 150 Years

December 20th, 2009

The Huron County Historical Society brought thirty local authors together to make this new compilation as complete and inclusive as possible. The Society reached beyond its regular membership to include local historians and authors who have demonstrated a keen sense for recording the history of our county.  

Follow us now to these stories of yesteryear: The history and stories of towns and villages such as Parisville, Ruth, Kindi, and Owendale, barely covered in earlier writings of our history are brought to life in much greater detail. Our four corner villages and country schools are also featured. Learn about our county’s first known inhabitants, the Sauk Nation, followed by the Ojibwa who resided here when the first French explorers arrived in the late 1600s. This land once belonged to France. Later, under British rule, our land was granted to the Colony of Virginia by the king of England.

Read how our communities grew from four-corner beginnings along the shores and in the wilderness forest to build an industry in lumbering, fishing, railroading and even shipbuilding, and how the pioneers suffered through great forest fires to build the agricultural industry we know today.

For more information about “Celebrating 150 Years”, a new book preserving the County’s history, Click Here.

Posted in General | 2 Comments »

Bill would allow school to start before Labor Day.

December 5th, 2009

An amendment proposed to HB 5623 and slated to be voted on by the House Education Committee would allow school to start before Labor Day.

Michigan Lodging and Tourism President Steve Yencich warns that you not be fooled if your Representative tells you things such as the following — pulled directly from a Representative’s email sent to many in the industry.

“I am not sure if you are aware, but there is a provision that prohibits school session on the Friday before Labor Day, still allowing for a long weekend, and hopefully no drop in tourism. It doesn’t require schools to start before Labor Day, but does give the option, while prohibiting them from having classes the Friday before the Labor Day Holiday.”

Because HB 5623 eliminates the current statewide mandates that all state schools open after Labor Day, this bill kills Michigan’s Post Labor Day School law. There go August tourists and a full month of Michigan’s short three-month season. That’s the bottom line.

Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association is again on top of its game, attending and testifying at hearings and getting the word out to grassroots tourism.

You are urgently asked to call your State Representative’s office today and tomorrow and to follow up with multiple emails.

Tell your Representative that:

1. You stridently oppose any and all attempts to reverse PLDS.

2, Tell them to vote against the amendment or, if it includes the amendment, against HB 5623.

Tell your Representative that you OPPOSE HB 5623 because it reverses Michigan’s PLDS law. Eliminating the requirement to open state schools after Labor Day will:

1. Severely damage Michigan tourism and impact your business.

2. Increase statewide unemployment levels.

3. Further depress state tax revenues.

4. Further hurt Michigan’s economy.

Ask your Representative how he or she will vote on HB 5623 and make it clear you will be watching the issue closely.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Local News | 1 Comment »

Michigan’s Thumb unemployment down

December 3rd, 2009

UPPER THUMB — For the second month in a row, jobless numbers in the Tri-County area decreased in October, according to new unemployment data issued Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

The unemployment rate in the entire Thumb Area Works! Area (Thumb Area MWA), decreased from 17.1 percent in September to 16.5 percent in October, according to the report DELEG issued Tuesday.

The Thumb Area MWA includes Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac and Lapeer counties. Local statistics for each of those counties were issued by small labor market areas included in the Mid-Michigan region which in addition to the Thumb, includes Midland, Shiawassee, Clare, Roscommon, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw and Arenac.

The DELEG report states the region’s 12 smaller market areas showed mix movements over the month, with eight showing slight decreases in unemployment rates.

The Huron Labor Market Area exhibited the largest decline in the jobless rate in October. October’s rate was 13.7 percent, which is 1.1 percent less than the 14.8 percent reported for the month of September.

There remains a total of 2,125 unemployed in the Huron Labor Market Area, which is 175 less than the previous month, but 750 more than in October 2008, when Huron’s unemployment rate was 8.4 percent.

The Sanilac Labor Market also exhibited a decrease in its unemployment rate, from 17.8 percent in September to 16.9 percent in October.

As of October, there were 3,425 unemployed in the Sanilac Labor Market Area, which is 175 less than the previous month, but 1,100 more than in October 2008, when Sanilac’s unemployment rate was 11.2 percent.

The Midland Labor Market Area continued to post the lowest jobless rate among the region’s 12 smaller labor market areas, as the report shows its unemployment rate is 10 percent, which is a slight decrease from the 10.2 percent in September.

There remains a total of 4,250 unemployed in the Midland Labor Market Area, which is 75 less than the previous month, but 1,575 more than in October 2008, when Midland’s unemployment rate was 6.2 percent.

The DELEG’s report states that for the second consecutive month, the Lapeer Labor Market Area recorded the highest jobless rate in the region at 17.7 percent. This was a slight decrease, however, from the 18 percent posted in September.

As of October, there remains a total of 7,575 unemployed in the Lapeer Labor Market Area, which is 100 less than the previous month, but 3,325 more than in October 2008, when Lapeer’s unemployment rate was 9.8 percent.

The Tuscola Labor Market Area, which exhibited the largest reduction in employment in the month of September, also saw a slight decrease in its unemployment rate during the month of October. The DELEG’s report states Tuscola’s jobless rate in October was 16 percent, compared to the 16.3 percent posted for the month of September.

There remains 4,275 unemployed in this county, which is 100 less than the previous month, but 1,425 more than in October 2008, when Tuscola’s unemployment rate was 10.4 percent.

Statewide, Michigan’s unemployment rate decreased from 14.8 percent in September to 14.3 percent in October. The state’s unemployment rate in October 2008 was 8.7 percent.

As of October, there remains a total of 693,700 unemployed in Michigan. That is 18,700 less than were unemployed last month, but 266,500 more than in October 2008.

Regional Economic Analyst Rhea Acuna, for the DELEG’s Bureau of Labor Market Information, said on Tuesday that the local area unemployment data for the month of November is scheduled to be released Jan. 5, 2010.

Published: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 10:34 AM — Huron Daily Tribune
By Kate Hessling, Tribune Staff Writer

Tags: , , ,
Posted in General, Local News | 1 Comment »

Mysteries of the Great Lakes

November 30th, 2009

Through several interlocking stories, including the story of maritime commerce and the ships that move cargo through the inland waterway, MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES will take you on a journey through the greatest lake system in the world, and showcase the amazing geography, ecology, science, and history of the region through the most powerful film medium in the world — IMAX.

Posted in General | 1 Comment »

Paddling along Michigan’s Thumb

November 30th, 2009

Extending 110 miles around the geographical Thumb of Michigan, the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes will satisfy all paddlers and accommodate all skill levels.

The west side of the Thumb, from Quanicassee to Sand Point, is a wildlife wonderland. The shore is mostly undeveloped wetlands, the water is shallow, islands create protected harbors and the bird species are too numerous to name. In the spring and fall this area is a stop over for migratory waterfowl.

From Sand Point to Port Austin the shore transforms from wetlands to sandy beaches. Port Crescent State Park hosts the largest sand dunes on the east side of the State and the tastiest wild blueberries. The resort towns of Caseville and Port Austin have wonderful restaurants and shops.

Rounding the Tip of the Thumb and entering Lake Huron, the landscape dramatically changes to some of the most picturesque rock formations in the Great Lakes. Receding glaciers left behind huge boulders, cliffs, sea caves and sea stacks. The shoreline has the feel of a mini Pictured Rocks (but much safer to paddle).

The east side of the thumb is rugged, quiet and natural. It is common to see eagles overhead and deer and raccoons along the shore. Historical lighthouses in Port Austin, Port Hope and Harbor Beach are an added bonus to the trip.

The entire trail is dotted with campgrounds for those that want to paddle for more than a day. The small towns along the shore are interesting, fun and hospitable. In the first weekend of June, the town of Port Austin hosts a kayak festival and transforms its shoreline into a huge rustic campground for paddlers. Kayakers come from all around the Midwest come to paddle the trail.

Chris Boyle, member and former Vice President of the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail. Chris is currently paddling the entire trail compiling an inventory. He has completed ¾ of the trail as of this date. He also owns a kayak rental shop in Port Austin that services the trail.

Great Resources:

http://thumbtrails.com/

http://www.thumbkayak.com/blogger.html

http://www.huroncountyparks.com/

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=486&type=SPRK

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=494

http://www.huronnaturecenter.org/

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in General | 1 Comment »

Gagetown, Millington Receive $950K for Upgrades

November 30th, 2009

LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today hailed the news that the villages of Gagetown and Millington have received nearly $950,000 in federal grants for road, water and sewer improvement projects that will create local jobs and stimulate economic development.

“Investing in our infrastructure will help create jobs and give our local economy a much-needed boost,” Brown said. “Making improvements to our roads, sewers and overall infrastructure sends a message to businesses that Tuscola County is a great place to set up shop. In order to turn the economy around, we’ve got to attract job providers to our community and get people back to work.”

The village of Gagetown will receive $520,000 in funding, while contributing $130,000 of its own money for street improvements. The village of Millington was awarded $428,200, and will contribute nearly $50,000 to make water and sewer improvements.

The grants are part of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement (ICE) program, which is designed to accelerate economic development and assist communities in making necessary improvements or upgrades to existing public infrastructure.

Posted in Local News | No Comments »

Michigan’s Thumb could be in line for water technology project

November 24th, 2009

Two Israeli companies have agreed to start water technology pilot projects in Michigan, says Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr.
Cherry recently returned from a week-long overseas trade mission to the Middle East, making stops in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Dubai, and bringing back news of the deals.
 
The two pilot projects, one by EPC Ltd. Onsite Wastewater Solutions, and another by EMEFCY, involve innovative uses of wastewater.

Katie Carey, a Cherry spokeswoman, said the EPC project will occur somewhere in Oakland County. The location of the EMEFCY project is still up in the air, but the Thumb is a possibility, Carey said.
They deal a lot with the CAFOs, and there are some of those in the Thumb,” Carey said. “It’s a possibility. We’re definitely looking at the entire state.”

CAFOs is short for concentrated animal feeding operations, which have been blamed for water pollution in the Saginaw Bay area.

Posted in Lake Huron Coast | No Comments »

Thumb Blue Star Mother’s celebrate sixth anniversary

November 17th, 2009

The Thumb Chapter of the Blue Star Mother’s of America, Inc. (BSMA) will celebrate their sixth year of service to local military families, veterans and soldiers on Veteran’s Day 2009.

The organization was chartered on Veteran’s Day 2004 with help from mothers and dads of then currently serving military men and women from the Huron County area. The group was designed to serve families in the Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac county areas.

Since the first initial meeting one important function remains part of every Blue Star Mother meeting…soldier updates. In this portion of the meeting, mothers and family members of soldiers give an update as to where their soldier is stationed, when they last heard from the soldier, what their job is, deployment information, and soldier stories.

The “moms” share special events like upcoming weddings, soldier leave (vacation) dates, graduation and or special training education, and the arrival of grandchildren.

The Thumb Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. can be reached by e-mailing Kramer@speednetllc.com or by mailing: BSMA Thumb Chapter #178, PO Box 64, Bad Axe, MI 48413.

Posted in Local News | No Comments »

Bottomlands use agreement reached.

November 13th, 2009

Bottomlands use agreement reached.

Posted using ShareThis

Posted in General | No Comments »

$475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

November 10th, 2009

President Barack Obama signed a bill to the rescue of the planet’s largest group of freshwater lakes.

Tucked inside the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2010, the $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the biggest single-year cash infusion a president has committed to the 10,000-year-old liquid assets on which floats the future of Northeast Ohio. That money aims at the toxic sludge, raw sewage, harmful algae blooms, 185 invasive species and damaged habitat that threaten this precious fresh water.

Posted in Lake Huron Coast | No Comments »

« Older Entries