Choze Powell

Millage Proposal to Support EMS on Aug 2 Ballot

A group called Citizens Supporting and Protecting Our Local First Responders is asking for the community’s support in the August 2nd primary. The millage proposal on the ballot called the Ambulance Service proposal will provide funding for EMS services in St. Clair County.

According to the group, demand for EMS services in St. Clair County has increased by 31% over the last 10 years, and funding for services hasn’t kept pace with the increase.

If the proposal passes, it would cost each household in St. Clair County around $50 per year (based on the $100,000 taxable value of a home), and that revenue will prevent EMS services from being reduced.

Ken Cummings, CEO of Tri-Hospital EMS, said, “EMS service is essential. It is a matter of life and death. We proudly answer the call anytime someone needs us, and now we are asking for help so that we can continue serving local residents. While call volumes and costs have risen, our funding has remained stagnant and that’s why we’re seeking community support on Aug. 2nd.”

To learn more about Citizens Supporting and Protecting Our Local First Responders visit their website at:

https://www.sayyestoems.com/

 

 

Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports Makes Recommendations

Note to reader- Title IX : “Title 9”

The Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports has made its first recommendations after three years of research and development. The Task Force has been looking at ways to support and promote opportunities for women and girls in sports in Michigan.

Task Force Chair, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, made the announcement at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week. Benson said that “it’s critical that women and girls in Michigan are provided what they deserve – high quality and equitable opportunities to participate in sports as athletes, coaches, and administrators.”

The Task Force recommends that Federal Title IX laws be expanded and modernized, as the landmark law is now 50 years old. They also recommended that investment in talent and leadership pathways be made to explicitly support the growth of women and girls in and through sports. Another recommendation was to engage the public, youth sports, and business communities to support solutions for equitable opportunities.

A link to the full report can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/35lawens/WIS-Task-Force-Exec-Summary-Web.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Magna Sponsors St. Clair’s Blue Water Offshore Powerboat Races July 29-31

The Blue Water Offshore Racing Association has announced that the St. Clair River Classic Offshore Powerboat Race will be returning to the St. Clair River this summer thanks to a second year of sponsorship from Magna.

Steve Brunner, the president of the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association said, “Partnerships with the local community are critical to the continued success of our event, as we have reshaped how the event looks and is produced. We are extremely excited about this continued partnership with Magna.”

The auto supplier, Magna, which has recently completed construction on a new plant in St. Clair, is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the mobility sector. It is currently supplying battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer electric vehicle.

Chris Hinman, the general manager of Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan said, “We are thrilled to be able to sponsor such an exciting event that’s within two miles of Magna’s newest manufacturing operation. It’s a great opportunity for us to support the community and potentially attract new and future employees.”

The races will be held July 29th through 31st in St. Clair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Suspect Arrested in Burtchville Twp. Drug Bust

The St Clair County Drug Task Force concluded an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in the St. Clair County area on 6-2-22.  The investigation led to a residence in the 3600 Block of Myrtle in Burtchville Twp. 

On 6-2-22 a search warrant was planned to be executed at the location.  Just prior to the warrant being served the target of the investigation left the residence on a motorcycle, and he was taken into custody at Gratiot and Kraft roads in Fort Gratiot. 

While searching the motorcycle, methamphetamine and a large amount of cash were located.  The search of the residence and outbuildings on Myrtle resulted in the discovery of a large amount of Methamphetamine, 2 long guns, ammunition, packaging materials, and a scale. The street value of the meth is in excess of $25,000.  

The suspect is currently lodged in the St. Clair County Jail awaiting his current charges.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force

Sheriff Mat King St Clair County Sheriff Drug Task Force

How Bad is Port Huron’s Drug Problem wsg. Sheriff Mat King

 

Is the drug problem in Port Huron as bad as some people think? How do you know if there is drug activity in your neighborhood? Why does it seem like the police aren’t doing anything about the report you called in?

Sheriff Mat King answers questions about what the community can do to help law enforcement find and catch drug dealers along with the unique aspects of fighting drug crime in our area.

Learn more about the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Task Force here:

https://www.facebook.com/stclaircountysheriff.org

Report suspected drug activity by calling (800) 243- DRUG

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

East China Kidnapping Victim Released

An East China woman who was allegedly abducted early Wednesday morning and held in an Ohio hotel was released after a 12 hour standoff between police and her alleged abductor. Police arrested Gabriel Charles Wagner, a 52 year old man from St. Clair Shores, on felony warrants, and he may face charges in both Michigan and Ohio related to the incident.

The incident began at around 2:30 AM on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, when a 47 year old man from East China called 911. The man said he was seriously injured by Wagner who then forced the female victim into a car and fled.

Police searched for Wagner and the female victim, and located them around 10 AM Wednesday morning at an Ohio hotel just off I-75.

Police negotiated with Wagner in what they described as an “armed barricade incident” until around 10 PM that evening when they were able to take Wagner into custody and transport him to Hancock County Jail.

According to a press release from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office, the victim was taken to a hospital “for evaluation and non-life-threatening injuries,” and their detectives are working with the Findlay, Ohio police on the case.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand