Choze Powell

Attempted Sexual Assault at Sanborn Park

On Monday, November 8th, Port Huron Police responded to a report of an attempted sexual  assault. Officers discovered that the assault occurred at 5:30 p.m. in the wooded area of  Sanborn Park. 

A 25 year old female Port Huron resident had been jogging around/in the park when she was  attacked by an unknown male. There was a struggle and the male fled before completing the  sexual assault. The suspect is described as a white male in his 30’s with a medium build.  

Port Huron Police officers, K-9 unit, detectives, and the Major Crimes Unit responded to the  scene and the investigation is ongoing.  

If you observed a suspicious white male following a white female wearing a bright yellow  jacket in the area of Sanborn and Appomattox around 5:30 pm yesterday, have a Ring  Camera in the area that may help, or have any information about this assault contact the Port  Huron Police Department (810) 984-8415 or CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688.  

Anonymous texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip  to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an apple or android device. Tips can  also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org. 

Submitted by Port Huron Police Department

United Way Campaign Needs Your Help

The United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with donors in their workplaces, and they receive the bulk of their support from campaigns run in local businesses.

They are facing several setbacks this year, including the closure of a local manufacturing plant that generated many contributions, and the 2021 Campaign could use support from the community.

Executive Director Brett Gillette said, “United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with individuals through presentations and answering questions when going into our local plants and businesses. Talking with employees is what we do best. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the opportunity as often as we would like. Our community has stepped up in many ways to help us with the shortfall and we are thankful, however we still have a long way to go to meet our goal”.

All money contributed to United Way of St. Clair County goes back into the community, funding many of the area’s nonprofit organizations and focusing on those that meet the needs such as teaching life skills to youth, constructing ramps for those who are handicapped, and providing 211 service to St. Clair County.

To get involved in United Way of St. Clair County as a volunteer or donor, call 810-985-8169 or visit their website <HERE>.

Here are some opportunities to help now:

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

McLaren Port Huron on Lockdown

UPDATED 11/9/21: Port Huron Police report that a 41 year old male from Port Huron made the call to the hospital, but he has denied making the threats.

Police are continuing to investigate, and those who have information can contact them at (810) 984-8415 or (810) 987-6688. Anonymous texts can also be made by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an Apple or Android device. Tips can also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org.

UPDATED at 11/8/2021 at 1:35 PM: The lockdown has been lifted. Business as usual has resumed at the hospital, and Port Huron Police are investigating the source of the call.

11/8/21  12:07 PM: McLaren Port Huron Hospital is currently on lockdown after a bomb threat received by phone just after 10 AM this morning.

Hospital officials immediately notified the Port Huron Police Department and officers are working to resolve the situation.

According to Jennifer Carbary, Marketing Director for McLaren Port Huron, “No visitors are allowed at the hospital right now, and all appointments have been cancelled until 2 p.m. Otherwise, patient care within the hospital is continuing as usual.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Jobs Court Plans to Fill Jobs with Low-Level Offenders

In today’s tight job market, employers are changing the way they look at employing those with a criminal record.  A Jobs Court has been proposed to keep those convicted of low-level nonviolent crimes employed. The initiative is part of the MI Safe Communities Plan.

The Jobs Court model is being promoted by both state government leaders, judges, and industry leaders like the United Auto Workers and others.

Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights said, “The Michigan Jobs Court Pilot Program represents a tremendous opportunity to curb recidivism and help fill the gap in Michigan’s skilled-trades workforce. We know the transformative power of giving someone the skills and the opportunity to work for a better life, and we are proud to give this program our full support.” 

The Jobs Court is proposed to start out as a pilot program, with a $5.5 million price tag, in Wayne, Genesee, and Marquette counties.

Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack endorsed the plan, saying, “This is not a free ride but a common sense approach that solves problems and strengthens communities.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Foundations House Provides Housing for Homeless Senior Citizens

The Foundations House in Port Huron provides housing for seniors in the community who may otherwise be experiencing homelessness or who may be on the brink. The low inventory of available housing makes it difficult for seniors, and anyone else, to find an affordable rental right now.

Erin Goodman, the Elderly/Disabled Service Coordinator with the Port Huron Housing Commission said the Foundations House “provides seniors in our community who are experiencing homelessness a place to call home, while they find a permanent housing solution. These seniors will be matched with resources in the community to ensure their success in finding permanent housing.”

The fully furnished two-bedroom home currently has a partial vacancy. Referrals are made through the Blue Water Community Action Agency.

The St. Clair County Commission on Aging is funding the Foundations house with revenue from the senior millage fund. The idea came about through Housing Matters, Inc, a non-profit that explores housing needs in the community. The Foundations House is for seniors age 60 and older.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Repeals 6% Sales Tax on Menstrual Products

Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 5267, half of a bipartisan package to repeal the tax on essential menstrual products, including tampons, driving down costs and saving families from paying taxes on up to $4,800 of spending over the course of a lifetime. The governor will sign the second bill in the package today.

“After years of trying to repeal this tax, I am proud that we are bringing people together to put Michiganders first and drive down costs on these essential products,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Everyone should be able to take care of their most basic healthcare needs without an unnecessary added financial burden.”

Over the course of a lifetime, the average menstruating Michigander has 456 periods, totaling 6.25 years, and uses 17,000 tampons or pads. Despite the necessity, expense, and frequency of need, Michiganders pay a 6% tax when they purchase tampons, pads, or other menstrual products.

The typical cost for these products is $7 to $10 per month, which adds up to between $3,360 and $4,800 over the course of a lifetime. Repealing the tax will drive down costs for millions of Michiganders.

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office