Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Armada

Armada, MI — On, August 5, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that moved through the area on July 24 and 25.

“These communities were hit hard by the late July storms and tornados and our recovery efforts will continue to get people the help they need, where they need it, as soon as possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “A state declaration ensures state assistance gets to  areas affected by the severe weather as soon as possible, and we will keep monitoring the situation to help communities recover and rebuild.”

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has provided in conjunction with local agencies.

On July 24, a tornado touched down in Armada Township, just outside of Armada Village. The storm moved through the village, and significantly impacted properties both in the village and the township.

“The immediate response efforts in Armada were an amazing example of a community coming together during a crisis,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “As we transition to our rebuilding efforts, this designation from the state will provide much needed resources for residents and local businesses. I want to thank the Governor for her declaration and commitment to support this community.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office

Bridge Traffic Backup Causing Traffic Jams

Backups on the Blue Water Bridge are causing serious delays and traffic jams on eastbound I-94 and M-25/Pine Grove (in both the North and Southbound lanes).

Avoid the area if possible and seek an alternate route into Port Huron if you are travelling on the expressway. As of 2 PM on Friday, Eastbound traffic is backed up just after the Dove Road exit on eastbound I-94.

Festival of Trees Staying at the Hospital for 2021

McLaren Port Huron has decided to host their popular Festival of Trees event at the hospital again this year and forgo the pre-pandemic gala at the Blue Water Convention Center.

Festival of Trees is held from Thanksgiving through the New Year, and last year’s event transformed the South Tower lobby into a winter wonderland. Spectators could drive by and see the beautifully decorated trees through the windows.

The 2021 event raised more than $65,000 to support new technology for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

This year, McLaren Port Huron will transform all main floor public areas into winter wonderlands viewable to the public throughout the South, Main, North, and Karmonos lobbies.

All funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support the purchase of equipment to enhance breast imaging services at the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lexington’s Music in the Park Starts Next Week

The Lexington Arts Council has been holding their Friday Music in the Park Concert Series since the beginning of July, and Dave Bennett, a crowd favorite, will take the stage at Patrick Tierney Park on August 13th at 7:30 PM.

Dave Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso and pianist who has become a favorite at Lexington’s Music in the Park with his Swing Era repertoire and rock-a-billy playlist. According to his website, “Dave’s “Rockin the ‘50s” show always brings down the house! Dave pays tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis (piano and vocals), and Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley (electric guitar and vocals).”

Concerts are free to the public and there is also a free shuttle service to and from the park with busses running continuously from many of Lexington’s churches.

Visitors can bring a lawn chair and purchase refreshments in the park, and concerts happen rain or shine.

For a full schedule of shuttles and concerts, visit the Lexington Arts Council’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Police Ask for Info on Port Huron Shooting

On August 2nd around 11:00 p.m., a 20 year old Detroit resident was sitting in a parked  vehicle on Francis Street near 15th Street when he was approached by two white males. The  victim was ordered out of his vehicle and when he failed to comply, one of the suspects  pulled out a handgun.

The victim attempted to drive away when he was fired upon by one of  the suspects. The victim’s vehicle was struck multiple times with one of the rounds entering  the passenger compartment of the vehicle, striking the victim in his foot. The victim drove  himself to the home of a relative where police and EMS were called. The victim was  transported to McLaren Port Huron with non-life threatening injuries. The suspects were last  seen fleeing the area of Francis Street and 15th Street on foot. 

If you have any information regarding this shooting or have video surveillance/Ring camera  in this area call the Port Huron Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (810) 984-5383 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

New Online 50/50 to Support Community Needs

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has created a new fundraiser that may appeal to lottery lovers. The 50/50 online lottery draw will allow supporters to participate in a digital drawing every month.

Everyone in Ontario can get in on the fun by visiting united5050.ca and buying digital tickets. The tickets are 3 for $10, $20 for 40 or $40 for 200.

Jason Killingsworth, President of United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, said, “The United Way team has been working to secure the lottery license for several months now and we are looking forward to raising the much-needed funds for critical services in Sarnia-Lambton. Our donors have told us that they miss their workplace
United Way 50/50’s since working from home during the pandemic. We hope these monthly draws will help to fill that void.”

United Say of Sarnia Lambton has a $1,750,000 fundraising goal for this campaign year, and they support 20 local organizations that provide 40 programs in the community. All funds raised from the monthly online 50/50 drawings will provide critical service funding to those organizations.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand