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Army National Guard

Whitmer Proposes Upgrades to National Guard Facilities

Governor Whitmer proposed a $105.8 million investment in Michigan’s Army National Guard (MIARNG) facilities to make them more female-friendly. The building upgrades will reflect the changing face of the MIARNG which has nearly 1,500 women serving in its ranks.

There are 37 MIARNG facilities that will be improved under the proposed investment, and many of them were constructed in a time when the force was primarily male.

“It is a matter of fairness and equity that the state should embark on a mission to update these facilities to ensure parity with the facilities provided to male soldiers,” said Whitmer. “Women are a growing segment of the population stepping up to serve our state and nation and the facilities available to them should match this commitment.”

The Michigan Army National Guard’s local facility is the Port Huron Armory on Dove Street. The Port Huron Armory could receive a $3M in upgrades to its facilities.

The investment is contingent on the Legislature including it in the budget bills that are in the process of being developed and negotiated with the Governor.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Two Port Huron Men Arraigned Following Drug Raid

Port Huron, MI – Two Port Huron men have been arraigned following a drug raid in the city of Port Huron June 9th.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation ended with a search warrant being served at a residence in the 900 block of St. Clair Street last Wednesday at about 8:00 p.m.  Once inside the home, members of the DTF located and seized a dealer’s quantity of heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The two men arrested, 31 year old Chad Hamilton and 26 year old Jesse Sawdon, were arraigned Sunday in 72nd District Court in Port Huron.  Hamilton is charged with delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine, delivery/manufacture of heroin/fentanyl less than 50 grams, maintaining a drug house, resisting/obstructing a police officer and being a habitual 4th offender.  His bond was set at $75,000 cash/surety.  Sawdon is charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 25 grams and being a habitual 4th offender.  His bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety.

Both men will face a probable cause hearing on June 22nd at 9:00 a.m. in Port Huron’s 72nd District Court.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and K-9 Unit and the U.S. Border Patrol K-9 Unit also assisted at the scene of the investigation.

Submitted by the St. Clair County’s Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force

Michigan Reaches 60% Vaccinated

Governor Whitmer announced last week that Michigan has reached the 60% mark in its COVID-19 vaccination rate. Whitmer said that cases of COVID-19 in the state are falling fast which she believes positions the state’s economy for a strong recovery.

Whitmer said, “I know that we can give Michigan the economic jumpstart it needs with the billions in available federal funds and our multi-billion dollar budget surplus. We will emerge from this once-in-a-century pandemic stronger than ever, and I am confident that we can make lasting, transformative investments in our schools, small businesses, and communities to help them thrive.”

Active cases of COVID-19 fell to 4,058 last week, down from 6,363 on June 1st.

The St. Clair County Health Department has also moved most of its vaccine services back to their main building and the Teen Health Center, although there may be pop-up clinics in certain areas as needed.

Dr. Annette Mercatante and Justin Westmiller have been doing a weekly live Q&A session on the Health Department’s Facebook page, and their updates are transitioning to a monthly format beginning in July. The next event is July 1, 2021 at 3:30 PM.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Approved Bill Will Help Diabetic Michiganders

Senator Kevin Daley sponsored a pair of bills that would allow pharmacists to dispense insulin under certain emergency situations. The bill was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives last week and now moves to the Governor for consideration.

Senate Bill 155 would allow pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day supply of insulin to an individual if the individual has no current refills on file, but they have a preexisting relationship with that pharmacy, and the pharmacist cannot get ahold of the original prescriber.

A partner bill, SB 156, would amend the Insurance Code so an emergency refill dispensed in this situation would be covered by an individual’s health insurance.

Senator Daly said, ““Countless people rely on insulin to survive. There needs to be a safety net in place that helps patients instead of government barriers that deny them their life-saving medication. This bill would do just that and provide a peace of mind for patients across the state.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Education Advisory Council

Local Leaders Added to Education Advisory Council

Several leaders in education and economic development were added to the newly created Education Advisory Council by Congresswoman Lisa McClain. They will serve as trusted advisors to McClain on education issues that affect Michigan’s 10th Congressional District.

From St. Clair County, Dan Casey, CEO of the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA), and St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) Superintendent Kevin Miller were added to the council to contribute knowledge of the county’s workforce, businesses, and education system.

McClain said the council will focus on all areas of education, but primarily deal with alternatives to post-secondary education like programs that develop the skilled labor force and offer training for skilled trades.

“Manufacturing companies are among the largest employers in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, and our manufacturers are struggling to find skilled labor to fill open positions due to a skills gap and lack of information on trade and apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. McClain. “I look forward to working with my Education Advisory Council on finding ways to bolster our apprenticeship and trade programs in the district and provide resources to students on the benefits of these programs.”

The Education Advisory Council also includes: Romeo High School Academy Coach Rich Boggio, Southeast Michigan Construction Academy Director of Education DeAnna Morley, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Director Vicky Rowinski, Macomb Community College President Jim Sawyer, Dakota High School Career and Technical Education Teacher Adam Carr, and State Representative Gary Howell.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Bridge Back Open – Suspicious Container NOT Explosive Device

Port Huron, MI — On June 10, 2021 at 7:36 a.m. a suspicious container was observed near the train tracks and the scenic turnout north of the Blue Water Bridge by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent who happen to come across it. The Port Huron Police and Fire Department arrived.

The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene to examine it. At 9:24 a.m. the container was found to be a mechanical/electrical device in a cylinder shape
similar in size of a two liter bottle. It was not an explosive device.

Tri- Hospital EMS, Lake State Railway, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as St. Clair County Homeland Security Emergency Management assisted at the scene.

Port Huron Police Officers and the Department of Public Works had blocked off street access. International traffic was stopped at the Blue Water Bridge for under 90 minutes. The United States Coast Guard and the Port Huron Fire Department stopped boat traffic in the area as a precaution. Everything has been re-opened. We would like to thank all agencies for their cooperation and response to this incident.

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department