George James

New internal government data shows more than half of Sarnia-Lambton’s long-term care homes fell short of the provincial standard for hands-on resident care in ’23 & 24. Six out of ten local facilities did not meet the target of 3 hours and 42 minutes of daily direct care per resident. Non-profit and municipal homes generally outperformed for-profit operators, with Sumac Lodge providing the lowest average at just under three hours per resident. The province plans to raise care standards to four hours per day.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Huron County funeral home director Terry Alvin Kaufman appeared in court last Thursday as proceedings focused on exchanging evidence, not new details of the alleged embezzlement. Kaufman’s attorney requested discovery materials be sent on a flash drive instead of by email to handle more than 4,000 pages efficiently. The state was also allowed to share tax records with both sides. Kaufman faces multiple felony charges including embezzling nearly $193,000 from 55 victims over the past decade. He is scheduled for a preliminary exam on January 9th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A two-vehicle crash on North Van Dyke Road in Lamotte Township last week sent one driver to the hospital. A 19-year-old Cass City man rear-ended a slowing 53-year-old Decker woman’s Hummer near Mushroom Road. The impact pushed both vehicles into ditches. Emergency crews treated both on scene, and the woman was taken to Aspire RHS in Cass City. Authorities say neither drugs nor alcohol were factors, and the names involved are being withheld pending further investigation.

Blue Water Home Care & Hospice is holding its first “Light Up a Life” campaign under its new name, inviting local families to honor loved ones this holiday season. Blue lights will cover the Tree of Remembrance, each symbolizing someone special who has passed and the caregivers who supported them. Donations stay right here in the Blue Water area, helping provide quality hospice care for families who cannot afford it. The campaign runs through December, and residents can contribute to remember someone meaningful while supporting neighbors in need. Visit bwhch.org/lul

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet