George James

National Public Health Week Reminds Community of A Century of Health Gains

It’s National Public Health Week. The St. Clair County Health Department is celebrating the week by diving deeper into issues affecting public health, and rallying around the theme “Public Health is Where You Are”. 

Anyone can check out the daily reflections on the Health Department’s social media accounts. 

In an editorial press release, St. Clair County Health Department Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante reminded the community of the vital role of public health in human history. Vaccines have eliminated things like smallpox and polio. Safer workplaces are the result of public health initiatives. 

Mercatante pointed out that awareness of the dangers of smoking is the result of public health campaigns, and that life expectancy has increased by thirty years over the past century. 

Mercatante said, “Public health touches you every minute of every day and in turn makes our community stronger and more resilient.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Devin Scillian and the Arizona Son to Play SC4 Free Thursdays Series April 14th

St. Clair County Community College is bringing Devin Scillian and his band, the Arizona Son to town. If that name sounds familiar, there’s a good reason. Along with being a country musician, Devin Scillian is the longtime news anchor for Detroit’s WDIV news programs. Scillian also hosts the Sunday news program, Flashpoint on WDIV.

Scillian and his band play everything from traditional country to bluegrass to southern rock. They have produced four albums and many singles. Scillian and the Arizona Sun are big in Europe, having had a number one hit on the charts in Denmark.

The concert is part of the Free Thursday Concert Series, with performances at noon and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th. Autograph and photo opportunities will be provided after the show, along with merchandise sales.

The performances will be held in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. Admission is free, but seating is limited and tickets need to be reserved.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 810-989-5709 or going to https://sc4.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/73?es=o2e25uh1m09rp9efjcjr1s9fa3&single=0

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Don’t Click that Link in Widespread Fraudulent Verizon Text Message

Verizon customers are vulnerable to the latest “smishing” scheme: getting a fraudulent text message from your own cell phone number. The best thing to do is to simply ignore the message. The worst thing to do is click any links.

The messages read “Verizon Free Msg: Latest Bill Processed. Thanks! Here’s a little freebie for you.” The message will use your own name and will have a link to click. Don’t fall for it. Clicking the link could install malware on your phone or could lead you to disclose personal information that will then be used for fraud.

Michigan’s Office of Attorney General has advised that cell phone users are careful when sharing their phone numbers. They should also be wary of texts, even if they appear to come from a familiar number. Never provide financial information to unsolicited texts or linked websites, and never click the links.

Don’t even reply with “STOP”. Doing so alerts the scammers that your number is legitimate and can open the door to further fraudulent texts and calls.

Verizon is aware of the scam and is working with law enforcement to find the culprits.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Project Blue Light to Deter Crime, Build Relationships

Blue lights are going to be going up around town, and there’s a good reason. The Port Huron Police Department is partnering with local businesses to deter crime with Project Blue Light.

The lights signal a relationship between law enforcement and Port Huron bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, stores, and gas stations that have surveillance equipment that meets the standards required by the project.

Lieutenant Jeremy Young said that the point of the Project is to deter crime and build relationships with local businesses. The businesses that agree to have the lights installed agree to partner with police to use their existing surveillance equipment to help the police increase response time and solve crimes if they occur in the vicinity.

Lieutenant Young said, “Ultimately, this program uses advanced surveillance as a deterrent.” Young emphasized that the police are not able to watch live footage, and they only have access to the private property of the businesses with the permission of the business.

So far, many businesses have signed on to the program and residents should start seeing the blue lights in the coming weeks.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Westphal Commended for Bravery

A St. Clair County Sheriff’s Deputy was recently recognized for extreme bravery and for carrying out a successful apprehension to get a dangerous felon into custody.

Deputy Mike Westphal, a nineteen-year veteran, was presented with a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Department Citation last week for his apprehension of an armed suspect who had multiple felony warrants outstanding.

The incident for which Westphal was recognized occurred in December of 2021. Deputy Westphal set up surveillance and ended up pursuing the subject on foot. The subject pulled a gun on Deputy Westphal, at which point, Westphal requested backup and switched from taser to gun. Westphal continued to pursue the subject on foot and eventually from his patrol vehicle. He was able to apprehend the subject and remove the gun, and eventually place the subject under arrest.

St. Clair County Sherriff Mat King said, “I am very proud of Mike and his decision making in an extremely stressful situation. After reviewing the bodycam footage, I found Mike’s actions to be very brave and professional with a suspect who pointed a handgun at him.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland