George James

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

Friends of the St. Clair River, Thumb Land Conservancy Win Grants from Bioregion Reparation Fund

The Port Huron-based Bioregion Reparation Fund is funding two projects in St. Clair County. Grants are going to the Thumb Land Conservancy and the Friends of the St Clair River.

The Bioregion Reparation Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Founded in 2018, the fund was started by the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, whose goal is to respond to issues of justice, peace, and integrity of creation.  Port Huron’s Full Circle Eco-House of Prayer is operated by local Sisters Veronica Blake and Conception Gonzalez, who are part of the international congregation.

Sister Veronica Blake said, “We partnered with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to manage our fund to help continue the legacy of this important work of raising awareness for the beauty of Earth and its present crises.”

One grant will go toward the construction of a kiosk at the Bidwell Sanctuary in Burtchville where the Thumb Land Conservancy is preserving the rare, ancient beach ridge ecosystem. The other grant will be used to support a summer intern with the Friends of the St. Clair River.

More information can be found at WGRT.com.

For more information, call Full Circle at 810-364-3326 or visit www.fullcircleretreat.org.

To learn how to make a donation to Bioregion Reparation Fund, visit www.fullcircleretreat.org/bioregion-reparation-fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Softball is Back With the New Port Huron Athletic Association

The Port Huron Athletic Association is a newly established recreational softball league that is set to bring exciting games to both players and spectators.

The Association just started this year and is gearing up for a fresh season with men’s, women’s, and youth leagues.

Softball Coordinator Brian Larsen said that the league was created to bring softball games back to Pine Grove Park, Knox Field, and 16th Street fields in Port Huron. The new Port Huron Athletic Association replaces the Port Huron Competitive Sports Association, which folded during the pandemic.

Larsen said that he hopes to have full leagues in all divisions. There has been a lot of interest so far, and there are enough teams to get leagues started soon.

You don’t have to play to be part of the fun. The public is invited to watch the games. Larsen said, “There used to be packed stands at Pine Grove Park for league Modified games. It would be great to see that again.”

A link to more information can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.porthuronrec.com/phaasoftball

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland