George James

Fatal Accident on McKinley Road

The St. Clair County Sheriff Office is investigating a one vehicle accident that resulted in the death of the driver.

The preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle, a 2011 Ford Escape, was southbound on McKinley Road and lost control near Markel Road. The vehicle rolled over and the driver, a 19
year old Clay Township man, was ejected from the vehicle. Investigation shows he was not
wearing a seat belt.

The man was transported by Tri Hospital EMS to River District Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The passenger, a 22 year old Ira Township man, had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

McKinley Road was shut down for several hours during the investigation. It has been determined that speed was a factor. The St. Clair County Accident Investigation Team is continuing the investigation. The names of those involved are being held at this time pending further notification of family.

Kenockee Fire Department to Get Life-Saving Grain Bin Rescue Tubes

Kenockee Township Fire Department, serving the Avoca area in St. Clair County, is the recipient of a potentially life-saving resource. The department will receive grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to be used if the first responders ever encounter a grain entrapment situation.

Grain bin entrapment is a particularly scary fear that farmers and their families live with, as dozens of lives are lost each year to it. Once someone falls into a bin or wagon full of grain, it is very hard to get out.

Nationwide, an insurance and financial services company, provides the devices and training and has given out 265 rescue tubes since 2014.

Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide said, “It’s been our mission to bring an end to this industry issue by raising awareness of the dangers and supplying needed equipment to the front line rescuers tasked with responding when accidents occur.”

A state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator will be brought to the Kenockee Fire Department to conduct the training and deliver the rescue tubes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Selfridge Air Show To Honor WW2 Vets July 9-10

The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House is honoring World War II veterans this year, along with the traditional air show and display of the military equipment at the base. The show is planned for July 9th and 10th. The theme of this year’s show is “Celebrating the Next Century of Flight at Selfridge”.

The Harrison Township base is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, and admission is free. Preferred seating is available for purchase. The air shows are held from noon to 4:00 each day.

An extensive roster of aircraft will be performing in the air, with appearances by rare and unique planes. The full list can be found at teamselfridge.com.

Fifty World War II veterans will be special guests at Selfridge on July 9th. World War II veterans are getting close to 100 years old if they have not already reached that milestone.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a joint military base that was established in 1917.

Celebrating The Next Century Of Flight

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Library System Wants Yes Vote on August 2nd Millage to Continue Serving Community

Denise Brooks, Chair of the YES Library Committee, said, “The Library Millage is for 1.2 mills over 10 years.”

Brooks said, “The millage will help strengthen and expand current programs and services as well as expand opportunities for broader access.” She encouraged everyone to vote YES on August 2 to support the library.

David Whipple, Chairperson of the St. Clair County Library Board of Trustees explained, “The existing millage ends this year. If the millage does not pass there will be no library and all 11 branches will close. The millage provides 78 percent of the library’s budget.”

Library Director Allison Arnold said,” The library has employed cost-saving measures to reduce expenses over the past several years. Yet, in recent years the library has had to forgo basic technical infrastructure improvements, and program, service and accessibility developments to maintain a balanced operating budget.” 

Library Millage Details can be found at https://www.yeslibrary2022.org/

From St. County Library System Director Allison Arnold:

“The mission of the St. Clair County Library System is to connect our community to the world of information so our residents can be effective, ethical users and producers of ideas and information, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners in order to allow our community to participate fully in our global society. Toward this end, the library provides free educational programs, including early literacy programs for children, and circulates books, magazines, and DVDs. Other services include free public computers; free Wi-Fi access; free online databases including Gale Courses and Ancestry.com; free meeting room access for community groups; free one-on-one assistance with technology; free access to digital books; free interlibrary loan services; and low-cost copy, printing, and fax services.

The library has employed cost-saving measures to reduce expenses over the past several years. Yet, in recent years the library has had to forgo basic technical infrastructure improvements, and program, service and accessibility developments to maintain a balanced operating budget.

COVID-19 and the resulting economic uncertainty has caused a significant reduction in penal fines (fines levied for a violation of the criminal code or a violation against the state), state aid, and interest revenue, which collectively comprise 20% of the library’s annual budget. The St. Clair County Library System’s primary revenue source (almost 80%) is the locally voted property taxes, without which, the Library would not be able to operate.”

From Denise Brooks, Chairman, YES Library Committee:

“The Library Millage is for 1.2 mills over 10 years. For a $160,000 house that would be $96 per year – four hardcover books a year or a couple Starbucks coffees a month. For the wide variety of services available from the library that is a bargain!” 

“The millage will help strengthen and expand current programs and services as well as expand opportunities for broader access. I encourage everyone to vote YES on August 2 to support the library.”

From David Whipple:

“My name is David Whipple. I am Chairperson of the St Clair County Library Board of Trustees. The existing millage ends this year. If the millage does not pass there will be no library and all 11 branches will close. The millage provides 78 percent of the library’s budget. Please join us and vote on August 2 to keep your library open.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Jody Parmann Returns to Local Art Scene with Summer Show

Local artist Jody Parmann is making a comeback on the local art scene after taking some time off to focus on caring for her children. Parmann’s exhibit, “ART of a girl, daughter, sister, woman, wife & mother” will be displayed at the Exquisite Corpse Coffee House in Downtown Port Huron for the month of July and will then move to Kate’s Downtown, also in Downtown Port Huron, for the month of August.

Parmann’s series of paintings reflect the things that she processes as a mother and a woman. Parmann said her piece “Water Yourself Mama” is a reminder to fellow mothers that if they “water” themselves, that self-care trickles down and we become better mothers. 

Parmann let her real-life frustrations with navigating the public school system for her son with autism show in her painting “Let Me Put You Back Together”.

Like many mothers who put their creative pursuits on hold, Parmann had been saving up ideas for artwork as she juggles the responsibilities of the “mundane yet miraculous existence” as a mother.

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3197780947125111

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Levi’s Link Run Raises Funds for Hospital Programs for Kids with Special Needs

Want to experience a challenging run or walk course while helping out kids living with special needs? Levi’s Link is making that possible this weekend.

Levi’s Link is a special needs program at McLaren Port Huron. The program provides individualized care for patients with special needs such as autism, Down’s Syndrome, sensory processing disorders, and others.

There’s still time to sign up for the 5th Annual Levi’s Link 10K, 5K, and One Mile Fun Run and Walk. The walk will be held both virtually and in person. The in-person event is this Sunday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at the Mid-Michigan Materials property on Fisher Road in Jeddo, an expansive gravel pit with challenging terrain. 

Levi’s Link got started by Megan Wilson, a local mother with a son on the autism spectrum, wanting to make an improvement at the hospital. Wilson’ research prompted the creation of Levi’s Link at McLaren Port Huron, which is now a model for programs at other hospitals. The Levi’s Link Program at McLaren Lansing will also benefit from this year’s race.

A link to more information can be found below.

www.levislinkrun.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland