George James

Elder Abuse Task Force Advocates for Awareness

Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force is focusing on the rights of nursing home residents. A new video makes the public aware of the rights of residents of nursing homes and what to do if rights have been violated.

The video explains how to recognize, report, and prevent adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Task Force advocates for building relationships with the elderly in order to recognize their needs and potential neglect or abuse.

Financial abuse is a common form of elder exploitation. Signs of financial abuse include unpaid bills, unusual changes in spending patterns such as checks made out to cash, missing household items, and large purchases such as a car for someone who doesn’t drive. Changes to wills and deeds are also a red flag as to an elder being taken advantage of.

Suspected cases of elder abuse can be reported to the Michigan Office of Attorney General or by calling the hotline at 855-444-3911.

A link to the Elder Abuse Task Force video can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-82917_107074—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Better Together” Kitten and Cat Adoption Special at SCC Animal Control

St. Clair County Animal Control is gearing up for kitten season, which lasts from April to August and the public can help with either giving kittens and grown cats a home or by supporting a virtual “Kitten Shower” to get the animals off to a good start.

Director Melissa Miller said that they are running a “Better Together” promotion where the first cat adoption costs $75 and adopting a second cat or kitten is only $25. Cats often do better with a buddy.

Miller said that she currently has a great assortment of adult cats aged two to ten that have been surrendered by owners going through life changes.

Animal Control is also having an online kitten shower where animal lovers can send the most needed items, like high-quality cat food, cat litter, and other items to Animal Control. Cash donations are also gladly accepted.

Miller also reminded that if you find a group of healthy kittens alone, don’t rush to “save” them. Their mom might be off hunting. Keep an eye on them for about twelve hours and if mom doesn’t come back, then take them to Animal Control.

Links to more information can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2QZQWZH9RVKM2/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sccanimals

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Construction Planned for Pine Grove Between M-136 and Hancock

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced a new project that will disrupt traffic on a busy road in St. Clair County while making much-needed repairs to a critical stretch of roadway. 

M-25, better known as Pine Grove Avenue, is in line to get some major improvements between Hancock Street and M-136, stretching from the City of Port Huron into Fort Gratiot Township. 

An informational meeting is planned for Thursday, March 24th at 5 p.m. and will be held virtually. Interested residents and local businesses are invited to join MDOT staff and contractors. 

The $5.8 million investment includes resurfacing and improvements over the Black River Spillway. According to MDOT, work includes paving, curb and gutter work, drainage improvements, new signage, and guardrail and joint replacements. 

The road will remain open during the work, but delays are inevitable. There will be a detour posted for traffic traveling south and turning onto Holland Avenue. Work is expected to be completed by August. 

Meeting details can be found at WGRT.com. 

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only): 248-509-0316 

Phone Conference ID: 630 604 589#

Public comment:

Comments and input can be submitted by mail, online comment form, or e-mail to Linda Burchell BurchellL@Michigan.gov,  phone, in addition to the public meeting.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Mecanum Knights are In It to Win It as Robotics Season Gets Underway

High School robotics competitions are back and no one is more excited than Team 3667, the Mecanum Knights, representing Port Huron Schools. After two years without in-person events, the team is ready to show what they can do.

The team competed at Kettering University in Flint last weekend and made it to the semi-finals, while also winning the prestigious Entrepreneurship Award.

Port Huron Schools Enrichment Coordinator Kristen McRobie said, “Our team had a late start this year compared to our past seasons.  We have a new coach, new mentors, and our student roster is filled with mostly rookie kids so it has been a ‘re-building’ year for us.”

McRobie said that the team has set some new goals to accomplish and will adjust and add some things to their robot prior to their second District competition at Macomb Community College on April 1st and 2nd.

This year’s competition explores the future of transportation and challenges teams to explore sustainable transportation innovations.

Follow the Mecanum Knights on their Facebook page to stay updated on the team’s competition season.

https://www.facebook.com/Team3667

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Medical Center Recognized for Exceptional Patient Safety 

Lake Huron Medical Center has received the 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades. The award goes to the top 5% of all short-term acute care hospitals that are evaluated by Healthgrades. 

The Port Huron facility, a member of Prime Healthcare, has also been recognized as the only five-star facility in St. Clair County by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has also received straight As since 2018 from Leapfrog, a patient safety indicator. 

Healthgrades is looking in particular for common patient injuries like hip fractures, collapsed lungs, bedsores, and bloodstream infections acquired in hospital. If all hospitals had the level of care of their Patient Safety Award recipients, over 100,000 injuries could be avoided. 

Jose Kottoor, Chief Executive Officer at Lake Huron Medical Center, said, “Providing high-quality, compassionate, comprehensive and cost-effective health care to the mind, body, and spirit of all those who walk through our doors is not just something we say; it’s what we do.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland