George James

Porch Lights On from 8:00-9:00 p.m. in Remembrance of Lives Lost to COVID

It’s been a year since the first case of COVID-19 was found in Michigan and everything changed from that moment on.

According to statistics from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there have been over 11 million COVID tests done in the state, with over 658,000 cases of infection either confirmed or probable.

Of those infected, over 16,000 deaths were attributed to COVID. St. Clair County has lost 261 people to COVID according to MDHHS records.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist asked Michigan residents to turn their porch lights on today from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. in remembrance of the lives lost.  

Lt. Governor Gilchrist said, “It’s been one year since COVID-19 was found in Michigan, and as a result, this virus has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives, but despite its darkness, we have seen the brightest light shine in the determined resolve of each other during these trying times. The simple act of turning on our lights is a way to remember and honor those we have lost and show that we’re all in this together and we will emerge from this crisis, together.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Thank a Farmer: It’s Food and Agriculture Month

March is Michigan Food and Agriculture Month. The designation is meant to highlight the diversity of Michigan agricultural products that are both grown and processed in the state, along with the diversity of microclimates and soil types that are unique to Michigan. It also honors those who work to feed the world.

Statewide, Michigan agriculture employs 805,000 people and contributes over $104 billion to the economy. The total market value of St. Clair County’s agricultural products was estimated at over $80 million in 2017, according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “Most events and activities for this year’s Michigan Food and Agriculture Month will be offered virtually due to the pandemic, but there will be many opportunities to learn more about how the food and agriculture industry impacts and improves the lives of each of us.”

National Agriculture Day will be celebrated on March 24th, but Michigan State University will be offering programming all month, and the inaugural issue of Michigan Agriculture Magazine will be published this month and distributed at Michigan Welcome Centers and agricultural events.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Teens Make Video to Raise Awareness of Teen Dating Violence

Port Huron, MI — To raise awareness of teen dating violence, Blue Water Safe Horizons partnered with the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to create a video with teens giving other teens the skills to identify unhealthy relationships before they become violent.

Zak Kerhoulas, Chair of the Youth Advisory Council, said, “The St. Clair County YAC is constantly trying to address the youth in our community’s needs, and as February was National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we partnered with Blue Water Safe Horizons to create educational resources for teens in our area who may be struggling with unhealthy or abusive relationships.”

Kerhoulas said that the Council hopes that the video educates those who don’t know much about the signs of dating violence and directs teens who may feel trapped in an abusive relationship to local resources that can provide help.

Elizabeth Sawielski, Executive Director of Blue Water Safe Horizons, said, “The YAC team did such an amazing job on this video and was such an unexpected gift to the community. What a great way to raise awareness! Teens educating the community about teen dating violence and abuse is such an impactful way to get the message out there.”

A link to the short video:

https://www.facebook.com/BWSafeHorizons/videos/746698956028375

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McIvor Appointed to Michigan Veterans Board of Trustees

Paul McIvor, a resident of Yale, has been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Veterans Trust Board of Trustees. His term began on March 5th and expires on February 25th, 2024.

The Trust Fund was created in 1946, starting with $50 million in postwar reserves to assist with the emergency needs of veterans. The Board governs grant policies adjudication, makes appointments to county committees, and discerns expenditures from trust savings.

Mr. McIvor is the post commander for the Yale VFW Post 8594, along with being a member of the St. Clair County Veterans Affairs Committee and participating in Honor Guard ceremonies for veterans in the Blue Water area. McIvor served his country in the United States Army as an engineer.

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund helps with unexpected expenses that veterans may incur, and pays things like utility bills and home repair bills, to help veterans remain financially stable. 

The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board meets monthly in Lansing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lefty’s Famous Cheesesteaks, Hoagies and Grill Open for Business in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Fast food enthusiasts in the area are excited about a new eatery that opened up last week. After much anticipation, Lefty’s Famous Cheesesteaks, Hoagies and Grill is open for business. Their motto is, “If you don’t eat left, you don’t eat right”.

The chain restaurant opened its first Thumb area location in the former White Castle building in the north end of Port Huron. The restaurant is built for drive-through orders and has a counter for ordering, but there is no seating.  

Originating in 2012 in suburban Detroit, Lefty’s has a few locations in Houston and Southern California, but the franchise’s major territory is Southeast Michigan, with the Flint and Port Huron locations being the farthest north.

The Lefty’s menu is unique with plenty for carnivores, from cheesesteaks and hoagies to burgers. They also have fried chicken sandwiches and a variety of French fries. There are a few salads are on the menu, but overall the menu is generously portioned meat sandwiches ranging from $1.99 for a hot dog to $12.79 for a full-sized hoagie. They also have a selection of cheesecakes for dessert.

Lefty’s is located at 2852 Pine Grove, Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Massive Michigan Charity Fraud Shut Down

Unscrupulous telephone marketers posing as charitable organizations but using the money for non-charitable purposes have been exposed and prosecuted in a landmark case. More than $110 million are believed to have been misappropriated by telemarketers posing as legitimate charities, keeping up to 90 cents of each dollar donated.

Charitable tendencies were exploited to the tune of 1.3 billion robocalls to 67 million consumers. Some victims were called hourly, daily, or several times a week, in violation of robocall laws.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, was part of the multi-jurisdiction effort. She said, “Robocall technology such as soundboards allows users to reach a significant target population, and when utilized for deceptive or misleading practices – especially in charitable solicitations – it unfortunately means a significant number of potential victims.”

The agencies charged, Associated Community Services and its subsidiaries, based in Southeast Michigan, agreed to settle the case for their role in representing fake charities, but most of the money is long gone. The sham charities claimed to support children, firefighters, and veterans. Any restitution collected will go into escrow and eventually go to real charities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland