Hunter Hospitality House Recognizes Volunteers, Cancels Fundraiser
Port Huron, MI — Due to COVID-19 concerns, Hunter Hospitality House cancelled their Hope Blooms Fundraiser that was planned for August 26 at the Blue Water Convention Center. The event is a major fundraiser for the non-profit that provides free lodging to those with loved ones in local hospitals.
Several awards are usually given out at Hope Blooms, and the cancellation of the event didn’t stop Hunter Hospitality House from recognizing their volunteers.
The M. Martha Koerber Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Barbara Teller in recognition of her six years of dependable house cleaning work. Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, said, “When we need something done thoroughly and with exceptional excellence, like training new volunteers, ‘Barb’ is our go-to gal!”
The other award is the Paula Flynn Godwin Spirit of Hunter Hospitality House Award. The award was given to Hannah Yurgens. According to Willard, “Anyone who knows Hannah knows that when she finds a cause she’s passionate about, nothing will stop her from helping them. She literally bubbles over with enthusiasm, as does her son, Adam Watson, who also volunteers for HHH.”
The 2021 Hope Blooms event is being planned. Tickets for the 2020 event will be honored at the 2021 fundraiser.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Mary Kelly Seeking Supreme Court Justice Seat
Port Huron, MI — Port Huron attorney Mary Kelly is hoping to be a Republican nominee to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court will be on the November ballot this year. One is held by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, a Democratic nominee, who is seeking re-election. The other seat will be vacated by Justice Stephen Markman, a Republican nominee, who has aged out, preventing reelection.
Kelly has served over 30 years as a St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney. She has been the Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney since 2004. She was the lead attorney for the launch of the Criminal Sexual Conduct Unit. Kelly graduated from Michigan State University in 1980 and is a 1984 graduate of the Detroit College of Law.
At this point, there is one other candidate seeking one of the two nominations from the Michigan Republican Party. Brock Swartzle, a Court of Appeals Judge, has announced his candidacy as well. The nominees will be finalized at the Michigan Republican State Convention on August 29. The Republicans currently hold the majority with four of the seats on the court. The Democrats have already chosen their two nominees, incumbent Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and Elizabeth Welch. The eight-year term on the Supreme Court begins in 2021.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Coast Guard Asks Boaters to Stay Sober on the Water
Port Huron, MI — The Safe Boating Campaign and the U.S. Coast Guard are reminding boaters that drinking and boating can be a deadly combination. Getting out on the water and partaking of adult beverages may be a hallmark of the July 4th holiday for many, but both passengers and operators are asked to practice moderation.
Peg Phillips, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council, said, “Operating a boat – or even being a passenger – is incredibly risky while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunken passengers can easily fall overboard, swim near the propeller, lean over the side, or stand up in small boats causing the boat to capsize.”
The Coast Guard is partnering with law enforcement for Operation Dry Water which includes both heightened enforcement and awareness of boating under the influence. Since the Operation’s inception in 2009, over 4,000 boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs have been removed from the water. Consequences of getting cited for impaired boating range from a misdemeanor with a fine as low as $100 up to a felony with significant jail time and hefty fines if injury or death results or if minors are involved.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
State AG Warns of Unemployment Scammers
Port Huron, MI — Beware of unemployment scams. Filing for unemployment continues to be a headache for many Michiganders. Making matters worse, scammers are looking to prey on desperate out-of-work residents. The scammers are using social media, especially Facebook, to offer their “help” with the benefits process.
According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the offer to help may actually be a ploy to get applicants to commit fraud. She said, “Do not under any circumstance pay a fee or offer up your personal information to someone on social media.”
Besides requesting fees, these criminals can be seeking personal information to commit identity theft and to steal benefits. They may also be offering false information that can lead to denial of benefits or even criminal or administrative penalties.
Unemployment offices are still closed statewide, and residents seeking benefits must file by phone or online. Suspected fraud resulted in 340,000 accounts being frozen in early June. A state task force is now working on weeding out fraudulent claims from those of the truly jobless.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Sarnia Launches Community Improvement Plan
Sarnia, ON — The city of Sarnia is looking for community help in reviewing and updating its Community Improvement Plans. The goals of the project are affordable housing, neighborhood and downtown revitalization, and public space improvements.
The plan will help target public investments to spur private investment. The investments are intended to enhance the quality of the public realm while creating a focus for community activities. There are opportunities for addressing beautification along the waterfront along with identifying changes needed pertaining to land use, zoning, and other policies.
The three commercial areas that the Plan will focus on are Downtown Sarnia, Mitton Village, and Northgate. There is a schedule of events that involve the public, kicking off on July 7th with a public engagement program. Residents, business owners, community groups, and others are invited to sign up for the program.
The website SpeakUpSarnia.ca has more information. The project is being led by Eric Hyatt, Planner with the City of Sarnia and The Planning Partnership/MDB Insight.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland