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Local News

Lake Huron Medical Center Ranked as Top 100 Hospital

Lake Huron Medical Center has been named to the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals List for the second time. The Port Huron medical center has been recognized as one of the top-performing medium community hospitals in the nation.

Lake Huron Medical Center, CEO, Jose Kottoor “Choosing a hospital for you and your loved one’s healthcare can be challenging, but hospital ratings can help you make your decision.”

Kottoor said, “We are so excited to be named among the US 100 Top Hospitals, as released by Fortune/Merative. This acknowledgment helps the community choose a safe and high-rated hospital that stands out among the rest in this community.

The hospitals were evaluated by Merative, a data, analytics, and technology partner in the health industry, who recognized excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience, and financial health.

According to Kottoor, “This recognition is a testament to the quality and compassionate care provided by our physicians and staff.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water SandFest 2019 Photo: Jessie Wiegand

Save the Date for SandFest August 5-7

Blue Water SandFest is back this summer, and organizers are celebrating the return of what has become one of the most important sand sculpture competitions in the United States.

SandFest takes place at the Fort Gratiot Light Station on August 5-7th this year, and over 550 tons of sculpt-able sand will be deposited around the grounds of the park. The family-friendly event draws visitors throughout the weekend as they return each day to see the progress on the sand sculptures.

Sand sculptors are a mix of Master and Advanced Amateur
Sculptors from around North America, and the event was named one of USA Today’s Top 10.

This year’s event includes several sculpting competitions, a live music festival, cornhole tournament, and a Kid’s Zone. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Cost is $6 per person and tickets are available both online and at the gate. Children under 4 and all Heroes and Educators are free. Active duty military and veterans, first responders, border patrol, and education employees can show their ID at the gate to receive free admission all weekend.

For more information, visit bluewatersandfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

St Clair County 4-H Fair Ambassadors (1)

4-H Kids Prepare for the St. Clair County Youth Fair

 

4-H ambassadors, Nick and Jake Glombowski and Brooke Strauch share details about this year’s St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair, coming to Goodells County Park on July 18-23, 2022.

 

Learn more about the St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair here:

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Voting Absentee? It’s Time to Request Your Ballot for the August 2nd Primary

Michigan’s primary election is on August 2nd. and it’s a critical one, with many ballot proposals and state legislature elections on the ballot.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “Voters have options in Michigan and, however you cast your ballot, you can have confidence that every vote will be counted securely and your voice will be heard in your community.”

Voters may choose to use absentee ballots instead of voting in person on election day. The options for absentee voting include voting from home or voting early in person at a local clerk’s office.

Registering to vote can be done until July 18th online, or up until 8:00 p.m. on election day at the local clerk’s office.

Those who are already registered can vote from home by requesting an absentee ballot. The request should be made by July 18th to ensure getting it in time. The request can be made in person at their clerk’s office or online at Michigan.gov/vote.

Voters can be sure that their vote is being counted by checking the status of the ballot online or by contacting their clerk’s office.

Over 875,000 Michigan voters have already requested ballots.

In-person voting at polling places is from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 2nd.

A link to a sample ballot can be found below.

https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/PublicBallot/Index

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Help Babies by Donating Diapers and More to Maternal and Infant Health Program Diaper Drive

If you’re looking for a way to help babies and their families, there’s an easy way being offered by the St. Clair County Health Department’s Maternal and Infant Health Program. The Diaper Drive is being offered to individuals as well as any interested organization that wants to make sure local families have what they need to nurture their babies.

Starting July 8th, the Health Department will begin taking donations of new packages of baby diapers in all sizes, baby wipes, rash creams, and baby hygiene items.

Who gets the items? All of the items will go to participants in the Maternal and Infant Health Program. The program is a benefit for Medicaid recipients and Medicaid-eligible pregnant women and babies up to 18 months old. The program helps babies meet growth and developmental milestones.

Donations can be taken to the St. Clair County Health Department on 28th Street in Port Huron during normal business hours. Pickup of donations can also be arranged.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to help the cause. Monetary donations can be made at the St. Clair County Treasurer’s Paypal account.

Drop off donations at the St. Clair County Health Department, 3415 28th Street in Port Huron during regular business hours: Monday 10:00am – 6:30pm or Tuesday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.  MIHP is also providing donation pick-ups by calling (810) 987-4903.  Monetary donations can also be made via St. Clair County Treasurer’s PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sccmitreasurer. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Giant Sale at Woman’s Life Insurance Society July 30th

Woman’s Life Club 11 is preparing for their Giant Sale behind the Woman’s Life Insurance Society building in downtown Port Huron. The Giant Sale is a major fundraiser for the club that helps raise money for local organizations, and this year’s proceeds will benefit the Blue Water YMCA.

The Giant Sale will take place on Saturday, July 30th from 10 AM – 4 PM during the Main Street Memories Car Show. The car show will be at Vantage Point directly behind Woman’s Life Insurance Society, and it draws a huge crowd of car enthusiasts.

The sale offers shoppers a fun twist on a traditional yard sale because none of the items are priced. You can find what you like from the many household items, clothes, sporting goods, and more, and simply offer a cash donation of your choice for your purchases.

Woman’s Life Club 11 is taking donations for the sale, and those who wish to help can contact Vickie Fournier at  810-985-5191 extension 169. The club will receive a match from Woman’s Life Insurance Society on up to $500 of the amount they raise from the sale.

Parking for the event is directly behind the Woman’s Life Insurance Society building off 4th Street.

For more information visit their website here:

https://www.loc8nearme.com/michigan/port-huron/womans-life-insurance-society/6759488/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand