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Local News

Sarnia Revises COVID Guidance to Follow County, Province

The Province of Ontario is lifting capacity limits and physical distancing requirements in those places where proof of vaccination is required. Sarnia is following suit with lifting restrictions in the city arenas.

Mask wearing is still mandatory. Proof of vaccination for anyone over the age of 12 is required for all sports and recreational facilities in Lambton County, by November 30th.

The borders are now open for non-essential travel between Canada and the United States, but there are requirements to follow. Non-essential travelers must be vaccinated with few exceptions.

For Canadians heading back into Canada, even after a brief trip, and anyone else crossing the border, a negative coronavirus molecular test, taken within the last 72 hours is required. A rapid test is not acceptable.

Ontario is planning to lift remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022.

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/provinces#entering

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

United Way Campaign Needs Your Help

The United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with donors in their workplaces, and they receive the bulk of their support from campaigns run in local businesses.

They are facing several setbacks this year, including the closure of a local manufacturing plant that generated many contributions, and the 2021 Campaign could use support from the community.

Executive Director Brett Gillette said, “United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with individuals through presentations and answering questions when going into our local plants and businesses. Talking with employees is what we do best. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the opportunity as often as we would like. Our community has stepped up in many ways to help us with the shortfall and we are thankful, however we still have a long way to go to meet our goal”.

All money contributed to United Way of St. Clair County goes back into the community, funding many of the area’s nonprofit organizations and focusing on those that meet the needs such as teaching life skills to youth, constructing ramps for those who are handicapped, and providing 211 service to St. Clair County.

To get involved in United Way of St. Clair County as a volunteer or donor, call 810-985-8169 or visit their website <HERE>.

Here are some opportunities to help now:

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Read for Life Needs Tutoring Volunteers

Students have had a rough two years and many young learners are in need of some additional help. The Read for Life program is looking for volunteers to help with their tutoring program at the Literacy Academy at Cleveland Elementary.

The program needs help with tutoring first and second graders on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 in the afternoon.

Organizer Mary Depner said that volunteers “work with students starting with where their reading ability is and try to catch them up to grade level so they become successful in school and will graduate.  We hope they will continue their education or a training program so they will break the cycle of poverty in their lives.”

Depner said there is a big celebration when the student can say, “I can read”. It often makes behavior problems go away and the students then become leaders.

Depner shared that illiteracy is closely tied to future incarceration, juvenile delinquency, and poverty. Read for Life has been reaching out to increase literacy and break the cycle of poverty since 2010.

For more information, please call or text Mary Depner at 810-334-4567 or email marydepner@yahoo.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron on Lockdown

UPDATED 11/9/21: Port Huron Police report that a 41 year old male from Port Huron made the call to the hospital, but he has denied making the threats.

Police are continuing to investigate, and those who have information can contact them at (810) 984-8415 or (810) 987-6688. Anonymous texts can also be made by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an Apple or Android device. Tips can also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org.

UPDATED at 11/8/2021 at 1:35 PM: The lockdown has been lifted. Business as usual has resumed at the hospital, and Port Huron Police are investigating the source of the call.

11/8/21  12:07 PM: McLaren Port Huron Hospital is currently on lockdown after a bomb threat received by phone just after 10 AM this morning.

Hospital officials immediately notified the Port Huron Police Department and officers are working to resolve the situation.

According to Jennifer Carbary, Marketing Director for McLaren Port Huron, “No visitors are allowed at the hospital right now, and all appointments have been cancelled until 2 p.m. Otherwise, patient care within the hospital is continuing as usual.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Jobs Court Plans to Fill Jobs with Low-Level Offenders

In today’s tight job market, employers are changing the way they look at employing those with a criminal record.  A Jobs Court has been proposed to keep those convicted of low-level nonviolent crimes employed. The initiative is part of the MI Safe Communities Plan.

The Jobs Court model is being promoted by both state government leaders, judges, and industry leaders like the United Auto Workers and others.

Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights said, “The Michigan Jobs Court Pilot Program represents a tremendous opportunity to curb recidivism and help fill the gap in Michigan’s skilled-trades workforce. We know the transformative power of giving someone the skills and the opportunity to work for a better life, and we are proud to give this program our full support.” 

The Jobs Court is proposed to start out as a pilot program, with a $5.5 million price tag, in Wayne, Genesee, and Marquette counties.

Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack endorsed the plan, saying, “This is not a free ride but a common sense approach that solves problems and strengthens communities.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Chili and Coats Event Nov. 20 at Woodrow Wilson: Donations Welcome

Chili and coats. Both are ways to keep warm and both will be given away on November 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Woodrow Wilson Steam Academy Gymnasium on Chestnut Street in Port Huron.  

The outreach program is part of a collaboration of ministry, business partners, and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, who are all working to connect with families in need in the mid-town Port Huron area.

Pastor Kim Brown of Zion Cathedral of Praise International Ministries said that this is the 8th year of the event and that up to 300 coats are given away each year. New and gently used coats are still needed, along with winter wear like boots, hats, and gloves. They can be brought to the school between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the giveaway.

There will also be a food truck on site. Chili is being prepared by Blue Water Christian Church, and there are raffle baskets and prize drawings throughout the day.

The event is first-come, first-serve for receiving the coats. Volunteers are still needed and can show up at the event to get assigned a job.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland