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Local News

Port Huron Town Hall Making Changes to Future Seasons

Port Huron Town Hall has been bringing guest speakers to the area since 1955 when it was founded by a group of women who wanted to inform and entertain their peers in the Blue Water Area.

The group typically has five presentations throughout the year from October through March, but due to rising costs, the group’s board has decided to condense future seasons.

The 2022 season of Port Huron Town Hall will feature four speakers, and the presentations will occur in September, October, November, and December. The board believes the change will keep the organization financially viable and also prevent their audience from having to navigate winter weather to attend performances.

A letter from the board on their website states, “This decision was not made lightly, and we realize this is a big change. Our costs have risen significantly in the past year prompting us to reevaluate our financial health as an organization to continue for another 60 years.”

The next speaker to present at Port Huron Town Hall is Amy Dickinson, syndicated advice columnist of Ask Amy, Advice for the Real World. She’ll be at McMorran auditorium on February 14, 2022. Tickets are available at the McMorran box office.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Little Black Dress Fundraiser Goes Virtual to Raise Funds for Cancer Patients

The 16th Annual Little Black Dress fundraiser is on the calendar for Friday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m. The event will be virtual again this year, thanks to the spike in Covid cases in the region and the danger of gathering in large groups. Participants can check in on Facebook Live to be part of the annual tradition.

The Little Black Dress event raises funds for the Betty Kearns Cancer Fund to provide support for those in cancer treatment. Last year, 25 families were helped with meeting basic needs while dealing with their cancer diagnoses.

Supporters can get involved by buying raffle tickets. Some of the items on the list this year include a Gift Card Board, Lotto Ticket Board, a Paddle Board & Yeti Cooler, and the popular “Touch a Freighter” experience. There are also trips to Sedona, Arizona and Mackinac Island and catering from Vintage House, among many others.

Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and families are available. Donations of raffle items are being accepted until February 25th.

To buy raffle tickets or to find out more about the cause, go to bluewaterlittleblackdress.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Medical Center’s January 2022 Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its January 2022 Employee of the Month, Lisa Boughner. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and  volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area. 

Lisa works as an Environmental Services Tech and has been an employee at LHMC since June 2017. She was nominated by a peer who commented, “Lisa has great compassion for patients  and nonstop teamwork between departments. Her cleaning is exemplary, but while doing her job  she is constantly helping patients – waters, trays or just talking to brighten up their day – all  while doing her job all in a timely manner. She truly does go above and beyond.”  

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a  special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Lisa, as we celebrate  their accomplishments. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit  www.mylakehuron.com. 

Submitted by Lake Huron Medical Center

Michigan Infrastructure Office Launched

The Michigan Infrastructure Office has been created in response to the windfall of federal money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The money can be used to address needs of roads and bridges, lead pipes, high-speed internet, and the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

On the creation of the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “With passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Michigan will receive billions of dollars to build on our efforts at the state-level. I am proud to establish the Michigan Infrastructure Office to effectively invest these incoming resources in communities across every region of our state.”

Whitmer said, “By establishing this office, we can move full steam ahead toward continuing to improve commutes, keep families safe on the road, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.” 

The office is supported by members of Michigan’s labor unions. Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO said, “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once in a lifetime investment in workers across our country, and the funds coming into Michigan are much needed.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be Aware of Insurance Refund Scams

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is warning those who insure vehicles to be on the lookout for fake insurance refunds.

DIFS Director Anita Fox said, “Whenever there is a widespread distribution of funds to consumers, inevitably there will be bad actors who attempt to take advantage of the situation in order to steal personal information or money from consumers.”

Fox explained, “Your refund check or ACH deposit will come directly from your insurer, and you will not have to take any action to receive it. Never give out personal information to a caller claiming to be from your insurance company.”

Many Michigan auto insurance policy-holders will be refunded $400 per vehicle from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. The money is to be refunded by May 9, 2022.

If anyone is contacted by someone asking for personal information in response to the MCAA insurance refund, they are asked to report it to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a representative of the MCCA, your auto insurance company, or another official, end the communication with the individual reaching out to you, and contact your auto insurer directly. Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov.

If you would like to learn more about the MCCA refunds, DIFS has launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline, eligibility requirements, and tells consumers what to do if they have questions or concerns about their refunds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MSP Study Finds Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

African American and Hispanic drivers are more likely than white drivers to be searched or arrested after traffic stops. That’s not just conjecture. An extensive independent study by the Michigan State Police has proven it.

Michigan State Police Director Colonel Joe Gasper said, “Today, armed with new awareness about our traffic stop activity, we’re taking another step toward transparency for the communities we serve. We will fix this together.” 

The study found that “African Americans were significantly more likely to be involved in a traffic stop than would be expected based on their representation in the population.”

Along with policy review and community engagement, access to better data and educational initiatives for officers are being implemented. Widespread use of body cameras is also planned.

Reverend Dr. Daniel Moore, Sr., Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint and Bridges to B.L.U.E. advisor said, “The results of this study confirm what people of color around the country have always known. Racial disparity in policing is real. I am glad to see the Michigan State Police and Colonel Gasper are taking this head on, and I will work with them to deliver the high standard of law enforcement that everyone deserves.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland