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Port Huron Town Hall Spencer Stone

Spencer Stone Coming to Port Huron Town Hall

The Port Huron Town Hall speaker series started back up in October, and organizers are planning for their next guest, Spencer Stone, to appear on McMorran’s stage in November.

Spencer Stone is a former Air Force Staff Sgt. who is best known for being part of the group that stopped a terrorist attack on a Paris-bound train in 2015. The events that unfolded that day were featured in the movie The 15:17 to Paris directed by Clint Eastwood. Stone and his friends played themselves in the movie.

To get tickets to Spencer Stone’s presentation on November 8th at 10:30 AM, you must visit the McMorran Box office in person Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM or Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Tickets are also available by phone at 810-985-6166 or by mail.

More information is available at porthurontownhall.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

House Passes Congressional Gold Medal Bill

On Monday, October 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. The bill was initiated by Congresswoman Lisa McClain and co-sponsored by 325 members of Congress.

McClain said, “These 13 fallen warriors, along with many others, made the ultimate sacrifice. Each of them knew their duty, and they accepted the risks. Not many answer the call, but they volunteered anyways.”

Of the 13 servicemembers lost on August 26th,  11 were Marines, 1 was an Army soldier, and 1 belonged to the Navy.

  • David L. Espinoza – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Nicole L. Gee – Marine Corps Sgt.
  • Darin T. Hoover – Marine Corps Staff Sgt.
  • Ryan C. Knauss – Army Staff Sgt.
  • Hunter Lopez – Marine Corps Cpl.
  • Rylee J. McCollum – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Dylan R. Merola – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Kareem M. Nikoui – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Johanny Rosario Pichardo – Marine Corps Sgt.
  • Humberto A. Sanchez – Marine Corps Cpl.
  • Jared M. Schmitz – Marine Corps Lance Cpl.
  • Maxton W. Soviak – Navy Hospital Corpsman
  • Daegan W. Page – Marine Corps Cpl.

“We often forget about the families who have lost even more. To be a Gold Star Family is an honor no one wishes for. We owe our sincerest gratitude to the families who eagerly awaited these 13 servicemembers return. These families bear the greatest burden of their loved ones sacrifice, and we can never thank them in a way that will make up for their loss,” said McClain.

The Bill now moves to the Senate for approval.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4’s “We Are Still Here” to Tell Story of Native History

Most students of American history know that in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue, but do they know anything about indigenous culture or pre-colonial North America? The St. Clair County Community College Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be offering a chance to get a history lesson from a different perspective with the “We are Still Here” presentation for Native American History month.

The presentation will be on November 5th from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theater on the Port Huron campus.

“We are Still Here” is being facilitated by Banashee (Joe) Cadreau and Giddigongookskwe (Jade) Green. The pair will be discussing indigenous culture in Michigan as well as in the entire United States and Canada. Michigan is the home of the “three fires” people: the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatami.

Both presenters, who are members of native tribes, will tell their stories of dealing with accepting their cultures and their adolescent struggles. To reserve a seat for this free community event, email dei@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron to Participate in Historic Opioid Settlement

Eleven people overdosed on drugs in the City of Port Huron this September alone. One of those overdoses was fatal. Nine of those overdoses were known to be from the use of heroin.

Port Huron could soon be getting help from the historic settlement between states’ Attorneys General and the makers and promoters of highly addictive opioid pain relievers that can lead to heroin use and substance abuse disorders.

The settlement is the result of years of negotiation and the clock is ticking to ensure participation and guarantee payout. Michigan’s Office of Attorney General acknowledges that the money won’t immediately end the opioid epidemic, but it will help local governments to “commence with meaningful change” to curb addiction, overdose, and death.

The City of Port Huron is taking the necessary steps to participate in the settlement process, according to a memo from City Manager James Freed.

The multi-billion dollar payouts will be spread out over up to 18 years and priority is given to the states which have been the most affected by opioid abuse.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDARD Finds Multiple Gas Pump “Skimmers”

Watch for fraudulent charges, especially after using credit cards at gas pumps. That is the message from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development after routine inspections turned up a number of illegal “skimmers” at gas stations.

The skimmers are located inside the credit card payment devices and are used to fraudulently “skim” credit card information for illegal use. The inspections found skimmers in eight Michigan communities. None were found in the Blue Water area at this time.

Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan warned,  “Criminals who engage in this type of illegal activity exploit and manipulate the very technology that we depend on to conduct secure financial transactions in the retail marketplace. “

Waters said, “The FBI and its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting consumers, businesses, and financial institutions from fraud schemes conducted by criminal enterprises like this one.”

MDARD continues to look for skimmers during routine inspections and asks anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of such a crime to report it immediately.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mark S. White Named 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year

Mark S. White has been named the 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

White is the Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. White drafted the emergency management framework in the midst of the pandemic, which allowed for all county agencies to coordinate their efforts.

White is also credited with spearheading the Local Emergency Planning Committee in St. Clair County. The Committee brings together the resources of both public and private entities to expand resources and expertise in emergencies.

Captain Kevin Sweeney, Commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said, “Mr. White’s dedication to emergency management over the last three decades has helped his community prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring their health and safety. His continued efforts to educate others and improve emergency response statewide are more than deserving of this award.”

Mark S. White started his career in public service 35 years ago as a firefighter with the Port Huron Fire Department.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland