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Local News

Port Huron Double Shooting Suspect Arraigned

Port Huron, MI — The suspect of the November 2021 shooting in the East Quay Street parking lot was arraigned on multiple charges December 1, 2021. Marcel Lamar Woods, a 30 year old Clinton Township man, faces eight counts total including two counts of Assault with Intent to Murder.

The shooting took place in the area around the East Quay Street parking lot which is between Fort Street and Michigan Street in Port Huron. The lot provides parking for those attending popular downtown restaurants such as Wings Etc., The Vintage, The Roach Bar, and Lynch’s Irish Tavern.

According to a press release from the Port Huron Police Department, Woods is accused of shooting from a vehicle at cars, building, and people on the evening of November 14, 2021.

During the incident, police say both Woods and an innocent bystander were injured, and “[T]he person who fired at Marcel Woods was identified as a 23 year old make Port Huron resident who was legally armed and appears to have acted in self-defense when he was shot at by Woods.”

The innocent bystander was a 23 year old Clyde Township resident who was treated and released from McLaren Port Huron Huron for a gunshot wound to his legs.

Marcel Lamar Woods was arraigned in 72nd District Court by the Honorable Judge Mona Armstrong on two counts each of Assault with Intent to Murder and Felony Firearm, and once count each of Discharging a Firearm at a Building, Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle, and Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, and Possession of Ammunition by a Felon. His bond was set at $1 million, and his Probable Cause Conference is set for December 14, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Vaccinated Canadians Don’t Need COVID Test for Short Trips

Sarnia, Ontario — This week marked the start of new travel guidelines for Canadians or those who have right of entry who make a short trip to the U.S. by land or air.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, those registered under the Indian Act, and their children under 12 who are fully vaccinated, can travel to the U.S. and forgo the pre-entry COVID-19 test if they return to Canada within 72 hours.

Canadians are considered fully vaccinated if they are 14 days out from completing a series of an accepted vaccine. They must also be symptom free.

This opens the possibility for trips to the states to shop, dine, or fuel up their vehicles.

While COVID cases remain relatively low in Sarnia with Lambton Public Health reporting 40 active cases as of December 1st, the active case count in St. Clair County was 4,143 cases.

The St. Clair County Health Department is currently recommending masking in public along with all other safety measures encouraged during the pandemic.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Program to Treat Opioid Use and Mental Health Disorders Expanded to Include St. Clair County

People who are struggling with an opioid use disorder and other health problems and who receive Medicaid benefits will now be able to have their healthcare needs met by a coordinated team of healthcare providers.

The plan is called the Opioid Health Home Initiative. The area of service has been expanded to include PIHP Region 10, which includes Genesee, Lapeer, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties.

It is possible that the Opioid Health Home could reach thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries with intensive care management and care coordination.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “The expansion of Opioid Health Home program will help address the complexity of physical and behavioral health conditions in Michigan and improve access to essential services. For enrolled beneficiaries, the Health Home will function as the central point of contact for directing patient-centered care across the broader health care system.”

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that half of Medicaid recipients have an untreated mental health disorder. Two-thirds have an untreated substance abuse disorder. Participation in the Opioid Health Initiative is voluntary.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Quilters Donate 700 Quilts to Salvation Army

Every holiday season, the Salvation Army delivers gifts to over a thousand kids in the community. This year, many of those kids will be receiving an extra special gift.

Over 700 quilts have been donated by a network of quilters throughout the area. They will be given to children along with the usual donated toys and clothing and food.

Jacki Bennett, who co-owns RMC Quilts in Port Huron, said that the quilts were constructed by quilters from St. Clair, Macomb, and Lapeer counties and that while some people constructed entire quilts from beginning to end, some worked on just the tops, and others took home kits to work on. They got started at the end of June and just sent in the final quilts this week.

Bennett said that there was collaboration from Port Huron’s Sew Elegant store as well as quilting groups in the area. The quilt batting was donated by a supplier. All of the efforts are meant to “wrap the families in love”.

Kelley Herber, the Christmas Angel and Toy Warehouse coordinator for the Port Huron Citadel said the quilt donation has been a true blessing.

For more information about helping the Salvation Army with this year’s Christmas project:

https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/db6ec80e-aa1f-4cb6-8f51-ad11e02b03bc?fbclid=IwAR3wo-b_fR47IamwEPAbvYNq6EUG98PBpaitA3mzXeTPf4HRgb1kx0KSjRE

https://www.amazon.com/registries/holiday/QO2NR2DLVFL/guest-view?ref=gr_search_page_result&fbclid=IwAR1axuvQWTKmWvNQoSRFojWznfJ_rQXFZ-ndQUryH8kQdyk2L-LVPdszj0w

Call the Salvation Army at 810 984-2679

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mother Dies After Losing Control of Vehicle; Kids in Critical Condition

Port Huron, MI — After investigating the cause of a vehicle crash into the Black River yesterday, Port Huron Police are reporting that the driver, Corey Michelle Pratto, a 26 year old female, has passed away as a result of her injuries. Her three children are currently in critical condition at hospitals in Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Pratto was driving her vehicle yesterday when her boyfriend, a 26 year old male, stated she was having brake problems. He reported to police that both he and Pratto tried unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle. When he realized they were going into the water, he jumped out of the vehicle because he knew he could not swim. The vehicle went into the river west of 10th Street, off of Glenwood Avenue. 

Pratto and her three children ages 3, 5, and 7 were rescued by Port Huron Fire Department rapid divers and the St. Clair County Dive Team. 

The children were initially taken to local hospitals, but they were flown out for care at Children’s Hospital in Detroit and University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and are accompanied by family members.

Corey Michelle Pratto will be examined by the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office, and an  autopsy will be performed. The investigation is still ongoing, so anyone with information should contact police at (810) 984-8415 or CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688.  Anonymous texts can also be received 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. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

MDHHS Updates Nursing Home Visiting Guidance

It’s the time of year when more people than usual visit loved ones in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued visitation guidance.

The guidance is updated based on recommendations from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare.

Routine testing for COVID-19 is part of the guidance, but not a requirement. Mask wearing is required with some exceptions. Unlike last year, when visits were conducted through glass windows and over iPads, this year’s guidance calls for physical touch like hugging if the resident wants it.

Eighty-four percent of Michigan’s long-term care residents are fully vaccinated. As long as they are aware of the risks, and no other residents are put at risk, in-person visits are allowed and can not be restricted.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “Long-term care residents receive physical, emotional and spiritual support by visiting with their family and friends, particularly during the holiday season. Our updated guidance provides key steps to take to make these visits as safe and fulfilling as possible.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland