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Local News

Aging Dams Require Immediate Attention

A Dam Safety Task Force was assembled after the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams which resulted in catastrophic flooding in the Midland, Michigan area last May. The Task Force released their 59 page report to Governor Whitmer on February 25, 2021.

According to the report, there are more than 2,500 dams in Michigan that are not regulated by the federal government, just over 1,000 of those are regulated by the state. Of those structures, so many are in need of improvements and/or repair that the state is “heading toward a grave situation with many dams if significant investments are not made in the short and medium term.”

The group recommends funding for maintenance, repair, and removal of dams throughout the state with priority given to the structures that pose the greatest risk to communities if they were to fail. They suggest a revolving fund of up to $20 million per year over a 20-year period in loans to cover those costs along with a grant program of up to $80 million to support the work.

Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), said in a press release, “Aging dams, just like all infrastructure throughout Michigan, suffer from a lack of consistent investment, which must be addressed if we want to avoid future tragedies.”

The full report is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Health Department Launching New Contact Tracing Tool

The St. Clair County Health Department is launching a new system to track the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Patient Education Genius (PEG) software tool will text and/or email an automated survey to those who test positive for the virus.

The PEG system will collect information such as demographics, current symptoms, the date symptoms began, and names of close contacts. This information is used to help identify those who could potentially spread the virus and alert them to isolate or quarantine.

In a press release, Dr. Annette Mercatant Medical Health Officer urged people to complete the survey if they recieve it. She also noted that the survey “does not gather any private information (social security numbers, personal passwords, or banking details)” and “should take less than 15 minutes to complete.”

The PEG system reduces the burden on case investigators who have been relying on phone calls to complete contact tracing duties.

For more information about PEG, visit the website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Men Arrested for Port Huron Stabbing

Port Huron, MI — On February 24, 2021 at 8:11 p.m. Port Huron Police Officers were sent to Lake Huron Medical Center for a 37 year old male Burtchville Township resident who arrived with multiple stab wounds.

A witness advised they had been in the 1600 block of Jay Street arguing with a 21 year old male resident about a vehicle. The 21 year old male’s friend from Madison Heights began to get involved and eventually stabbed the victim multiple times. 

The suspect, also a 21 year old, then fled the scene heading to his home in Madison Heights. 

Port Huron Police Major Crimes Unit worked with the Madison Heights Police Department to arrest the suspect at his home. He was transported to the St. Clair County Intervention Center and lodged on the charges of Attempt Murder. 

The 21 year old male who lived in the 1600 block of Jay Street fled the scene and was found in an apartment in the 2600 block of Krafft Rd. When this male was advised he was under arrest, he fought with officers. He was lodged in the St. Clair County Intervention Center on the charges of Aiding & Abetting and Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer. 

If you have any information on this stabbing call 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. 

UPDATED 3/1/2021:

Joshua David Schreibman, a 21 year old male from Madison Heights was arraigned on the following charges: Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm less than Murder. His bond was set at $50,000 and Probable Cause Conference was set for March 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Honorable Judge John Monaghan. 

Devin Michael Convery, a 21 year old male from Port Huron was arraigned on the following charges: Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm less than Murder and Resisting & Obstructing Police (2 counts). His bond was set at $25,000 and Probable Cause Conference was set for March 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Honorable Judge John Monaghan. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

Dominik Hricovsky

Man Charged with Terrorism for Threats to Cleveland Elementary School

Port Huron, MI — On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 8:10 a.m. St. Clair County Central Dispatch received several calls from an unknown male making threats to burn down Cleveland Elementary School and shoot police officers. The Port Huron Police immediately responded to Cleveland Elementary School which went into a soft lockdown until police could figure out what was occurring. 

Central Dispatchers were able to connect the address the calls were made from, which was an apartment in the 2700 block of Nern Street. Port Huron Police made contact with a 32 year old male from Ohio inside the apartment. He was in Port Huron visiting his girlfriend he had recently met online. When he was placed under arrest, he attempted to run and fight officers who deployed a taser. The 32 year old male gave several names before Officers were able to positively identify him using a portable fingerprint scanner provided by the Michigan State Police. The male was eventually lodged in the St. Clair County Intervention Center on the charges of Terrorism (Using a Telecommunication to commit a crime), False Report or threat of a bomb, and Resisting & Obstructing arrest. The 32 year old male, who is also on Parole through Ohio, was lodged without bond. 

The entire soft lock down spanned about one hour before the suspect was found and arrested. We want to thank the Port Huron Schools and the Port Huron School Resource Officer for their cooperation and quick response. 

If you have any information on this threat call 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. 

UPDATED 3/1/2021:

Dominik Hricovsky, a 32 year old male from Ohio, was arraigned on February 28th on the  following charges: Threat of Terrorism, Discharging a Firearm in or at a Building,  Felony Firearm (2 Counts), Felon in Possession of Firearm, Resisting & Obstructing and Habitual Offender 4th Offense notice. (During the investigation Friday, Detectives  learned Hricovsky actually had fired one round out of the window of the apartment that he  made the calls from in the 2700 block of Nern Street).  

Hricovsky has a $250,000 bond. His Probable Cause Conference hearing date is  Tuesday March 9, 2021 at 9:00 AM and his preliminary exam is scheduled for Tuesday  March 16, 2021 at 1:30 PM. He also has a Parole Hold through Ohio.  February 24, 2021

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

Parks & Rec Hiring Summer Workers

Port Huron, MI — Teens looking for a summer job can start applying to Port Huron Parks and Recreation. After a long wait and a reliance on virtual activities, the Rec Department is anticipating the return of sports, swim, and art classes along with other events this summer.

As in-person programming returns, the Parks & Rec Department is hiring coaches, lifeguards, programmers, day camp workers, and more. Applications are available on the City of Port Huron’s Website <HERE>.

Emily May started working for the department as a lifeguard in 2014. Now, she has worked her way up to a position as a Recreation Coordinator. In a press release, Emily said, “This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for a fun, active summer job that will give them lifelong friendships and help them make a difference in our community.”

The City of Port Huron is also hiring police officers, seasonal laborers and lawn maintenance staff, and parking booth attendants.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

DNR Predicts Heavy Natural “Winter Fish Kill”

Don’t be alarmed if you see dead fish in our waterways in the Blue Water Area. That is the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams, and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”

Lake Huron is likely to have less fish kill, as it has substantial depth. But, canals, rivers, and streams in the area are susceptible to a more visible fish kill. Deep snowpack, as is the case on local rivers, can also increase fish kill as sunlight cannot get to the bottom of the water.

The dead fish that might be showing up soon have probably been dead for a month or so, according to the DNR. This winter caused significant stress for fish with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

The DNR welcomes reports on fish kills, so they can monitor the health of the waterways. Reports can be made at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland