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Local News

DTF Seizes Drugs, Gun, Cash in Raid

Port Huron Twp, MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force seized crack and powder cocaine, a gun and cash during a raid last week.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the DTF conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation concluded on May 25th with the execution of a search warrant in the 100 block of Oldbrook Lane in Port Huron Township at about 7:00 p.m.  Once inside the residence, members of the Drug Task Force located and seized about $2800 worth of crack cocaine, about $1450 worth of powder cocaine, about $4500 in cash, a handgun, ammunition, digital scales and narcotics packaging material.

Once the narcotics were located, 50 year old Kirk Brown II was arrested without incident inside the home.  He was transported and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  Brown was arraigned on May 28th in 72nd District Court in Port Huron.  He is charged with delivery/manufacture of cocaine, less than 50 grams, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon, felony firearm, maintaining a drug house and being a habitual 4th offender.  Bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety.  

Brown’s next court date is a probable cause hearing on June 8th at 9:00 a.m. before 72nd District Court Judge John Monaghan.

The St. Clair County Sheriff Special Response Team, Sheriff Road Patrol and U.S. Border Patrol K-9 Unit also assisted at the scene.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Police Investigating Murder in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — On May 29, 2021 at 8:16 a.m. the Port Huron Police and Fire Departments were called to the  1800 block of Division Street on a report of fire investigation. The initial caller stated there  was smoke in the house and a charred body. Officers and firefighters discovered the body of,  who they believe to be, the 28 year old female resident.  

Port Huron Detectives and the Major Crimes Unit were called out to investigate. The  Michigan State Police Crime Lab and a Michigan State Police Fire Investigator responded to  the scene to assist with evidence collection. The deceased was turned over to the St. Clair  County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her name will not being released until an autopsy has  been conducted and positive identification has been made. 

On May 29, around 10:40 p.m., the Major Crimes Unit, Port Huron Police Detectives and the  Special Response Team executed a search warrant in the 2400 block of Hopps Road in Port  Huron Township. This home is the residence of a 27 year old male who was in a dating  relationship with the deceased.  

The male was taken to the Port Huron Police Department and interviewed. He was ultimately  lodged in the St. Clair County Intervention Center on the charge of murder.  

If you have knowledge of this crime call the Port Huron Police Department at (810) 984-8415  or the Port Huron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at (810) 984-5383. 

Anonymous tips can be received through the CAPTURE Hotline at (810) 987-6688, emailed  through www.porthuronpolice.org, or texted by downloading the Port Huron PD app on apple  or android devices. Anonymous texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and their message/tip to 847411.  

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

DNR Reminds About Trail Etiquette

A welcome sign of fair weather ahead is the release of trail etiquette guidelines from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Hiking and outdoor exploring have never been more popular. With increased traffic, knowing the rules of the trails is vital.

Some trails are shared between walkers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders.

The DNR advises against using muddy trails as doing so can leave uneven bicycle ruts, deep footprints, or hoof tracks from horseback riders. If traveling through mud is unavoidable, the center of the trail is the best place to be to keep from unintentionally widening the trail and damaging the environment. Bicyclists are asked to get off their bikes and tiptoe down the center of a muddy trail.

Bicyclists are also expected to yield to other trail users on Michigan trails and to communicate with horseback riders as to the best way to pass so as not to scare the horses.

The DNR also reminds trail users to “pack it in; pack it out” and leave no trace. If litter is found on the trail, pick it up.

A link to the DNR website with more trail information:

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_105181—,00.html?utm_campaign=news%20digest%20may2021%20week4&utm_medium=digest&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDHHS May Send You a Text About Vaccine

With all the text and email scams circulating, people may be skeptical if they receive a text from an unknown number. However, MDHHS has started a new text campaign to encourage Michiganders to get vaccinated.

The text messaging program will go out to 1 million people in counties throughout Michigan, and the text will ask about COVID-19 vaccine plans.

The first message will clearly identify the sender as the “Michigan Department of Health and Human Services” and then link people to vaccination sites in their area along with links to resources about the vaccine.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health with MDHHS, said, “We are reaching out to people through a variety of channels to make sure they have the access and information they need to protect themselves from COVID-19 with this safe and effective vaccine.”

People who receive these text messages from MDHHS can opt out by replying “STOP” to any of the messages at any time.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Forgot to file State Taxes? There are Options

State taxes were due May 17th. If you forgot, you are not alone. The Michigan Department of Treasury did not forget, and they have some tips for filing a late return.

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks said, “Taxpayers who missed last week’s individual income tax filing deadline have options. If you have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment, we will work with you on payment options. Our goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties.”

The Treasury reminds taxpayers that they have four years to get a tax refund. After that, they forfeit the return. If money is owed, it’s better to file and pay as much as possible to limit interest charges and late payment penalties.

If taxpayers just don’t have the money to pay, they have some options. They can request a penalty waiver but must show reasonable cause such as serious illness, natural disaster, or criminal acts against the taxpayer. They can also make monthly payments through an installment agreement, which must be approved by the Treasury.

Finally, taxpayers can try to negotiate their tax bill through an offer in compromise. More information can be found on the Treasury eservices website.

To get started with Treasury eServices, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax and click on “eServices Individual Income Tax.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Is It Time to Book Your Next Trip?

Many people put off travel plans for the majority of 2020, and now they are feeling ready to plan their next adventure. According to a local travel agent, now is the time to plan cruises, trips to amusement parks, and tours overseas.

Rules, regulations, and restrictions vary by country, mode of travel, and destination, so working with a travel agent may be more valuable than ever. D’Ann Kolan from St. Clair Travel said keeping up with what’s happening where is her job.

Although nothing is set in stone, many travel destinations and cruise companies are requiring visitors be vaccinated and/or COVID tested, and currently, COVID testing is required for those re-entering the U.S. from outside the county. These extra steps are not deterring travelers, and many are comforted by the idea.

“Travelers are biting at the bit to travel.” said Kolan. She is actively scheduling trips to Disney World and Disney Land (which just opened up), Switzerland, and Mexico for this year. Disney currently requires both tickets and reservations to get into the parks  which makes things a little more complicated, and masks are required throughout the park, but Kolan says people are enjoying the lower capacity in the parks.

“Disney does things right. They have everything in place and they have the employees to keep it up. You do not need to be vaccinated to go [at this time],” she said.

Travel discounts vary by destination. Kolan says, “If you’re going to Vegas this summer, you’re probably going to get a good deal, but if you’re booking far out on a future holiday, it’s tough. That’s going to be more expensive.” The main issue is that with limited flights, air fare is more expensive. 

If you’ve never used a travel agent, Kolan, who has been in the business for 30 years,  says St. Clair Travel’s services apply to trips big and small. They regularly do air and hotel packages and air and car rentals.  She said, “We do travel to anywhere and all different types, and we don’t charge service fees.”

To learn more about St. Clair Travel, visit their website:

https://www.stclairtravel.net/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand