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Local News

More Grants to Support Community Colleges

Nine community colleges will receive grant funding to support adult students in the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs. One of those, St. Clair County Community College, will receive a grant to hire a college completion coach.

The grants are part of the State of Michigan’s  Sixty by 30 goal to ensure 60% of Michiganders will have a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030. The credential attainment rate is currently 49.1%,

In the 2018-19 school year, the success rate for students attending all community colleges in Michigan was 23.8% after two years. The new grants are aimed at increasing the degree completion rates for the more than 88,000 Michiganders now enrolled in the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs.

Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity acting director, said, “We know that it can be tough to juggle life – many who are returning to their studies will have jobs, family obligations and bills to pay which can get in the way of receiving that degree or certificate.” She believes “it will take more than just tuition assistance to get us to 60% by 2030.”

St. Clair County Community College will receive a $20,000 grant to hire a full-time AmeriCorps member to serve as a completion coach for adult students. Completion Coaches provide extra support and direction for students which increases their potential for success.

To learn more about the Michigan Reconnect program visit www.michigan.gov/Reconnect

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

DNR Warns of Statewide Fire Danger

Be incredibly careful burning things outside. That’s the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After an unusually dry spring, summer rains look to be few and far between. Most areas of Michigan are at risk of extreme fire danger.

Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR, said “Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there. People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”

With the state opening back up and people celebrating summer holidays with fireworks, camping trips, and outdoor activities, simple precautions are in order.

Throwing cigarettes out a car window or onto the ground at any time is a bad habit, but a common one. Don’t do it. Many forest fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.

If pulling a trailer or camper, be aware of dragging chains that can cause sparks and set off a brush fire. Also, if riding off-road-vehicles, stick to the trails, as hot engines can also cause brush fires.

Finally, be especially careful with fireworks. Never shoot them into woods, dry grass, or shrubs, and put used sparklers into a bucket of water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Race Series Gets Started this Weekend

The Blue Water Race Series kicks off its second season this weekend with the Artful Dodger Race in St. Clair. The Race Series consists of six running races that span June to December of this year. Those who participate in all six events not only have a major athletic accomplishment to be proud of but can earn a commemorative jacket.

The races in this year’s series include summer, fall, and winter runs. The summer races start with the St. Clair Artful Dodger this weekend and the Algonac Pickerel Run on the 4th of July. The fall races are the P.S. You’re My Hero run in Port Huron on September 19th and the Run for Recovery in Port Huron on October 9th.

November brings the Friendsgiving Tyler Kreitler Memorial Run in Marine City, and the Jingle Bell Run in Port Huron.

Runners get to choose between 5k and 10k options for most races. There are usually one-mile walks as well.

To get more information about the Blue Water Race Series, visit the following link to the website or check out Blue Water Race Series Facebook page.

https://bwrs.enmotive.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron’s May Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Theresa Pokorny has been named the Employee of the Month for May. Pokorny has worked at McLaren Port Huron for five years and is currently a registered nurse on the observation unit.

Pokorny was nominated by her peers because she embodies the hospital values. She is an advocate for patients, listening to their needs and concerns and taking action to help. Pokorny is dedicated not only to her patients, but to her job as well. She is a great team player and always willing to help. She is reliable, cheerful, has a positive attitude and is a great communicator.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Lake Huron Medical Center’s June Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its June 2021 Employee of the Month, Stefanie Weaver. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Stefanie works as a Respiratory Therapist and has been an employee at LHMC since January 2021. She was nominated by three employees who stated, “Since Stefanie joined the LHMC team she has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of her patients. Stefanie comes to work every day with a smile on her face, a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with because she is helpful and kind. Her knowledge and skill set is impressive. She frequently comes to the floor to check on patients to make sure they are doing well. When called to assist with a patient or for a treatment she responds quickly and professionally. She is a welcomed asset to our healthcare team.”

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 Stefanie, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

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

Adoption Event for Rescued Labrador Retrievers

On June 10, 2021, Pamela Dawn Smith, DVM, pled no contest to 2 counts of misdemeanor  animal cruelty to one animal. She was ordered to forfeit 32 dogs and agreed to pay a total of  $104,000 in restitution. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2021.  

A search warrant was executed July 14, 2020 on the 8000 block of Marine City Highway after  multiple complaints of an unlicensed kennel in deplorable conditions. Upon arrival, Animal  Control found 32 Labrador Retrievers in a poorly ventilated, dusty basement and attached  garage. The dogs were housed in crates with trays filled with cat litter and days’ worth of feces  and urine.  

Animal Control requested the assistance of Capital Area Humane Society to help care for the dogs, most of which were in poor condition with skin, eye, and ear infections. Blue Water  Humane Society and Furget Us Not Rescue also assisted in caring for the dogs throughout the duration of court proceedings.  

A special weekend adoption event will be held June 26th and 27th from 10am – 2pm by  appointment at St. Clair County Animal Control located at 3378 Griswold Rd, Port Huron.  Fifteen of the labs will be available for adoption, as well as other dogs, cats, and kittens.  Appointments for adoptions can be scheduled via email or by calling 810-984-3155.  

“This is the longest case in which St. Clair County Animal Control has had to hold animals as live  evidence,” said Director Melissa Miller. “Our staff has done an exceptional job over the past  329 days. We are thrilled to see these dogs able to move on to their forever homes.”  

Submitted by St. Clair County Animal Control