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Local News

YMCA of the Blue Water Area Opens September 14th

Port Huron, MI — Owners of gyms and fitness centers in the state were finally given the green light to open their businesses on September 9th, and the  YMCA of the Blue Water Area is preparing to open its doors on September 14th.

The Y may look different due to safety measures being enforced throughout the building, and the reopening will come in phases. The YMCA team will make decisions regularly on the services being offered with guidance from local health officials and the state government.

Those who have placed their memberships on hold are encouraged to contact Member Relations Coordinator Laurie Irwin to restart their memberships for opening day.

The YMCA offers many different membership levels for individuals, youth, seniors, and families, and you can begin a new membership anytime.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update September 4, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases as of September 4, 2020 at  9:00 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 104,395 confirmed cases; 6,519 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 810 confirmed cases; 52 deaths
  • Ontario: 42,686 confirmed cases;  2,812 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 340 confirmed cases; 25 deaths

St. Clair County currently has 57 active cases of the virus, and 2% of hospital beds in the county are being used for COVID-19 patients.

Governor Whitmer signed executive orders yesterday extending the State of Emergency until October 1st. She also named September 9th as the reopening date for gyms, pools, and sports practices and competitions.  All re-openings are subject to strict precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Lambton County currently has 2 active cases, and the county hasn’t had a COVID-19 related hospital admissions since May.

The City of Sarnia asks for help from the community regarding disposing of personal protective equipment. Masks, gloves, paper towels, tissues, wipes, and plastic bags belong in the garbage, not in the blue box.

 

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Animal Control Accepts Over 80 Dogs from Kenockee Twp. Resident

An investigation into a citizen complaint led to the surrender of over 80 dogs in Kenockee Twp. this week. St. Clair County Animal Control (SCCAC) Officers began investigating the situation, and the owner willingly surrendered the animals.

The staff at SCCAC have placed the dogs in shelters so they can receive medical assessments and appropriate care. The public will be notified when the animals are available for adoption.

According to Melissa Miller, the new Director of of SCCAC, “Dogs are required to have adequate shelter and protection from the elements, access to clean water and food.”

St. Clair County Animal Control will provide and update on the situation upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Secretary of State Extensions Run Out September 30

Extensions on driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle renewals expire on September 30th. So, it’s time to make an appointment at a Secretary of State Office if needed, and be prepared to pay those registration and renewal fees that you may have been putting off.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to address customer needs during the pandemic, we have expanded our branch hours and added a number of appointments to ensure everyone who needs to is able to renew their driver’s license or ID ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. There are still many available appointments, and anyone who has not handled their renewals is encouraged to do so immediately.”

If your renewal can not be completed online, the Secretary of State offices have expanded their branch hours to make room for the last-minute transactions. The appointments reserved for renewals are available from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday from now until September 30.

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Some transactions can be completed online at EXPRESS SOS at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Huntington Bank Announces $5 Billion Lending Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a private lending investment program on Wednesday. While the whole state anxiously awaited a ruling on the expected opening of gyms, movie theaters, and other facilities that have been shuttered since March, Whitmer laid out an investment plan from Huntington Bank.

The plan is a $5 billion five-year lending, investment, and philanthropic venture to create financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers, and communities, according to a press release from Whitmer’s office.

The announcement isn’t exactly what owners of bowling alleys and ice rinks were waiting for, but the initiative is intended to provide borrowing opportunities for hard-hit businesses.

Whitmer said, “This is great news for Michigan’s small-business owners who have faced unprecedented challenges as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic over the past six months. These are Michiganders who have spent their lives building their businesses and who need our help now more than ever.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Virtual Job Fair Coming Back to SC4

Port Huron, MI — The last virtual job fair held at SC4 was so successful the college is bringing the event back. Because of the virtual format, the event unfolds in a 3 week process.

Through September 11th, employers can register to participate in the event. Beginning September 14th – 18th, job seekers can review a list of job openings and select dates and times to meet with prospective employers. Finally, the virtual hiring event takes place on September 22nd & 24th.

The virtual job fair is  a partnership among the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, the City of Port Huron/McMorran, Macomb/St.Clair Michigan Works! and the blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Registration information for employers and job seekers is available at www.sc4.edu/virtualjobfair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand