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Local News

Traffic Stop in Kimball Ends with Meth Bust

Kimball Twp., MI — A traffic stop on I-69 near Wadhams Road in Kimball Township on September 4th ended with a methamphetamine bust.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, members of the St. Clair County Drug Task Force pulled over a vehicle on eastbound I-69 shortly after 2:30 a.m.  After talking with the driver of the vehicle, it was determined that he was in possession of crystal methamphetamine.  The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was called to the scene and K-9 Faust alerted deputies about more narcotics being inside the vehicle.

Members of the DTF conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located and seized about $7,000 worth of crystal meth, along with psilocybin mushrooms, analog pills and cash.

The suspect, a 40 year old Flint man, was arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to deliver crystal methamphetamine, possession psilocybin mushrooms, possession of analogs and being a habitual offender.

The Michigan State Police also assisted at the scene of the traffic stop.

Registration Open for SC4 Late Start Fall Classes

Port Huron, MI — Registration is open for late-start fall semester classes at St. Clair County Community College. Seats are still available in 12-week classes starting the week of Sept. 21st and 8-week classes starting the week of October. 19th. Classes are available at the Port Huron campus and online.

Late-start classes allow students to earn credits at a faster pace. Class topics include biology, business, English, history, math, political science, psychology, sociology and more.

Current students can register for classes online in the SC4 Portal, and new students can start their SC4 journey by visiting sc4.edu and applying for admission.

Registration services are available at SC4’s One-Stop Student Services Center located in the Dr. James C. Acheson Welcome Center on the corner of Erie Street and Glenwood Avenue on the Port Huron Campus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

“100 Women Who Care” Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Port Huron, MI — With restrictions on large gatherings, the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has had to get extra creative to continue their tradition of hosting the “100 Women Who Care” fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, involves small groups and a phone app, but the goal is still $10,000 for local charities.

Vice President of the Community Foundation, Jackie Hanton, said that new approach was inspired by a scavenger hunt put on by the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation. Speaking of the 100 Women Event, Hanton said, “It may seem a bit intimidating that the event will be through an app on your phone, but I assure everyone who participates that it will be easy, fun and we’ll be sure you know what to do.”

For the event, small socially distant groups of two to ten women will get together in someone’s home. One person will download the app, GooseChase, and the games will begin. The scavenger hunt style game will include supporting several local non-profits.

Hanton said that the Women’s Initiative is “one big giving circle” and is encouraging local women to make their own “mini-giving circles” this year.

More information can be found at stclairfoundation.org/team-up-with-100-women-who-care-event/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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