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Local News

Whitmer Urges Michiganders to Take Rise in Cases Seriously

Lansing, MI — In a press conference yesterday, Governor Whitmer pled with Michiganders to realize the seriousness of the rise the state is seeing in COVID-19 cases. “We have seen a steady rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. We are now at our peak when it comes to daily new cases – this peak is higher than the peak we saw in April, ” she said.

Whitmer displayed a graph demonstrating the correlation between actions taken by her administration to mitigate COVID-19 and the number of cases reported in the state. According to the graph, cases began to rise when the Governor rescinded the Safer at Home order and moved the state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan on June 8th and again when K-12 public schools began to reopen. Cases have been rising since schools were reopened and have continued to rise since the Michigan Supreme Court struct down Whitmer’s EOs at the beginning of October.

 

 

In light of the current data, Governor Whitmer urged people to continue following recommendations even if they are not mandated or enforceable. “At the end of the day, we don’t need an executive order or a court to know what we need to do in this moment. The good news is that we know what it’s going to take. We’ve done this; we crushed the curve in the spring…when we wear a mask, when we maintain six feet of physical distance, when we wash our hands frequently. I also encourage you to get a flu vaccine, and make sure your kids get one too,” said Whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Hand Deliver Absentee Ballots to Avoid Postal Delays

With less than two weeks left before the election, officials are recommending absentee voters hand deliver their ballots to their local clerk’s office instead of relying on the postal system.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “Only the absentee ballots received by 8 p.m. on November 3 can be counted, and voters should not risk possible postal delays this close to the deadline.”

Registered voters can still request absentee ballots until November 2nd at their local clerk’s office, and eligible citizens can register to vote at the clerk’s office until November 3rd.

As of October 19th, more than 1.5 million Michigan citizens had already cast their absentee ballots. Benson also issued a reminder that polling places will be prepared with personal protective equipment on election day to ensure safe voting. She also issued a directive on October 16th clarifying that the open carry of firearms is not permitted in or within 100 feet of voting locations on Election Day.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Beware of Fake Package Delivery Texts

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert to warn Michiganders about a new scam involving fake text messages about package deliveries.

Complaints are being received by individuals who are getting text alerts that they have an Amazon, FedEx or USPS package on the way along with a link to click on. An earlier version of the scam contained a link promising information about a missing package or a link to claim delivery on a pending package.

Attorney General Nessel urges those who receive text messages regarding a package delivery from an unfamiliar number to immediately block the number and delete the message. Do not respond or click on any links in these messages.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests three ways to report unwanted text messages:

  • Report it on the messaging app. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
  • If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon or Sprint subscriber, copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM), free of charge.
  • Report it online to the Federal Trade Commission.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Industrial Hemp Growing Takes Root in Michigan

Michigan’s Industrial Hemp plan has been approved by the federal government. Michigan’s plan aligns with the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill and the USDA’s interim final rule.

The Industrial Hemp Ag Pilot Program started last year and carried into this year’s growing season, involving 631 growers and 517 processors. The trial year helped shape the regulatory framework needed to diversify the operations. Hemp is used to make paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, health food, and fuel.

State Senator Dan Lauwers of St. Clair County’s Brockway Township said, “Michigan’s pilot program for industrial hemp has been a great success. There is increasing interest in this crop in a wide variety of sectors. Michigan farmers will benefit greatly from being able to grow hemp, under the 2018 Farm Bill and Michigan’s USDA approved Hemp Growers Program.”

The THC level of the plants is monitored, and there are other requirements that distinguish industrial hemp from marijuana. Interested growers can go to Michigan.gov/IndustrialHemp for details.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia and Brights Grove Tim Horton’s Restaurants Help Pathways Health Centre for Children

Sarnia, ON — Pathways Health Centre for Children has received a sizable donation from the Sarnia and Bright’s Grove Tim Horton’s franchises. The local restaurants donated $44,461.00 to the charity.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s campaign are being donated by the owners of the local restaurants to the charity, helping Pathways move toward its $260,000 fundraising goal.

Alison Morrison, Executive Director at Pathways Health Centre for Children, said, “Everyone needs a smile these days! This gift to Pathways made possible by strong community support of the local Tim Horton’s in their Smile Cookie Campaign couldn’t have come at a better time for our organization and the clients we serve. It is truly incredible, that during a global pandemic with such hardships experienced by citizens and businesses, that Sarnia responded so generously to the campaign, surpassing last year’s record!” 

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario. The Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record breaking $10.56 million this year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kimball Twp. Man Taken Into Custody After Standoff

 A man who barricaded himself inside his home for about three and a half hours yesterday afternoon was taken into custody.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, deputies were called to a home in the 5000 block of Burma Road shortly before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for what was described as an argument between husband and wife.  Deputies were also told that the 48 year old man fired a gun inside the home.  The 39 year old wife left the residence with their two teenage children and met deputies on the roadway.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) was called to the residence and began negotiating with the man to come out of the home.  He finally complied and came out shortly before 7:00 Tuesday night.

The man was transported by Tri-Hospital EMS to Lake Huron Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence to remove firearms from the home pending the outcome of the mental evaluation.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and Michigan State Police also assisted at the scene. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office