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Local News

The Dry Dock Provides Safe Community for those in Recovery

Port Huron, MI — 2020 has been a difficult year for a lot of people, and an even tougher year for those recovering from addiction. But, the Dry Dock Recovery Reading Room in Downtown Port Huron has persisted in providing a ray of hope for those in recovery to find acceptance and a safe, positive environment.

The Dry Dock opened in February of this year. Three brothers, Linn, Jeff, and Brad Bartlett, rented a unique space right on the Black River by the Military Street drawbridge. The brothers, who are all in recovery themselves, used their experience in the hospitality industry to make a welcoming and friendly gathering space for people in the process of conquering addiction.

The space provides not only friendly conversation and plenty of reading material, but a chance to make healthy choices in the face of isolation and loneliness, which can be amplified by the pandemic.

There is no charge to visit the Dry Dock. While the facility is not affiliated with any particular recovery program, they have information on overcoming all kinds of addictions. They also host events such as a clean and sober Boat Night, euchre games, and art and music shows.

For more information, call Linn Bartlett at (810) 941-8510 or check out their facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Dry-Dock-Recovery-Reading-Room-100292064904693/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Urges Caution at Social Gatherings as COVID-19 Cases Increase

The St. Clair County Health Department is urging the public to follow safety practices while attending social gatherings. Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in St. Clair County, and in the last two weeks the average number of new cases has increased by 55%.

The Health Department is reporting that 20% of cases are tied to social events which indicates that people are not following public health guidance when gathering.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department, said in a press release, “As St. Clair County residents and as proud Americans, we know what we have to do to slow the spread of transmission because we did it before. We came together at the beginning of the pandemic and effectively drove down the case counts by wearing masks, maintaining six feet of social distance from others, and practicing proper handwashing.”

As of Tuesday morning, there were 253 active cases of COVID-19 in St. Clair County, up 69 cases from our report last week. As cases increase the Health Department is also asking individuals to respond to public health nurses when they reach out for contact tracing purposes. Nurses will never ask for sensitive information related to insurance, credit cards, or social security numbers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Manke Cleared of All Criminal Charges

All criminal charges against Owosso barber Karl Manke have been dropped. Shiawassee County Prosecutor Scott Koerner dismissed the charges as a result of the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent ruling that Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders prohibiting Mr. Manke from opening his barber shop and cutting hair were unconstitutional.

Mr. Manke no longer faces jail time, fines, or a criminal record for continuing to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release, Mr. Manke said, “I appreciate the Prosecutor dismissing all criminal charges against me in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. It is definitely a weight off my shoulders. I just want to earn a living, and I am not a health threat to anyone.”

There is still a case against Manke regarding administrative licensing action, and his trial is set to resume on November 19, 2020. Governor Whitmer’s administration is fighting to revoke Manke’s barber license for violating the EOs, but Mr. Manke is requesting that charges be dismissed since the EO’s were deemed unlawful and unenforceable.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Direct Care Workers to Get $1600 Retention Pay

Newly hired direct care workers, who go into homes to provide care, usually to senior citizens, are in short supply. They will be given retention payments by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to try to keep them on the job.

The $3.9 million allocation is funded by the federal CARES Act. Partner Agencies include the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, which serves seniors in St. Clair County.

The program’s goal is to hire and retain at least 2,000 direct care workers by the end of 2020. New workers, who have not worked in home and community-based services over the last 60 days, are eligible for an extra $1600 if they complete training and 300 hours of work by December 30. Workers can be asked to repay the money if they do not stay at their jobs for six months.

According to a press release from MDHHS, the increase in direct care workers strengthens the workforce and could allow eligible adults to stay in their own homes instead of moving to nursing homes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ft. Gratiot Man Dies in Crash

A 32 year old Fort Gratiot Township man was killed last night following a crash in Clyde Township.

Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Beard Road and North Road at about 9:45 Monday evening for a one vehicle crash.  Upon arrival they determined the man had been driving eastbound on Beard Road.  He proceeded to drive his 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee through the stop sign at Beard and North Road.  He continued driving down a private drive, eventually striking a garage at the residence and an enclosed trailer that was next to the home.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fort Gratiot Fire and Rescue and Tri-Hospital EMS assisted at the site of the crash, which remains under investigation.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Detroit Zoo Open with Safety Precautions in Place

The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is back open after a long shut down. With capacity restrictions and social distancing enforced, families can feel like they have the zoo all to themselves. 

The indoor facilities are closed, but anything that is open air is fair game. In cooler weather, the animals are sometimes more active and there is still plenty of nature to enjoy. 

Fort Gratiot mom, Emily Herbert, took a trip to the zoo with her young children and friends last Friday. She reflected on the trip, saying, “We really enjoyed our visit. There were some Halloween decorations up, which was a fun touch. We felt very safe as everyone wore masks and could easily socially distance with signs and markings on the ground. It was not over crowded. Despite a few exhibits being closed, the animals we saw were more active than I can ever remember. It was a great experience.”

A trip to the zoo costs between $10 and $19 per person, depending on age. Reservations must be made in advance for a specific entrance time. Traveling to the zoo is about an hour’s drive from Port Huron. Details are at Detroitzoo.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland