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Local News

Masks Not Mandated in Lambton County

Lambton County, Ontario, has released its recommendations and supporting data regarding mask wearing. According to Lambton Public Health, “Face coverings will not protect you from getting COVID-19. Your best protection is to maintain physical distancing and wash your hands.” They went on to say, “At this time in Lambton County, evidence and local context does not support the mandatory public use of masks in a community setting.”

Across the border in St Clair County, Michigan, masks are mandatory in all public settings and businesses can deny entry to individuals not wearing them. Mask wearing is a precaution to prevent infected people from transmitting the virus, according to MDHHS. Carriers can be asymptomatic.

Lambton County, with a population of 123,000 reports 286 overall cases of COVID-19 with 25 deaths. St. Clair County, with a population of 159,000 has 602 cases reported with 52 deaths since tracking began.

The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travel until at least July 21. The Lambton County report can be found at:

https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/protect-yourself/#face-coverings.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Social District” Plans in the Works for Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron City Council will be presented with a plan to create new outdoor gathering spaces and social districts. The areas are meant to be gathering places that are less risky for virus transmission than traditional indoor bars, restaurants, and event centers.

The plan would also give downtown businesses a boost by giving consumers an option for staying and consuming food and beverages, particularly adult beverages, downtown. Municipalities are now lawfully able to designate particular areas where open intoxicants, clearly marked as such by the seller, can be consumed offsite.

The outdoor spaces, if approved, will be at McMorran Plaza and the pocket park by the Military Street Bridge. Both are planned to be quickly renovated into areas where people would naturally gather.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed described the project, saying, “You could buy a drink at one place and go to another place that doesn’t have a (liquor) license like Chef Shells and Maria’s and consume a drink. You can also take drinks to the two gathering places we are creating. Hence, these two projects would work together.”

All plans are subject to review by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Levies $3 Million Fine Against RNDC Liquor Supplier

An historic fine has been levied against the liquor distributor who caused a lot of headaches for local bar and restaurant owners over the past year. But, the $3 million fine will stay in the hands of the state.

Starting around this time last year, bar and restaurant owners were starting to have missing bottles in their orders and were not able to serve all of the cocktails on their menus. There was not an actual product shortage, but more a lack of organization from the supplier, Republic National Distributing Company, or RNDC.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said, “The State will not tolerate vendor mismanagement that results in financial hardship which impacts the livelihood of liquor retailers across Michigan.”

When asked where the $3 million fine will go, Jeannie Vogel, Public Information Officer for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission said that the money goes into the state’s General Fund and the remedial measures like audits and more accountability will help ensure adequate stock and timely delivery to retailers.  The fine is intended to offset losses to the state due to the shortages and delivery issues, according to Vogel.

RNDC acknowledged all 88 violations of the Liquor Control Code in the settlement.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sparling Road Bridge and Dove Road Roundabout Projects Begin Next Week

Port Huron, MI — Road work is underway in St. Clair County on Sparling Road in Wales Township and at the intersection of Dove and Range Roads near I-94.

Sparling Road, between Goodells Road and Emerson Road will be closed to traffic starting the week of July 13th. The work will consist of both road and bridge improvements. The work is expected to be completed in late August. Detour routes will be posted, but local access will be maintained.

Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Dove Road, Range Road, and the Eastbound I-94 exit begins July 16th and is expected to go through the beginning of September. The intersection will be completely closed. Eastbound I-94 traffic is advised to exit in Marysville.

According to the St. Clair County Road Commission, access to and from Westbound I-94 will be maintained, and access to the Eastbound I-94 on-ramp will also be maintained but only from north of the intersection.

The Sparling Road work has a $310,600 price tag, while the Roundabout project has a $1.16 million dollar estimated cost.  Both projects are financed with local, state, and federal funds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Burtchville Man Drowns at Lakeport State Park

Lakeport, MI — A 52 year old Burtchville Township man drowned yesterday afternoon while swimming in Lake Huron at the Lakeport State Park day park.

Robert Esquibel was swimming with a friend in the lake. While they were swimming, the friend noticed that Esquibel had not resurfaced after going under water. He called for help, then swam to shore to have someone call 911 shortly before 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and the Burtchville Township Fire Department were called to respond.

A fire department rescue boat was put in the water and Esquibel was recovered within about 15 minutes of the call. Esquibel was taken to shore, where CPR was started by members of the fire department. Tri-
Hospital EMS arrived a short time later, and continued CPR while the man was being transported to McLaren Port Huron Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of death is being investigated by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office. No foul play is suspected.

Harbor Impact Ministries Ready to Welcome Back Guests

Kimball, MI — Harbor Impact Ministries is happy to announce their first regular Impact Sessions scheduled for July 28th and 29th.  Impact sessions provide guests with fresh food, clothing, and personal care products along with a variety of household items.

Harbor Impact is asking people to attend the Impact days at specific times according the the first letter of their last names, their work schedule, and the type of transportation they use. The following schedules (the schedule is available on the web version of this news story at WGRT.com) will facilitate social distancing and encourage safety for everyone.

Tuesday, July 28:

  • 9 AM – 12 PM: Last name A-E
  • 2 PM – 4 PM: Last name F-L
  • 6 PM – 8 PM: Day shift workers

Wednesday July 29th:

  • 9 AM – 12 PM: Last name M-R and bus riders
  • 2 PM – 4 PM: Last name S-Z and bus riders

Blue Water Transit takes passengers to and from the old Super Kmart parking lot near Sam’s Club in Port Huron Twp. for both Wednesday sessions. The bus begins a circular route at 8:45 for the morning session and 1:45 for the afternoon session. Regular bus fare applies for the trip.

Harbor Impact has also opened its Resource Center by appointment. The resource center capitalizes on Harbor Impact Ministries’ vast support network to provide tutoring, employment, and basic skills help to meet the unique needs of its guests.

“We are looking forward to letting our guests choose from all of the wonderful donations we received as people have been cleaning out their closets during this season. “We are ready to rock and roll here!” said Barb Hanneke, Executive Director of Harbor Impact Ministries.

Donations of all kinds are welcome by appointment only. Call to schedule at 810- 662-3936 Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 12 PM.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand