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Local News

Mannequins Will Still Be a Part of Summer 2020

Port Huron, MI — Kelly Strilcov, owner of Salon Pizazz in Downtown Port Huron, has mobilized her stylists and volunteer mannequins every summer for the last  10 years to produce Mannequins Making a Difference. The event has become one of the most popular components of Boat Week and the Blue Water Fest with crowds spending hours watching models in creative costumes stand perfectly still for hours in the July sun.

This year, with the cancellation of Blue Water Fest, many locals and visitors have been wondering what summer traditions will continue despite the pandemic. Kelly and a group of Downtown Port Huron business sponsors and supporters decided to find a way to safely get Mannequins Making a Difference back to Downtown.

Organizers compiled photos of past mannequins, and Sir Speedy is creating 4′ by 8′ foot replicas to place in Downtown businesses. Beginning July 9th through July 31st, spectators can stop by the business with a square Mannequins Making a Difference sticker on the ground by their door. They can find the mannequin replica in the store, take a photo with it, and share it on social media with #PortHuronStrong. Submissions are eligible to win a prize from Salon Pizazz.

“Adaptability is the name of the game for all of us this year. We look forward to resuming to life as it was during boat week in 2021,” said Kelly Strilcov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Hunter Hospitality House Recognizes Volunteers, Cancels Fundraiser

Port Huron, MI — Due to COVID-19 concerns, Hunter Hospitality House cancelled their Hope Blooms Fundraiser that was planned for August 26 at the Blue Water Convention Center. The event is a major fundraiser for the non-profit that provides free lodging to those with loved ones in local hospitals.

Several awards are usually given out at Hope Blooms, and the cancellation of the event didn’t stop Hunter Hospitality House from recognizing their volunteers.

The M. Martha Koerber Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Barbara Teller in recognition of her six years of dependable house cleaning work. Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, said, “When we need something done thoroughly and with exceptional excellence, like training new volunteers, ‘Barb’ is our go-to gal!”

The other award is the Paula Flynn Godwin Spirit of Hunter Hospitality House Award. The award was given to Hannah Yurgens. According to Willard, “Anyone who knows Hannah knows that when she finds a cause she’s passionate about, nothing will stop her from helping them. She literally bubbles over with enthusiasm, as does her son, Adam Watson, who also volunteers for HHH.”

The 2021 Hope Blooms event is being planned. Tickets for the 2020 event will be honored at the 2021 fundraiser.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mary Kelly Seeking Supreme Court Justice Seat

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron attorney Mary Kelly is hoping to be a Republican nominee to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court will be on the November ballot this year. One is held by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, a Democratic nominee, who is seeking re-election. The other seat will be vacated by Justice Stephen Markman, a Republican nominee, who has aged out, preventing reelection.

Kelly has served over 30 years as a St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney. She has been the Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney since 2004. She was the lead attorney for the launch of the Criminal Sexual Conduct Unit. Kelly graduated from Michigan State University in 1980 and is a 1984 graduate of the Detroit College of Law.

At this point, there is one other candidate seeking one of the two nominations from the Michigan Republican Party. Brock Swartzle, a Court of Appeals Judge, has announced his candidacy as well. The nominees will be finalized at the Michigan Republican State Convention on August 29. The Republicans currently hold the majority with four of the seats on the court. The Democrats have already chosen their two nominees, incumbent Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and Elizabeth Welch. The eight-year term on the Supreme Court begins in 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Foundation Volunteer Organization Awards Scholarships

PORT HURON, MI – Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Organization (LHFVO) is pleased to announce ten (10) scholarships have been awarded to students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the health care field.

Because of COVID-19 pandemic and the financial difficulty it has placed on many students, LHFVO increased the number of scholarships awarded in 2020 from six to ten. The hope is to provide additional relief to students during this unprecedented and uncertain time. Each recipient will be awarded $1,200. The 2020 Healthcare Scholarship recipients are:

  • Megan Carnaghi – Franciscan University
  • Lindsay Carter – Grand Valley State University
  • Kaitlyn Fletcher – Michigan Technological University
  • Sydney Kenaya – Michigan State University
  • Serenity Lademer – Michigan State University
  • Courtney Lundy – St. Clair County Community College
  • Christene Marcum – St. Clair County Community College
  • Jamison Nightingale – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Olivia Poelker – University of Detroit Mercy
  • Heather Porter – St. Clair County Community College

The eligibility requirements and considerations included: students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the field of health care, are currently enrolled, carrying a minimum of six (6) credits per semester and demonstrating satisfactory progress.

USCIS to Celebrate Independence Day by Hosting Naturalization Ceremonies

Washington — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is celebrating the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our great country by hosting naturalization ceremonies across the United States from July 1 through July 7.

Despite the pandemic, USCIS continues to welcome new citizens, demonstrating American resiliency and the importance of our independence.

USCIS began to conduct limited naturalization ceremonies in May and began to fully resume ceremonies in early June, after temporarily pausing in-person services to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The ceremonies have been shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance, incorporating social distancing and other safety precautions that protect the health and safety of applicants and USCIS staff.

USCIS has naturalized approximately 64,500 new citizens over the past month and anticipates completing nearly all postponed administrative naturalization ceremonies by the end of July.

Two Arrested in Port Huron Drug Bust

Port Huron, MI —Two men were arrested by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force Tuesday night after a traffic stop on a vehicle with no license plate in the city of Port Huron.

Members of the DTF executed the traffic stop in the area of River Centre Drive and 10th Street shortly after 7:00 p.m. on June 30th.  In making contact with the vehicle’s occupants, it was learned that the driver was a 29 year old man from Peck, who was a convicted felon and had a suspended driver’s license.  The passenger was a 35 year old man from Kimball Township.

During the investigation, a search was conducted on the suspects and the vehicle.  During the search, the DTF located and seized two loaded and stolen semiautomatic pistols, approximately $1000 worth of fentanyl, $300 worth of crystal methamphetamine and about $1400 in cash.

The two men are currently lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  They are expected to face charges including possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon, concealed weapons violation, driving with a suspended license and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.