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Local News

Two Charged Following Drug Raid

(Port Huron)  Two Port Huron men are facing charges following a drug raid on October 1st.

According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation ended with the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of 13th Street shortly before 11:30 on October 1st.  Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized about $2500 worth of crack cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspects were arraigned before 72nd District Court Judge Mona Armstrong on Sunday.  Vincent Lumetto, age 61, is charged with controlled substance less than 25 grams and maintaining a drug house, while 29 year old Deangelo Lee is charged with controlled substance second or subsequent offense.  Bond for both was set at $10,000 cash/surety.

Both men face a probable cause hearing before Judge Armstrong on October 13th at 9:00 a.m.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

It’s “Farm to School Month”

October is “Farm to School Month” in Michigan. Almost a million meals have been provided to state schoolchildren and families as part of the pandemic response, and effort has been made to use local food as much as possible.  

Farm to School Month is a national program that connects consumers with fresh food through the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

In explaining the connection between the lunch line and the farm, MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “Michigan’s local farmers, farm workers, and school nutrition professionals are key components of our state’s vibrant food system. The framework in place through Farm to School efforts have been crucial as farmers, school food service workers, and volunteers continue to serve as frontline heroes, expanding their efforts to provide food to our students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Examples of local products used in school lunches include dairy, fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, meat, and beans. Efforts are also underway to improve nutrition education and increase the number of school gardens.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia-Lambton United Way Hits Half-Million Mark in Yearly Campaign

Sarnia, ON — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton County has reached the $500,000 mark in its efforts to reach its Needs Target.

The goal is $1.9 million, but the campaign hit a milestone on October 1. Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme said, “Local businesses have been working on creative ideas to boost their own staff morale during this pandemic while raising funds for United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. We are booking virtual presentations to employee groups; we have had fun at the drive thru breakfasts and lunches.” 

Like everything else, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton had to change course in the midst of the pandemic. The usual Day of Caring, Dinner and Auction, and Sarnia Sting game were cancelled. However, the challenges that the United Way addresses remain.

Ducharme said that issues including mental health, food insecurity, poverty, and isolation have not gone away. The organization raises funds for 36 local programs that help vulnerable youth, families, and seniors in the area.

More information can be found at theunitedway.on.ca.

Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month in Michigan. It’s time to check the batteries on your smoke detectors, make an exit plan in case of a fire, and teach the kids safe habits.

This year’s National Fire Protection Association theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” It reminds us to never leave cooking unattended and to keep cooking surfaces clean and burners free of grease buildup.

Most fire deaths happen at night. About half of deadly fires start in the living room, while 17% start in the kitchen and 16% in bedrooms. Over half of all deadly fires since 2017 have involved careless smoking.

Orlene Hawks, Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs said, “It is critical for each of us to practice fire safety in our home with our entire family, including our children. Create a fire escape plan and practice it often as a family – it is a simple thing to do, and it can save the lives of the people we love.” 

State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer advises homeowners to have working smoke detectors in every bedroom and to close bedroom doors at night.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

Nessel Will No Longer Enforce Governor’s Executive Orders Through Prosecution

Lansing, MI — Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a press release in response to the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent decision on Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders.

She said, “In light of the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, the Attorney General will no longer enforce the Governor’s Executive Orders through criminal prosecution. However, her decision is not binding on other law enforcement agencies or state departments with independent enforcement authority. It’s her fervent hope that people continue to abide by the measures that Governor Whitmer put in place – like wearing face masks, adhering to social distancing requirements and staying home when sick – since they’ve proven effective at saving lives. If it weren’t for the Governor’s actions, countless more of our friends, family and neighbors would have been lost to COVID-19. We can respect both the court’s decision and the advice of medical experts by continuing with these important measures voluntarily.”

There is still confusion on when exactly the Governor’s emergency powers end and which orders will cease. The Governor claims her emergency powers are in effect until October 23rd and many of the measures “put in place to control the spread of the virus will continue under alternative sources of authority” that were not affected by the Supreme Court ruling.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

“100+ Women Who Care” Event Raises over $10,000 for Charity

The “100+ Women Who Care” fundraising event took place last week, making the best of the social distancing restrictions. The virtual event was a success and raised over $10,000 for several local charities. 

Over 100 women were divided into fourteen teams and used the GooseChase app to complete “missions” and have some fun. By the end, eleven non-profits benefited from being nominated by the participants. By the end of the night, one of the founders of the Women’s Initiative, Joann Ploeger, drew the names of the nonprofits who won the $1250 grants. The winning teams were then able to nominate recipients of $500 grants. 

The $1250 grant winners were Mid City Nutrition, Enter Stage Right at The Citadel Stage, Council on Aging serving St Clair County, River Bank Youth Theatre, Friends of the St. Clair River, and Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County. 

The $500 grant winners were Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer, St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect Council, Julie’s Kids., Bridge Builders Counseling & Mentoring, and Hunter Hospitality House. The remainder of the funds will go into the Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Fund. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland