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Local News

Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force Created

Port Huron, MI — A bipartisan task force has been created to address the safety of residents in Michigan nursing homes. There has been outrage over the movement of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and the fact that over one third of reported COVID-19 deaths in Michigan have been from nursing homes. The statistics are closer to 50% in St. Clair County. The State Senate passed a bill last week restricting the practice. 

The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will analyze data and prepare an action plan by August 13th, according to a statement from the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

The task force will be made up of state officials, representation from the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, bipartisan representatives from each house of state government, and 13 appointed stakeholders. 

Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan, said “The impact of COVID-19 on nursing home residents has been especially tragic. I am optimistic this bi-partisan Taskforce will identify best practices to ensure that nursing home residents and staff are better served and protected going forward.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Head On Crash Kills One, Other Driver Flees Scene

Berlin Twp., MI — One person was killed in a head on crash in Berlin Township early Friday morning, while the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene on foot.

Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Dryden Road and Cameron Road shortly after 5:30 a.m. on June 26th.  When they arrived, they observed a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee on its side on Dryden, just east of Cameron Rd.  A 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis was found in the ditch in the area.

Investigation into the crash found that the driver of the Grand Marquis, 49 year old Robert John White of Capac was deceased.  The driver of the Jeep is believed to be a 39 year old Berlin Township man.

A search of the area was conducted by deputies, including a K-9 Unit, along with troopers from the Michigan State Police, an MSP K-9 Unit and agents from the United States Border Patrol.  The driver of the Jeep has yet to be located.

If anyone has any information regarding the crash, please contact Detective Chris Schwartzkopf at (810) 987- 1729.

Mussey Township Fire and Rescue, Tri-Hospital EMS and the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office also assisted at the scene of the crash, which remains under investigation.

United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Announces Fall Campaign Goal

Sarnia, Ontaio — United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will tackle the fall campaign with a $1,900,000 Needs Target. The target, set by the local volunteer Board of Directors, is unchanged from 2019. 

“The vital programs that are funded by United Way remain a critical component in invoking positive change throughout Lambton County”, said Vicky Ducharme, Volunteer Campaign Chair. “Before this pandemic and in the future, we must continue working to help vulnerable youth, families and seniors. The $1,900,000 is needed to fund United Way programs at appropriate levels.” 

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign will focus on three priority areas; Healthy Resilient Successful Kids, Empowering and Strengthening Self Sustaining Families; and Healthy, Safe and Independent Seniors. 

The Day of Caring, the annual campaign kick-off, has been cancelled along with many of the fundraising events that the United Way relies on. The campaign will focus on employee giving while increasing the direct mail and online giving programs. 

Initiative Helps Formerly Incarcerated Citizens Obtain ID and Register to Vote

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) announced a joint initiative last week to help incarcerated citizens who have completed their sentences and are reintegrating into their communities. The initiative provides them with a driver’s license or state ID upon their parole and ensures they understand their voting rights have been restored. A pilot of the program is already underway and will be fully launched later this summer.

“For formerly incarcerated individuals, obtaining ID is one of the biggest obstacles they face, and it’s also the first hurdle they have to cross before they can do anything else,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “This partnership removes that obstacle and helps returning citizens start off on the right track to reintegrating into their communities.”

MDOC has sought such a partnership for years, and Secretary Benson made it a MDOS priority when she took office in 2019. Through the initiative, MDOC will obtain required documents, paperwork and photos for individuals designated for parole and will send that info directly to MDOS, where either a driver’s license or state ID will be processed.

“This initiative is an important step that builds on the years of work the MDOC has done to help returning citizens have their vital documents upon release,” said MDOC Director Heidi Washington. “We know that providing identification after exiting the criminal justice system will play a huge role in producing positive outcomes for parolees and the community at large, and we’re proud to be partnering on this effort.”

Once someone has been paroled, they will be provided their driver’s license or ID and registered to vote unless they choose not to be, along with a workforce development packet that includes information outlining the restoration of their voting rights.

 

MI Passion Celebrating First Year and Crowdfunding with patronicity.com

Port Huron, MI — MI Passion Boutique in Downtown Port Huron is having a grand re-opening and one-year anniversary celebration tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th. Starting at noon, the first 40 patrons will get gift bags. There is a ribbon cutting at 12:15.

MI Passion has had quite a year, but it is still hanging on and looking forward to a bright future. After opening last summer, MI Passion quickly outgrew its small storefront. The store relocated into an expanded space down the street at 229 Huron Avenue in late January. Just a few weeks later, everything shut down for the pandemic.

Anita Varty, owner of MI Passion, said she kept the business afloat through online sales and Facebook live presentations where she featured her merchandise. Varty said that she was unable to get any of the government relief aid available, but she was able to make the cut for an innovative crowdfunding initiative, one of just a handful in the area.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is partnering with patronicity.com and matching grants to give a boost to local businesses that are important to communities. MI Passion is hoping to raise $4000 to help with their economic recovery.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Launches Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College now has an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The purpose of the Office is to “advance the college’s efforts in providing educational access and support for all”, according to a press release.

The college will launch a national speaker series for the benefit of the community. Social Justice speaker Jen Frey will begin the series on October 9th, and a book discussion will commence this fall. Another initiative of the college is to make Juneteenth an officially recognized holiday on June 19th every year.

According to SC4 Board of Trustees chair Dr. Nicholas DeGrazia, “The new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be instrumental as we continue toward our goals of growth, sustainability, and creating a stronger community that reflects the world we live in.” He also indicated that the entire board of trustees supports the creation of the Office.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be led by Jessica Brown, who has been with SC4 since 2014. Brown was the Director of the TRIO Student Support Services and is involved with the Global Diversity Advisory Council.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland