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Local News

“100 Women Who Care” Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Port Huron, MI — With restrictions on large gatherings, the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has had to get extra creative to continue their tradition of hosting the “100 Women Who Care” fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, involves small groups and a phone app, but the goal is still $10,000 for local charities.

Vice President of the Community Foundation, Jackie Hanton, said that new approach was inspired by a scavenger hunt put on by the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation. Speaking of the 100 Women Event, Hanton said, “It may seem a bit intimidating that the event will be through an app on your phone, but I assure everyone who participates that it will be easy, fun and we’ll be sure you know what to do.”

For the event, small socially distant groups of two to ten women will get together in someone’s home. One person will download the app, GooseChase, and the games will begin. The scavenger hunt style game will include supporting several local non-profits.

Hanton said that the Women’s Initiative is “one big giving circle” and is encouraging local women to make their own “mini-giving circles” this year.

More information can be found at stclairfoundation.org/team-up-with-100-women-who-care-event/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

YMCA of the Blue Water Area Opens September 14th

Port Huron, MI — Owners of gyms and fitness centers in the state were finally given the green light to open their businesses on September 9th, and the  YMCA of the Blue Water Area is preparing to open its doors on September 14th.

The Y may look different due to safety measures being enforced throughout the building, and the reopening will come in phases. The YMCA team will make decisions regularly on the services being offered with guidance from local health officials and the state government.

Those who have placed their memberships on hold are encouraged to contact Member Relations Coordinator Laurie Irwin to restart their memberships for opening day.

The YMCA offers many different membership levels for individuals, youth, seniors, and families, and you can begin a new membership anytime.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update September 4, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases as of September 4, 2020 at  9:00 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 104,395 confirmed cases; 6,519 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 810 confirmed cases; 52 deaths
  • Ontario: 42,686 confirmed cases;  2,812 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 340 confirmed cases; 25 deaths

St. Clair County currently has 57 active cases of the virus, and 2% of hospital beds in the county are being used for COVID-19 patients.

Governor Whitmer signed executive orders yesterday extending the State of Emergency until October 1st. She also named September 9th as the reopening date for gyms, pools, and sports practices and competitions.  All re-openings are subject to strict precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Lambton County currently has 2 active cases, and the county hasn’t had a COVID-19 related hospital admissions since May.

The City of Sarnia asks for help from the community regarding disposing of personal protective equipment. Masks, gloves, paper towels, tissues, wipes, and plastic bags belong in the garbage, not in the blue box.

 

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Animal Control Accepts Over 80 Dogs from Kenockee Twp. Resident

An investigation into a citizen complaint led to the surrender of over 80 dogs in Kenockee Twp. this week. St. Clair County Animal Control (SCCAC) Officers began investigating the situation, and the owner willingly surrendered the animals.

The staff at SCCAC have placed the dogs in shelters so they can receive medical assessments and appropriate care. The public will be notified when the animals are available for adoption.

According to Melissa Miller, the new Director of of SCCAC, “Dogs are required to have adequate shelter and protection from the elements, access to clean water and food.”

St. Clair County Animal Control will provide and update on the situation upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Secretary of State Extensions Run Out September 30

Extensions on driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle renewals expire on September 30th. So, it’s time to make an appointment at a Secretary of State Office if needed, and be prepared to pay those registration and renewal fees that you may have been putting off.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to address customer needs during the pandemic, we have expanded our branch hours and added a number of appointments to ensure everyone who needs to is able to renew their driver’s license or ID ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. There are still many available appointments, and anyone who has not handled their renewals is encouraged to do so immediately.”

If your renewal can not be completed online, the Secretary of State offices have expanded their branch hours to make room for the last-minute transactions. The appointments reserved for renewals are available from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday from now until September 30.

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. Some transactions can be completed online at EXPRESS SOS at Michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland