Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Traffic Stop in Port Huron Leads to Meth Seizure

Port Huron, MI — A traffic stop conducted by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force on July 14th ended with the seizure of methamphetamine and an arrest.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, members of the DTF executed a traffic stop at about 8:30 p.m. at 10th Avenue and Glenwood Street in the city of Port Huron.  The driver and sole occupant of the car, 31 year old Kevin Brody Junior of Port Huron was driving on a suspended license.

A subsequent search of Brody and his vehicle led to the discovery and confiscation of about $1300 worth of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, along with a large amount of marijuana.

Brody was arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He was arraigned on July 16th in 72nde District Court.  Brody is charged with delivery and manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, 2nd offense, maintaining a drug house, 2nd offense, driving while license suspended, 2nd offense and being a habitual 4th offender.

Bond was set at $75-thousand, 10% cash/surety.  Brody’s next court date is a probable cause hearing scheduled for July 28th at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Mona Armstrong.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit also assisted at the scene of the traffic stop.

Urgent Warning from FDA For Some Hand Sanitizers

The federal Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent warning to both consumers and health care providers, particularly those who work with children, about methanol detected in some brands of hand sanitizer. Ethyl alcohol is listed as the active ingredient, but tests are finding methanol in some products. Hand sanitizer has been a vital weapon against COVID-19 as it can kill the virus on contact, but methanol can have dangerous reactions, especially in children.

Most of the hand sanitizer on the list of contaminated products is manufactured in Mexico. According to the FDA, “Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.” 

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness, and seizures. Anyone experiencing symptoms needs medical help immediately.

The complete list of contaminated products can be found at fda.gov.  Hand sanitizer is recommended when soap and water are not available. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nutcracker and Festival of Trees Cancelled

Port Huron, MI — It’s only July, but community Christmas events are already feeling the effects of COVID-19. Both the Festival of Trees and the Nutcracker Ballet have been cancelled for this year. The events are staples in the Port Huron area during the Christmas season and the planning for both begins much earlier in the year.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the McLaren Port Huron Hospital Foundation and has featured a black-tie preview party and a weekend of community activities.

Sara J. Tait, Director of the McLaren Port Huron Foundation said, “We have had to make some very difficult decisions about proceeding with large-scale events for the remainder of the year.” Tait also said, “We are discussing various ways we might be able to extend family-oriented activities that are still designed to kick-off the holiday season.  More information will be shared when details are finalized.”

The Nutcracker Ballet, often held the same weekend as the Festival of Trees, has also been shelved for the year for the same reasons: to protect the cast, crew, and audience from the COVID-19 virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nursing Home Safety Remains a Concern

The question of the safety and ethics of moving COVID patients to nursing homes is inching closer to a solution. Several actions have taken place this week by the Governor, Lawmakers, and Nursing Home Advocacy groups.

Executive Order 2020-148 maintains the current guidelines for nursing home safety, including protections for employees, dedicated units for COVID patients, and adequate PPE. The order extends to August 10.

Meanwhile, The Michigan House of Representatives Health Policy Committee heard testimony regarding legislation that would tighten restrictions, address the quality of the nursing homes that served as regional hubs, and put pressure on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to be held accountable for instituting safeguards and monitoring facilities.

Also this week, a letter was sent from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living to the National Governors Association sounding the alarm for “imminent outbreaks at nursing homes and assisted living facilities”. The trade group would like faster and better testing, more N-95 masks, and coordinated efforts to let visitors back in.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

No “Rockin’ the Rivers” This Year

Another staple of summer in Port Huron has been erased from the 2020 calendar. Rockin’ the Rivers Summer Concert Series has been shut down.

The free concerts typically bring in around 2,000 people downtown and have been going strong since 2009. The event far exceeds the 250-person cap on outdoor events under the latest Executive Order form Governor Whitmer.

In a statement announcing the cancellation, City Manager James Freed said, “The Recreation Department loves providing events such as Rockin’ the Rivers for members of our community. Our focus is largely on fun, active and safe recreational opportunities for everyone. This year, we need to work a little differently to continue to maintain and protect the health of our community members. We want everyone to be safe and healthy so that we can all continue to enjoy events like these for years to come. We look forward to putting on an incredible series of shows in 2021 and safely rockin’ again next summer.”

The Port Huron Recreation Department has been forced to drastically scale back its offerings this summer. The calendar is usually filled with activities for all ages, but due to COVID-19 related orders and the financial repercussions, much has been cancelled.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Non-Profit to Begin Selling Ice Cream at Pine Grove Park

Port Huron, MI — Ice Cream is coming to Pine Grove Park. Touchstone Services has been awarded the contract to operate the snack bar and ice cream concession stand in the park. Touchstone Services is a non-profit that operates A Little Something ice cream and gift shop in downtown Port Huron.

The City of Port Huron has made a deal with Touchstone Services to use the space to sell ice cream and snacks in return for their cleaning the bathrooms and emptying the trash. Touchstone has experience operating facilities such as the Pine Grove concession stand, according to a memo from City Manager James Freed.

Touchstone Services operates an affiliate with Clubhouse International which provides opportunities for people living with mental illness to gain friendships, employment, housing, education, and access to services.

The non-profit will be selling Ashby’s Ice Cream, hot dogs, nachos, candy, and beverages at the stand. They are hoping to open next week. Pine Grove Park is located on Pine Grove Avenue on the St. Clair River across from McLaren Hospital.  A new concessions and bathroom building was recently constructed in the park.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland