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Local News

DTF Arrests Man on Counterfeiting and Meth Charges

Port Huron, MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force arrested Benigno Santana, a 47 year old Port Huron man, on July 27th on a pair of warrants. The warrants included a circuit court bench warrant for failing to appear for sentencing on a conviction for delivery of methamphetamine along with a federal warrant regarding counterfeiting operations.

The suspect was arrested after being pulled over for a traffic stop and bailing out of his vehicle to hide in a residence in the 1100 block of Gillett Street in Port Huron. After the Drug Task Force received permission from the homeowner to enter the residence, the man was located and arrested without incident. 

Following the arrest, the DTF located about $23,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine along with several computers, printers, and storage devices believed to be used in the suspect’s counterfeiting operation the DTF and Secret Service had been investigating earlier this year.

Sheriff Tim Donnellon said, “I am extremely please and proud of our cooperative effort with the United States Secret Service. This investigation not only led to getting a drug dealer off the streets, but also a person ripping off business owners by passing counterfeit money.”

The suspect was arraigned on July 29th in 72nd District Court in Port Huron, and he is charged with delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine, resisting and obstructing police, use of police radio receivers/scanners in commission of a felony, and being a habitual 4th offender.

His bond has been set at $250,000 cash/surety, and he is scheduled for a probably cause hearing before Judge Mona Armstrong on August 4th. He is also expected to be arraigned on the Secret Service warrant at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Majority of Survey Respondents Want Legal Pot Shops in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron conducted a survey asking community members for their opinions on allowing marijuana dispensaries in the city. Over 1100 responses were gathered.

Over 70% of respondents were in favor of allowing marijuana dispensaries, and 17% wanted restrictions, while just over 10% of respondents said no to pot shops in the city.

There were a variety of comments. Many showed an impatience with the delays in allowing legal shops. Several comments stated that alcohol poses a greater risk than pot and that it is illogical to restrict a less harmful substance. Other commenters pointed out that legal dispensaries can offer a regulated and safer product than the marijuana people are buying from street dealers, which can be of questionable quality with suspicious ingredients. Still others said that they have a medical marijuana card and have to travel to other cities to get their legal products. The economic benefits of a new revenue source in the city were widely touted by the respondents.

There were also plenty of comments that expressed strong opposition to freely selling a substance that has long been classified as an illegal drug and concern was expressed for the odor caused by smoking marijuana.

The city’s current ban on marijuana dispensaries ends on September 30.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Return Your Absentee Ballots Before August 4th

With the August 4th primary election just around the corner, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson wants to remind absentee voters to get their ballots turned in on time.

Voters can still request an absentee ballot if they appear in person at their local clerk’s office. Because of the potential for postal delays, voters should both request their ballot and vote their ballot in the same visit.

More than 900,000 absentee ballots have already been returned, but more than 1.9 million were issued.

Michigan law states all ballots must be received by the clerk by 8 PM on August 4th in order to be counted. The fastest way to submit your ballot is to use the drop box at a city or township office, and voters may only return their ballot to the drop box of their own city or township.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Don’t Open Bags of Seeds from China

If you get a mysterious bag of seeds in the mail, don’t plant them. It worked out well for Jack in the fairy tale, but it won’t be so great for you. Instead of discovering a golden egg, you could end up introducing an invasive species to the ecosystem.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has sent out an unprecedented warning asking people who receive mysterious seeds in the mail to leave them unopened. Mike Philip, Director of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division warns, “These unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock.”

The seeds are sent from China and are thought to be part of a “brushing” scam where fake product reviews are generated by “verified owners” to give credibility to online retailers.

The United States Department of Agriculture is currently investigating this situation across the nation. Residents who receive the seeds are asked to call MDARD at 800-292-3939 or go to MDA-Info@michigan.gov. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron June Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Stacy Britz has been named the Employee of the Month for June. She has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 18 years, and currently works in Wismer Procedures.

Stacy was nominated by her peers because she lives the hospital values every day. She goes above and beyond to do what’s best for patients, consistently putting them at ease and making them comfortable. Stacy is a team player and a great resource for coworkers. Her strong work ethic is uplifting, making her coworkers want to be better nurses. She is kind, well-rounded, diligent, and trustworthy, and always has a smile for everyone.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Inter-community Busses Roll Next Week in Southwest Ontario

Sarnia, ON — Starting August 4th, a new transit service will connect the Southwestern Ontario communities of Sarnia, Strathroy-Caradoc, and London. The service, operated by the Voyago transportation company, will offer three round trips daily and two weekend round trips.

The busses will have a maximum seating capacity of 10 to 12 passengers, which may increase as needed. Frequent cleaning, exact cash payment, and other precautionary measures will be taken. Masks are required for all passengers.

Mayor Mike Bradley, of Sarnia, praised the new service, saying, “The wheels on the bus go round and round starting August 4th, providing long needed intercity bus service to South Western Ontario to bring us together.” Bradley’s sentiments were echoed by London Mayor, Ed Holder, who said, “A critical piece of our economic recovery depends on our ability to get people to and from work in a convenient and affordable manner. This need is not only local, it is also regional.”

The inter-community transit service is funded through the year 2023. Fares range between $5 and $20 and need to be reserved by phone at 519-787-1055.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland