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Local News

Lauwers Says Governor’s Plan Leaves Out Too Many Michigan Workers

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Dan Lauwers on Monday said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to allow more businesses in two northern regions of the state to reopen is a positive step, but it still unfairly restricts millions of Michigan families.

“Along with my Republican colleagues in the Legislature, I have been calling on the governor for weeks to adopt a more sensible approach to reopening Michigan’s economy,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Today it appears the governor has finally decided to abandon her irresponsible, one-size-fits-all tactic in favor of a regional plan.

“While the governor should be commended for this improved strategy, her delayed response has come at a great price as businesses are closing and unemployment is skyrocketing. In addition, there are still too many Michigan businesses and individuals being punished by too broad of an approach.”

On Monday, Whitmer announced partial reopening plans for businesses in the Upper Peninsula and 17 counties in Northern Michigan. Under the plan, retail stores and offices, restaurants and bars could reopen starting on Friday with capacity limits and safety requirements.

“Instead of a regional approach, the governor should institute a county-by-county approach to reopening the economy safely,” Lauwers said. “There are many counties, like Sanilac and Huron, far better off than some of the counties in Region 6 that are allowed to open. Unfortunately, St. Clair County has been lumped in with Wayne and Oakland counties, which will long affect the reopening of Region 1. It’s time to look at each individual county on its own merit.”

Submitted by the office of Senator Dan Lauwers

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Reopening for Some Services

Port Huron Twp. — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s office will re-open to the public on Tuesday, May 26th. However, services will be limited.

People who need to be fingerprinted must make an appointment  by calling (810) 987-1700.  While visiting the Sheriff’s Office to be fingerprinted,  you must bring and wear a protective face mask.

Purchase permits for private sales of handguns will also be provided by appointment only.

Gun registration will remain the same.  Just drop off the registration in the box outside the front door of the Sheriff’s Office, or mail it in.

“We are pleased to be able to get back to some services for our citizens, even though it is on a limited basis,” said Sheriff Donnellon.  “We know that those we serve will use common sense and keep themselves and our employee’s safe as we start getting back to normal operations.”

The Sheriff’s Office lobby will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 1170 Michigan Road in Port Huron Township.

 

 

Border Closed Until June 21st to Nonessential Traffic

Port Huron, MI & Sarnia, Ontario — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the governments of Canada and the United States agreed to extend the current measures in place along the border by 30 days. Those measures prohibit nonessential travel across the border.

The Canadian Border Services Agency reported an 88% decrease in land travel across all U.S. and Canadian border crossings for the week of May 11th – May 17th. The numbers also show a 31% decrease in truck drivers entering Canada compared with the same time last year. Commercial travel has not been restricted, but the idling of manufacturing plants in both countries has been a major factor in the reduction of truck traffic.

Trudeau said the extension of the border closure to nonessential traffic is “an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Canal Dredging and Sand Placement at Holland Beach

Port Huron, MI — Weather permitting, the contractor will begin dredging sand from the mouth of the Black River Canal today, May 20th, 2020. 

Sand dredged from Black River Canal will be placed in Lake Huron from Holland Beach to the south on Tuesday, May 26th and Wednesday May 27th, 2020, weather permitting. Due to the work, Holland Beach will be closed. 

The contractor will be utilizing Gratiot to LaSalle, and Conger to Holland to haul sand from the mouth of the Black River Canal to Holland Beach. There will be intermittent slowed and stop and go traffic in these areas. We encourage the public to not park on these streets during this time frame. 

Local Military Service Members Added to Monument in Pine Grove Park

Port Huron, MI — This Memorial Day, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs will recognize 27 local fallen heroes from World Wars I and II, along with the Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq wars. Their names will be added to the Pine Grove Tablet memorial monument in Pine Grove Park.

Daniel J. Crocker, retired State Director of Veterans Services, Department of Michigan of Veterans of Foreign Wars, said, “Last year we had the distinct opportunity to have 21 names added to the tablets. At that time, I was about 60% done with my research. As the research continued, I continue to identify more county residents that lost their life because of their service to our country.  At this stage, I think we have found almost all but cannot honestly say that we will not find more in the future.  Of the 27 names that have been added, three were identified through the Blue Water Area Fallen Heroes Community Banner Project spearheaded by Mr. Ed Weichsler.  The bottom line is that 27 former servicemen with ties to St. Clair County who paid the supreme sacrifice on the altar of freedom will finally and forever be memorialized on the sacred tablets located in Pine Grove Park.  Never to be forgotten anymore.  This is truly the largest number that has been added since the Vietnam War.”

The following service members will be remembered and honored:

World War I

Private First-Class Gabriel H. Dibble, Marine City

Private John A. Fraley, Casco Township

Private Edward C. Hastings, Wadhams

Captain Harold G. Ross, Port Huron

World War II

Private First-Class David D. Bryce, Port Huron

Private John A. Cartwright, Algonac

Private Rolla W. Caskie, Port Huron

Private Robert T. Chandler, Ira Township

Corporal Frederick N. Cryderman, Port Huron

Private First-Class Donald L. Diebel, Port Huron

Staff Sergeant Stanley H. Firth, Port Huron

Captain Jack S. Gerrie, Port Huron

Private John Grenenko, Port Huron

Private First-Class Frank S. Gubala, Marine City

Private John C. Haxer, Marine City

Carpenters Mate 3rd Class Thomas J. Herman, Avoca

Private First-Class Raymond D. Hill, Jr., Marine City

Ships Cook 1st Class Richard E. Hoetger, Marine City

Private First-Class James E. Lindsay Jr., Port Huron

Private Harry J. Massman, Port Huron

Lieutenant Ray W. Sherman, Port Huron

Sergeant Marvin L. Stolp, St. Clair

Staff Sergeant Michael J. Tanowigch, Yale

Private Carl F. Williams, Marysville

Korean

Corporal Richard M. King, Algonac

Vietnam

Private First-Class Allan D. Timmerman, Port Huron

Iraq

Lance Corporal Thomas P. Echols, St. Clair

If you are a family member, friend or acquaintance of a St. Clair County service member who died while serving their country, the committee is looking for photos of over 580 service members to add to the Blue Water Fallen Heroes Community Banner Program. Call the banner message line at (810) 985-2007 for information on how to submit your photograph.

Despite the cancellation of the Memorial Day parade in Downtown Port Huron, The Department of Veteran’s affairs is asking community members to observe a moment of silence on Monday, May 25th at 12 noon to show respect for our fallen heroes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Vote by Mail Applications Coming Soon

All registered voters in the State of Michigan will have a chance to vote by mail in the August and November elections. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced yesterday that applications will be mailed to all registered Michiganders.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, people have been more concerned with the safety of voting in person. The May 5th election experienced a record breaking turnout of 25% with 99% of votes cast by mail or drop box. Typical voter turnout for May elections is around 12%.

Registered voters will receive an application to vote by mail from the Bureau of Elections which will include instructions. The application will need to be signed and mailed back to their local clerk. Voters can find the application online at Michigan.gov/vote where they can also register to vote and join the permanent absent voter list so they can always have the option to vote by mail.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand