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Local News

United Way Supports Local Family With Hospice Care

The Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice partners with the United Way of St. Clair County to provide funding for families who need financial assistance for special health care needs and hospice care.

Recently, they were able to help a local family receive financial aid for room and board at the Blue Water Hospice Home.

Brian Jackson started experiencing heart attacks at the age of 34. Due to complications from diabetes, his health declined and he continued to suffer several strokes, mini-strokes, and heart attacks until he lost his battle at the age of 43.

Because of the support he and his family received from The United Way of St. Clair County and the VNA & Blue Water Hospice, Brian was able to spend his last days surrounded by family and friends while getting the special care he needed.

Brian’s wife, Vickie, is extremely grateful for the care provided by the hospice home and the support from the United Way. “We didn’t even know this home and type of care existed locally,” Vickie said.

The United Way focuses on several areas of physical and mental health through their “Improving Quality of Life Through Health & Advocacy” impact area. Funded programs include mental health counseling, accessibility ramp construction, medication assistance, and hospice care. For more information visit their website <HERE> .

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Huron Lightship Damaged by High Water

Port Huron, MI — A Port Huron landmark, the Huron Lightship, is closed to visitors until repairs can be made to the vessel. The boat, which operates as a museum, is permanently placed in Pine Grove Park on the shore of the St. Clair River. Water breached the break wall last summer, but the weekend’s storm brought more water to surround the boat and cause erosion that actually pushed up the 300-ton ship. A gas line was broken along with damage to the electrical line.

Andrew Kercher, Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums explained in a Facebook Live video that the boat is not designed to float or move as it is permanently placed in the ground, not water, so any movement can cause substantial damage to structures like utility lines and decking.

The Museum is working with the City of Port Huron and its insurance company to make plans to remediate the damage to the site, which has been in place since 1972 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hit with closures and lost revenue from COVID-19 shutdowns, damage to a revenue-earning site is certainly unwelcome for the non-profit. The fix for the water breach will likely require more advanced engineering than sandbags.

A video explaining the damage can be found on Port Huron Museums’ Facebook page, along with a link for making donations.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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