Local News

A statement to the community in a recent East China School District newsletter has revealed the details of a new bond proposal that voters will see on a March 10, 2020 ballot. 

According to the statement from Superintendent Suzanne Cybulla, “After the May 2019 bond was defeated, the school district set out to understand and listen to what the community felt. A survey was conducted of voters and many conversations with community members took place to listen and truly understand what happened.”

With that feedback, Cybulla said the District began the process of redeveloping a bond program that would meet the principles established by the strategic planning committees and bond steering committees. The principles developed include: building safety enhancements, upgraded technology, increased opportunities for our students, and a respect for community traditions and spirit.

The new bond program proposal includes St. Clair and Marine City High Schools remaining at their current locations, infrastructure, technology, and security upgrades among other items with an overall Bond Scope that has been reduced by 25%.

The statement says the district is waiting on final approval from the State and attorneys to distribute more details. The district website has a Bond FAQ and property tax calculator. Community presentations are also planned in the new year. More information can be found at ecsd.us. 

Port Huron Police are asking for the public’s help as the search continues for the perpetrators in a string of robberies. One set of robberies occurred between November 28 and December 20. They are believed to be committed by the same man who is described as a black male of medium build. He was masked and armed with a handgun during the robberies. 

Another robbery of the Speedway Gas station on Oak street in Port Huron on December 27 was carried by a masked robber of unknown race, also with a handgun. All of the robberies involved confrontation of the employees and emptying of the cash registers. 

These robberies are being investigated by the Port Huron Police Department Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigative Division. The vehicles involved are yet to be identified. Photos from the security cameras at the businesses show the suspect or suspects. The Port Huron Police Department offers a cash reward for tips leading to the capture of suspects. Anonymous tips can be left at the Capture Hotline at 987-6688 or through the TipSubmit website. Business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant in their safety practices.

With little snow or freezing temperatures in the forecast for the foreseeable future, those new sleds and skates may have to stay in the closet for a little while. Fortunately for area residents, the Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department has some activities lined up to keep families busy despite the lack of winter wonderland. 

First up is the Blizzard Bash,  an indoor snowball fight, for ages five to 14 that is set to be held January 3. Registration is required, but the event is free to residents, and it includes the making of indoor “snow”. The Parks and Recreation Department is also taking registrations for winter programs that start once school is back in session. Offerings include fencing for ages 12 and older where participants can learn the ancient art, and there is also Drums Alive, an exercise class for ages 16 and older.

Homeschool and preschool tennis classes start in January as well as beginner karate classes for kids who might be going a little stir crazy without snow to play in. Also starting in January are yoga classes and a new offering, the art of a traditional dance of Thailand. You can sign up online or call the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department for more information on any of these programs and offerings at 810-984-9760.

Nominations are now being accepted through January 3rd for the ninth annual “Blue Water Woman of the Year” awards sponsored by Blue Water Woman magazine. Area residents are invited to nominate a woman residing or working in St. Clair County who demonstrates excellence and achievement in personal and/or professional endeavors. 

On Friday, February 7, five women from across the Blue Water Area will be honored at a reception. The award categories will go to women who demonstrate excellence and achievement in volunteerism, mentoring other women and personal or professional achievement. The selection process starts with a nomination form and then a distinguished panel of impartial judges from the Upper Peninsula serves as the award recipient selection committee.

Last year’s recipients include Dr. Randa Jundi-Samman, Melinda Johnson, Pauline Repp, Mara McCalmon, Carrie Farnsworth and Sara Thomas. To nominate a deserving woman, visit bluewaterwoman.com

Holiday moviegoers will likely catch a message from Michigan’s student safety initiative, OK2SAY. 

Three different OK2SAY messages began airing on 372 screens in 48 different movie theaters throughout Michigan this month and are expected to be seen by more than 1.1 million students and their families. A 30-second animated message is running in G, PG, and PG-13 movies, and two 15-second spots are running in R-rated movies.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the reason is to reach “students outside the classroom” because the hope is for students to “step up and speak up when they see or hear something – whether it’s a bully or a friend contemplating self-harm.”

The state Legislature established the program, which launched in 2014. OK2SAY encourages students to submit confidential tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, and schools 24/7 to trained technicians regarding potential harm or threats. 

To date, more than 22,000 tips have been received – more than 5,500 in 2019 alone. Top tip categories include suicide threats, bullying, drugs, self-harm, anxiety, stress, depression and harassment. OK2SAY tips can be submitted through a call, text or email and also through the OK2SAY website or mobile phone app.

A local woman has been recognized with a lifetime achievement award after serving the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) for more than 40 years. Liz Norris has been a fixture with the organization since starting with VNA under the direction of founder Bess MacCulloch, in 1955, just three years after the organization formed. 

Though she took some time off to continue her education and care for her aging parents, Norris has worked continuously with the VNA since 1980, when she began working in the home health care division. Several years later, Liz moved out of the field and into the office. It was here that her ability to understand the health care needs of the community, with a keen eye for budget and business development, were needed.

In her role, Liz oversaw the flu clinics throughout the Blue Water Area for 15 years. At the time, no one was doing anything like it. In addition to flu shot clinics, Liz also lead blood pressure clinics at senior living facilities in the area.

While Liz may be retiring, the organization says she will still be present at Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice (VNA/BWH). She plans to volunteer for the hospice service division, focusing on patients under hospice care who choose to remain in their homes. She will continue administering flu shots to staff at the annual VNA/BWH skills fair. Liz also plans to stay busy volunteering with her church, Woman’s Life group, and a local adult day program, where she currently assists with music exercise.

Angela DeLaere, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse Association Health Services said “Liz has been a true asset to this organization.” In her honor, the VNA board room has been renamed the Liz Norris Board Room.