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Local News

Whitmer Lifts Stay at Home Order – State Enters Phase 4 of Re-opening

Governor Whitmer said in a press conference today that the state of Michigan is now in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, the “Improving” phase. She also rescinded the Safer at Home order previously in effect until June 12th.

The shift will begin in phases. Immediately, outdoor fitness classes are allowed with social distancing. Offices previously deemed nonessential can go back to work unless people can reasonably work from home. Children’s day camps and swimming pools can reopen with safety measures. Crowds of up to 100 people can gather outdoors, and outdoor parks and recreational facilities may open.

On Thursday, retail can open at full capacity with social distancing and safety precautions in place.

Next Monday, June 8th, bars and restaurants are allowed to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity with social distancing.

The re-opening does not include gyms, hair salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, and casinos which are still closed.

Whitmer said, ““While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing, and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19. If we all do our part, our goal is to announce a shift to phase five for the entire state prior to the fourth of July. Stay smart, stay safe, and let’s all do our part.”

The full order is available <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Suspect Arraigned in 2019 Ft. Gratiot Homicide

Port Huron Township, MI — A suspect in a 2019 homicide in Fort Gratiot Township has been arraigned.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, 23 year old Josiah David Lopiccolo was
arraigned Sunday in 72nd District Court. He is charged with open murder, tampering with evidence and felony firearm.

On February 10th, 2019, 28 year old Kevin Anderson Junior of Port Huron was found lying along the road in the 4000 block of Keewahdin.  The call had originally been for a hit and run pedestrian crash.  When deputies arrived, they discovered Anderson had been shot to death.

For the next 15 plus months, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office have been investigating evidence and following leads, which has led to the arrest of Lopiccolo.  “I am proud of our Detective Bureau,” said Sheriff Donnellon.  They continued to put the work in which has resulted in bringing a suspect to justice.”

Lopiccolo is being held without bond at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center. His
next court date is a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 9th in 72nd District Court before Judge John Monaghan.

 

Port Huron Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Programming

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has had to get creative this summer. The pool is closed and the city’s parks will be empty, but organized recreation has not been completely abandoned. 

The Rec. Department released its abbreviated and very innovative summer schedule late last week. Offerings for online classes include dance, cooking, nature, and art that anyone can access for free using the Rec. Department’s Facebook page. There is also the option to learn karate over a Zoom meeting. 

Walk Michigan is continuing without the group walk aspect. Walkers self-report their socially distanced walks to complete the circuit and get a free t-shirt. There is also a schedule of nine outdoor drive in movies that will be held downtown. 

One of the more unique offerings is a traveling bike clinic that will be at different parks throughout the summer to keep kids’ and adults’ bikes in top condition. While the closing of playgrounds and pools and the cancellation of typical summer social activities is a huge disappointment, there are still a few fun things for residents to write on the calendar this summer. Check out https://www.porthuronrec.com/ for details. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Legislation in the Works While U.S. Attorney Responds to Nursing Home Concerns

Port Huron, MI — Nursing homes have been the epicenters of COVID-19 virus spread, yet the practice of moving convalescent COVID-19 patients into nursing homes is actually common in Michigan. An Executive Order requires facilities to create a COVID unit if they are operating at less than 80% capacity. 

The U.S. Attorney is now investigating Michigan’s practice and state legislation is in the works to find a safer place for patients to recover. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider responded to a letter from State Senator and Majority Whip Peter J. Lucido, saying, “The protection of the life and health of the people of Michigan is a core responsibility of the United States Attorney’s Office. The residents of long-term care facilities are among our State’s most vulnerable citizens, and any concern regarding the well-being of these citizens is one that we take seriously.” 

Lucido, a Shelby Township Republican, introduced legislation last week that would ban the intentional transfer of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and would require a centralized treatment facility for recuperating patients. Lucido is hopeful of the approval of the bill, according to a press release.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

WGRT's On the Bright Side This Week's Good News

On the Bright Side May 31, 2020

In an effort to support local musicians, The Cheeky Monkey record store in Sarnia is paying the tax on sales of local talent CD’s in their store. You can help local Sarnia musicians who earn their living from touring and performing by purchasing one of their CD’s at the store which benefits musicians much more than downloading and streaming their music. The Cheeky Monkey loves their local musicians, and wants to help everyone do their part to keep the music makers making more music for everyone to enjoy.

A 3-day bottle and can drive in Sarnia raised $27,255 for The Inn of the Good Shepherd. Over 100 community volunteers collected items and sorted them for 2 weeks. The result was 146 pallets of empties which were cashed in at the Beer Store/London resulting in the generous donation to The Inn.

Organizer Melanie Rogers said, “Wow, with the support of the community, volunteers, and businesses, this is a tremendous amount for The Inn of the Good Shepherd. I am so proud of all involved. Thank you Sarnia Lambton!”

The Inn of the Good Shepherd continues to provide food, meals, and shelter to those in need during the pandemic. This donation is particularly helpful since the Inn’s many fundraisers have been cancelled or  postponed due to the pandemic.

On June 1st, Port Huron schools will have distributed over 500,000 meals to families in the community since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. The district would like to thank the tirelessly dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked to support this program. Meals are distributed Mondays and Thursdays from 10 AM – 12 noon at Garfield Elementary, the Literacy Academy at Cleveland, Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern. For additional sites and times please go to phasd.us

Farm to Family distribution is every Wednesday through June 24, starting at 9 a.m. until all boxes are gone at Central Middle School and Port Huron Northern High School.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Secretary of State Branches Reopen June 1st by Appointment Only

Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.

“While the offices were closed to the public, we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1st, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:

  • Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
  • Title transfers
  • Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
  • Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal

Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times.