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Local News

Clock is Ticking for Switch to REAL ID

The security process for flying has dramatically changed since the events of September 11th, and things are about to change again. One-year from now in October of 2020, residents will be required to present a REAL ID to fly within the United States and to enter certain federal facilities. The Michigan Secretary of State is now offering REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses. If you already have an enhanced driver’s license or enhanced state ID card, then you already have a REAL ID-compliant card.  To obtain a REAL ID, take your Michigan license or ID card and proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal presence to a Secretary of State office. If your name appears different than what is on your birth certificate, you need to bring a certified name change document. This document can be a marriage license or court order. You can apply for the REAL ID anytime, or wait until it is time for your renewal. The renewal notice will tell Michigan residents whether or not the current license is compliant. 

The federal standards were drafted in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The REAL ID law sets document and security protocols for the production of driver’s licenses and ID cards, including the use of features to prevent illegal copying or altering. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is charged with enforcement of REAL ID.

McLaren Names Employee of the Month

Katie Woodburn has been named the Employee of the Month for July. She has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 11 years and currently works in the ER.

Woodburn was nominated by her peers because she models the hospital values through patient advocacy, compassion and integrity. She always goes above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care. She will move patients to more comfortable rooms when appropriate, and always treats patients with respect. Woodburn ensures physicians are kept up-to-date on any patient changes that occur, and treats her peers with respect.

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.

Yard of the Year Winners for 2019

The Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest winners have been selected and were recognized during the Port Huron City Council’s regular meeting on August 12, 2019. The coveted wooden yellow tulip was awarded to the residential winners, commercial and Steve Revnik winners received a wall plaque. 

2019 Residential Winners 

Central

Douglas Bishop ………………………….. 1313 Wall Street 

Alan & Terry Jowett …………………… 708 17th Street 

Daniel & Janet Moran …………………. 1041 Water Street 

North

Cathleen Andary ………………………… 3018 Armour Street 

Robert & Ann Beedon ……………….. 3807 Catalpa Court 

Karl & Brenda Miller ………………… 2857 Monticello Drive 

South

Troy & Mary Clark …………………….. 2821 Military Street 

Donald & Judy Mills …………………. 719 Oak Street 

Noel Suarez ……………………………….. 3011 Thornhill Street 

2019 Commercial Winners 

First United Methodist Church ………………………….. 828 Lapeer Avenue 

Jowett Funeral Home ……………………………………….. 1634 Lapeer Avenue 

Women’s Life Insurance Society ……………………… 1338 Military Street 

 

2019 Steve Revnik Award Winner 

Nicole Kaczynski 

LHMC Employee & Volunteer of the Month

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its August 2019 Employee of the Month, Fred Kuhr, and its August 2019 Volunteer of the Month, Ann Knill. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Fred is an Environmental Services Tech and has been with LHMC since 2008. He was nominated by a peer who commented, “At the end of my shift, I was doing a discharge room and the curtains had previously been hung wrong.  Even with a ladder, I could not reach them. Fred came and fixed the hooks and hung the curtains even though it was time for him to punch out.  I truly appreciated the help. Fred is always pleasant if asked questions or for help. He is a true team player.”

Ann volunteers with the Trauma Department and has been volunteering at LHMC since March 2019.  She was nominated by employee who wrote, “Ann was instrumental in helping to prepare for the trauma designation survey in which we received zero deficiencies and a 3-years designation.  Ann has many years of experience in quality and safety during her employment at Chrysler. She helped prepare survey material by placing the data in binders in an organized manner.  She updated the PI board with fantastic pictures of our trauma team and make the board not so boring. Ann helped set up and deliver equipment for our Injury Prevention outing at the 4H during 110-degree temperature.  All of this she has done with a smile and enthusiasm. She is certainly an asset to our organization and our patients.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Fred and Ann as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.  

United Way Celebrates 95th Anniversary

The United Way of St. Clair County is celebrating their 95th Anniversary this week.  Founded in 1924, it is the oldest United Way in the State of Michigan. Formed by community leaders, the local United Way exists to provide a mechanism for everyone in the community to give what they can afford to support a network of accountable human services. Currently located on Military Street, the organization uses funds raised in St. Clair County to distribute to programs that provide services to residents of St. Clair County. The biggest fundraiser comes through an annual campaign that’s just been announced. The kickoff will be held Monday, September 9th at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. Michelle Shepley, Port Huron Community Bank President of Chemical Bank, will be the 2019 Campaign Chair, and the campaign will run through December. 

 

Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Dedication Postponed

Nonprofit Fundraising for Tuskegee Airmen Memorial

According to Diving With a Purpose, a national non-profit, a memorial is being dedicated to five Tuskegee Airmen who perished in accidents in the Port Huron area in the 1940s. During the middle years of World War II, Michigan served as an advanced training ground for many graduates of the famous all-African-American Tuskegee pilot training program. In recent years, the wreckages from two Tuskegee Airmen’s aircraft were discovered in the Michigan area. One wreck was located in Lake Huron and the other in St. Clair River.

In August 2015, a dive team consisting of volunteers from Diving with a Purpose and maritime archaeologists from NOAA mapped the site and wreckage of one of the pilot’s accidents, identifying his plane from pieces still intact from his instrument panel. Recently, DWP and NOAA recovered artifacts from the site for a memorial exhibition in the National Tuskegee Airmen Museum in Detroit. The group is now raising money through the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Campaign to fund the design and installation of a memorial in Port Huron, culminating in an unveiling ceremony in the Flag Plaza along the St Clair River in Port Huron during the summer of 2020. Local groups including the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and DTE have contributed to the project. As of July, the fundraising efforts were at a halfway point.