Local News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reporting four new cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) on the west side of Michigan. Two of those cases were fatal, bringing the total number of cases of EEE to seven in the state. The two recent fatalities occurred in Cass and VanBuren counties, while the first reported case happened in Kalamazoo County. With the new cases, the area of concern is expanding, and the state is urging all Michigan residents to use mosquito repellent with DEET, cover exposed extremities, and empty standing water that can serve as breeding grounds for the insects.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health, said Michigan is experiencing the worst Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak in more than a decade. The mosquito-borne illness is one of the most dangerous in the United States, with a 33% fatality rate in people who become ill. Individuals become infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. The illness poses the greatest risk to children under 15 years old and older adults over 50. Signs of EEE include sudden onset of fever, chills, and body and joint aches which can progress to severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis. The mosquito-borne disease will continue to be a threat until the first frost.  

The Port Huron Police (PHPD) welcomed two new cadets to the department recently. Dan Beedon and Zane King join a long list of cadets who have been involved in the program which dates back to the 1970s. Many of the cadets go on to a career with the Port Huron Police Department or another law enforcement agency. Cadets in the program perform many different duties including completing minor criminal police reports, minor accident investigations, serving subpoenas, conducting parking enforcement, and patrolling city parks. Cadets also go on ride-alongs with patrol officers. When applying for a cadet position with PHPD, candidates must be a college student in good standing and maintain a “C” or better grade point. The candidate must also be 18 years of age, of good moral character, have little or no contact with the criminal justice system, and have a valid driver’s license.  Finally, there is an oral interview as well as a background screening.

The road construction project from Michigan Avenue to Quay Street in downtown Port Huron is nearing completion. Michigan Avenue from Quay heading north to McMorran has been replaced with new underground service including a new sanitary sewer, new sidewalks, and a new roadway.  During the project, access to businesses along Michigan had only been available from the Quay street lot using the Fort Street entrance. The work has been ongoing for nearly 2 months.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed told WGRT in July that construction was expected to be completed in mid to late September. According to a city official overseeing the project, work should be completed by this coming weekend. Crews are in the process of finishing sidewalks and raising manholes to street level. Three inches of base and three inches of a leveling course are now in place. City officials want to watch for settling and other unforeseen issues that may occur over the winter. The final course of one-and-a-half inches of asphalt will be added in the spring.

If you look up while crossing the Military Street bridge in Port Huron on a southbound crossing, you will see a lot of activity at the top of the Michigan Mutual Mortgage Building. The annual Community Roof Sit for Kids is underway and will continue through the end of the week. The event, which is in its 25th year, raises funds for the Child Abuse and Neglect Council (also known as the C.A.N. Council). Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of the C.A.N. Council, told WGRT that Michigan Mutual and all of downtown has been amazing. She said the downtown location provides the organization with a more visible location and further raises awareness about child abuse, the organization, and the services the organization provides.

The agency uses the funds raised at the event to provide prevention, education to children and adults in St. Clair County, forensic interviews, victim services, and trauma therapy as well as support to victims and their families. Archibald said that the Roof Sit is their largest fundraiser of the year, and it is vital to the organization and the services they provide. She went on to say that they rely on the generosity of the community for approximately 60% of the organization’s annual budget, and Community Roof Sit provides 75% of that. 

St. Clair County Community College board trustee John Adair resigned from his position last Friday in a one-page letter to the college board. In the letter, which was dated September 13, 2019, Adair said the resignation would be effective immediately. Adair noted that the meeting on September 12th marked the 12th anniversary of his first meeting as a member of the Board of Trustees. He spoke of the board’s accomplishments during his tenure which included dual enrollment, Blue Water Middle College, and Career and Technical Middle College. He also talked about expanding facilities and transitioning through three presidents. 

In the letter, Adair said his personal life and professional responsibilities have allowed him less and less time to devote attention to his duties and responsibilities as an effective trustee. Board Secretary Mary Hawtin said they are currently accepting applications to fill the vacant seat. For those who want to be considered for the appointment, candidates must be 18 years old and a registered voter living in the SC4 district. The term of the appointment is 15 months and will expire on December 31, 2020. Hawtin said those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume or other supporting documentation to her office at the college.

The opening of the St. Clair Inn is drawing near, and Jeff Katofsky, Managing Member of Planet Clair LLC and developer of the St. Clair Inn, recently gave WGRT an inside look at the progress. Local residents are probably expecting a whole new look, but they may be pleasantly surprised with the familiarity and charm that has been preserved. From bathrooms to guest rooms, Katofsky says, original elements can be seen. “The doors in the bathrooms are the original doors from the guest rooms [on the] historic side. The sinks in the men’s room were sinks that we found in the Inn. The copper that was used behind the signage in the front was copper from the roof.” While the first private event is scheduled for this weekend, the public’s chance to see the historic property’s transformation is still about a month out. Public openings will start with the restaurant “1926”, the hotel’s more formal and only three-meal restaurant, in late October to early November. Following the first restaurant’s opening, several other venues throughout the grounds will be opened every 7-10 days. Hotel rooms are expected to start being offered towards the end of the year to the beginning of early 2020.