Local News

Veteran Gerald “Jerry” Winn, 95, of Port Huron, took on a special mission on April 20, 2019, flying aboard the legendary Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.  The Honor Flight Network takes World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, or any terminally ill veteran to Washington, D.C. to visit military and national memorials. Jerry’s son, Larry, completed an application through Talon’s Out, the Michigan division of the national network. There is a wait list, however, special attention is given to WWII vets, due to age.  Each veteran is assigned a guardian, to serve as a “buddy” through the whirlwind day of events. Larry was Jerry’s guardian. Together, they saw the changing of the guard, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, and many more. “It was an unreal, unbelievable day. From the police and fireman lined up, saluting the plane as we left the terminal, to the incredible memorials, and the more than 2,000 people who greeted us upon our return to Michigan. It was a day I’ll never forget, and it’s because of my dad. When we got back, they took us to the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, where an enormous amount of people waited, they shook my dad’s hand, saluted him, and thanked him for his service. It was amazing,” says Larry.  Jerry, at the age of 18, enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Apollo in Guam and Japan, later he was stationed in Washington, D.C. where he was military police.  Larry is happy his dad was able to participate in the Honor Flight while he is still in good health. Several months ago, Jerry was diagnosed with early dementia and participates in the Adult Day Program at Visiting Nurse Association in Port Huron. The Adult Day Program provides care to individuals with dementia/Alzheimer’s and memory impairments.  To learn more about the Adult Day Program at Visiting Nurse Association, visit vnabwh.com. For more information on the Talon’s Out Honor Flight, visit talonsouthonorflight.org.

The St. Clair County Health Department’s (SCCHD) water quality beach monitoring program kicks-off May 24, 2019 just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The SCCHD tests for E. coli bacteria weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day at eight public beaches along Lake Huron and the St. Clair River.  colibacteria, found in the digestive systems of warm blooded animals, including humans, can indicate the presence of viruses and pathogens that can make us sick. Water naturally contains microorganisms regardless of how clean or clear the water look. Beaches may close after a heavy rainfall or strong wind storm because bacteria are washed into waterways or stirred up from waves. A beach is closed wheneverE. coliwater quality standards are exceeded.  Beach monitoring results are posted on our 24-hour Water Quality Hotline at 877-504-SWIM, “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page, the BeachGuard website at www.deq.state.mi.us/beach, and the “MyBeachCast” smartphone app. For more information, visithttp://www.stclaircounty.org/Offices/health/bathing.aspx

In a recent release the St Clair County Emergency Operations Center is strongly encouraging Harsens Island residents to reduce the environmental impacts to the island.  Residents are urged to reduce all water consumption. Residents are also being encouraged to heavily reduce waste water generation by limiting the use of kitchen and restroom facilities and avoid pouring liquids down drains. Those individuals who are using drinking water wells should shut down the pump to protect the house from contamination from flood waters.  All chemicals, fuel sources, cleaning solvents, etc. should be removed from lower cabinets and stored in a higher location.  Domestic and farm animals should be sheltered in a location away from flooded areas.  Health Department and local governmental officials are continuing to monitor the situation and will update as more information becomes available.

In a recent email from Port Huron City Manager James Freed, he expressed concern due to the water levels in the Blue Water Area.  Officials made statements about the St. Clair River, stating it is noteworthy that anytime we get a “wind event” (SCA , Gale or Storm), most likely from 350 to 070 degrees or 190 to 270 degrees, all of the St. Clair river gauges go up a solid 2 to 6 inches which further exacerbates the problems. The NWS will issue a Lakeshore Flood Advisory for
SCC+ conditions with onshore flow for either Lake Huron or Lake St. Clair.  In the text of the Advisory…the National Weather Service will state something like, “the high water levels of the Great Lakes are already creating potential flooding issues for the St. Clair River communities from St. Clair south to Harsens Island. The strong NE/SW winds are expected add to this flood threat”.    The rising water levels will raise the Canal and Black River.  We don’t expect issues in the Canal District, however, some boats that were  able to fit under the Canal Gate last season may not fit this season.   Also, contractors are working to raise the docks in the Marina, as many are now under water.  Freed says, we have not seen water levels this high since the early 1980’s.

Sen. Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway Township, has announced that he will conduct an office hour this Friday, May 24.  Coffee hours are open to residents of the 25th Senate District to express their opinions or concerns about state government or to request assistance with a state issue.  Lauwers will be available to meet with constituents Friday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Cracker Barrel, at 2303 Water Street in Port Huron. Lauwers represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Huron, St. Clair and Sanilac counties, and Armada Township, Memphis, New Baltimore, Richmond and Richmond Township in Macomb County.  For more information, please contact Lauwers’ office toll-free at 1-855-347-8025 or by email atSenDLauwers@Senate.Michigan.gov. Residents unable to attend the office hours may write Lauwers at Sen. Dan Lauwers, P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909-7536