Local News

Sen. Dan Lauwers is encouraging area schools to apply for a new set of state grants to make important safety improvements.  “Providing safe schools is the top priority of all teachers and administrators,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “The application period for a second round of school safety grants is open until March 1, and I encourage all schools in the district that are considering making critical safety improvements to apply for these competitive grants.” In 2018, the Michigan Legislature invested an initial $25 million into the Competitive School Safety Grant Program to help improve the safety and security of school buildings through the purchase of technology and equipment and through school building safety assessments.  The Michigan State Police in October awarded grants from the program to 188 schools, school districts and regional education agencies throughout the state.  In December, the Legislature put another $25 million into the program for additional grants.  Applications for the second set of grants are due no later than noon on Friday, March 1.  Information about the grants — including applications and instructions — is available by clicking here or by visiting www.Michigan.gov/CJGrants and clicking on the “General Grants School Safety” box.

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its 2018 Employee of the Year, Stephanie Halsey, and its 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Larry Oleaga. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.  Stephanie is a Lead Environmental Services Tech and has been with LHMC since December 2014. Nominated by a patient for going out of her way to help, the nominator remarked, “Standing in the hallway, I’m sure I looked lost. Stephanie introduced herself and escorted me to where I needed go. She represents the hospital in such a professional way; I appreciate her kindness.”  Larry has been volunteering in the People’s Clinic for Better Health since 1991 and was nominated by a colleague who commented, “Larry always steps up to make sure we have coverage when others can’t make it. He helps keep the pharmacy organized and in date.”  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 Stephanie and Larry, as we celebrate their accomplishments.  To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

Tammy Hall has been named the Employee of the Month for January. Hall has worked at McLaren Port Huron for three years and is a care management analyst in Appeals and Denials.  Hall was nominated by her peers because she lives the hospital values. She is always ready to take on a challenge and does so with a positive attitude. She is a great asset to her department, always ready to lend a hand. Hall assists during vacations and other absences to keep the workflow in her department going. Her attitude and demeanor make her very approachable. She is patient, kind, upbeat, and always has a smile.  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.

Chakira McCain is the PR and Marketing person for Discount Rx Pharmacy, a privately owned pharmacy,  located inside the Lake Huron Medical Center in Fort Gratiot at 4190 24th Avenue, Suite 100.  The pharmacy is a member of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce in Port Huron and have been in our area for about two years.  While the main store is in Flint, Chakira talked with WGRT’s Cathie Martin about the services Discount Pharmacy offers at this location. She says they are a full-service pharmacy, and along with regular prescriptions, they offer free delivery, free vitamins once a month for both adults and children and compliance packaging means they will package all of a person’s medications in a daily blister pack — so they don’t have to juggle pill bottles or spend time moving meds from their vials to pill boxes.  The packaged meds come with information about what the meds are, which doctor prescribed them and how they are to be taken – all this at no extra charge.   On Tuesdays, she says, it is Senior’s day – all seniors sixty years of age and older receive a 15% discount on over the counter items.  Charkira states that they accept prescriptions from all doctors, not strictly those with offices in the building.  Regular pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Content was sponsored through the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce)

The Annual St. Clair County 4-H Council Auction is on Saturday, February 23 at Goodells County Park!  The sale starts at 10 am and goes until all items are gone.  All proceeds stay in the county to support 4-H programming.  A community service project called “Operation 4-H Cares” – Mission Feeding our Community is an ongoing project that you can help with.  Here are two opportunities for 4-H to give back to our community.  Number one is, Kiss the Mini Horse Challenge.  Someone will kiss the mini horse named “Boozy” for a good cause. Kiss the mini horse challenge will take place at the 4-H Council Auction. How does it work? 4-H Council Board Member Tim Warchuck and President of the Fair Board Rob Usakowski will compete to see who can collect the most money (votes) to kiss “Boozy” the mini horse. All proceeds will be donated to Mid-City Nutrition Soup Kitchen.  Number two is, Operation 4-H Cares non-perishable food collection.  Please bring your non-perishable food item to the auction. Items will be collected at the auction and donated to Mid-City Nutrition Soup Kitchen. Wish list items include but are not limited to the following.

Paper products like paper towels and toilet paper
Dish soap
Bottled water
Sugar
Fruit snacks