Local News

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its May 2019 Employee of the Month, Dawn Rybinski, and its May 2019 Volunteer of the Month, Kathy Norton. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.  Dawn works in the Dietary Department and has been with LHMC since 2011. She was nominated by a visitor who commented, “Dawn treats the Lighthouse café employees and visitors with respect.  She carries out her responsibilities accurately and efficiently.  She also checks and replenishes the supplies and keeps the cafeteria clean and tidy.  I always enjoy seeing her.  The hospital is fortunate to have her as an employee.” Kathy volunteers in the Radiation Therapy Department and has been volunteering at LHMC since 2018.  She was nominated by an employee who wrote, “Kathy was witnessed on the 4^th floor giving a listening ear to a bossy patient.  Her caring calmness was evident from the hallway.  Her love for what she does was very clear.  She offered support to the patient and the nursing team.  Kathy was heard saying “If I can make on person smile, I’ve done my job.”  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 Dawn and Kathy as we celebrate their accomplishments.  To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

The Michigan House this week approved a landmark plan to fix our state’s much-maligned car insurance system and reduce rates for all Michigan drivers, state Rep. Gary Eisen announced.  Rep. Eisen voted in favor of the plan to offer drivers personal injury coverage options, rein in medical costs and fight fraud – features designed to end Michigan’s long-standing tenure as the state with the costliest car insurance rates in the nation.  “It’s been a priority to give drivers relief and by working together we can reform the highest average auto insurance premiums in the nation,” Eisen, of St. Clair Township, said after the vote. “This plan better serves the interests of Michigan drivers.”  Michigan’s costs are high largely because it’s the only state mandating unlimited lifetime health care coverage through car insurance. The plan allows those currently using the coverage to keep it, and those who want it in the future to continue buying it – while providing more affordable options.

The plan:

• Guarantees lower rates for all Michigan drivers.
• Gives drivers a choice on car insurance policies.
• Stops price gouging on medical services for car accident victims.
• Combats fraudulent claims to help lower costs.

The sweeping legislation now advances to the Senate for consideration.

On April 27, Hunter Hospitality House held their 7^th annual fundraising banquet, Hope Blooms, at the Blue Water Convention Center.  Over 650 people attended the event, supporting free healthcare lodging in two bed-and-breakfast style homes located across the street from each hospital in Port Huron.   Fifty-nine sponsors, four Woman’s Life chapters, and hundreds of individuals generously contributed, netting over $45,000 for the everyday operations at Hunter Hospitality House.  “Forty-five thousand dollars is huge to a small nonprofit organization like ours,” explained Executive Director, Tracy Willard.  “We’re immensely grateful to have a community that embraces our mission, making sure we have the funding necessary to accommodate the families of hospitalized loved ones, as well as those with medical treatment of their own.”  “Every year I am blown away at how much this event grows,” said HHH Board Member and former guest, Andrea Nunn-Mencavage, of Lexington.  “It was a fantastic evening.  I am so blessed to be part of this organization.” Shelley Dompierre, of Applegate, won the Hunter Hospitality House Volunteer of the Year Award during the banquet.  Angie Twichell, of Port Huron, won the Paula Flynn Godwin Spirit of Hunter Hospitality House Award.  Hope Blooms 2020 will be held April 18 at the Blue Water Convention Center.  To learn more about Hunter Hospitality House, visit their website at hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

The Barn Theatre is celebrating 40 years!  Located at the south end of Port Sanilac on M-25, on the grounds of the Sanilac County Historical Museum, it is a come as you are kind of theatre, where the dress code is “comfortable.”  According to Jeffrey Pedue, President of the Board, the Barn Theatre started in 1980 with just one show, and now they produce seven full length shows each summer.   This year’s schedule includes Annoyance, On Golden Pond, and The Savannah Sipping Society among others.  Auditions for all the performances will take place this weekend Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. for children, 6 to 8 p.m. for adults and Saturday noon to 2 p.m. for children and 2 to 4 p.m. for adults.  You do not have to schedule a time, Pedue says just come out.  For more information, log on to www.thebarntheatre.net.

The City of Port Huron is experiencing technical difficulties with the activation and deactivation of our network of Tornado Warning Sirens throughout the City.  We are working with Central Dispatch, technical staff and contractors to correct the issue. However, until further notification, residents should not rely on the sirens for storm or tornado warnings and should instead monitor weather conditions using tv, radio and weather radios.  Our Tornado Siren network is connected to Central Dispatch using a VHF radio connection. We are having
issues with that connection.

The days are getting warmer which means it’s almost time for the 34^th annual River Run! This year’s event will be Saturday, June 1 at Marysville Park. Participants choose between a 10k or 5k run, 3-mile walk or a 1-mile fun run.  The cost is $30 per person for the 10k, 5k, and 3-mile events, if registered by May 21. After that date, the cost goes up to $40. Cost for youth age 9-13 is discounted. The 1-mile fun run is $15. Register prior to May 21 to get a t-shirt and take advantage of the lower rate. Sign up at runsignup.com and search 2019 River Run. You can also register through the VNA by calling 810-984-4131.  Race packet pick up is Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VNA located at 1430 Military Street, Port Huron, or on race day at Marysville Park from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.  Are you interested in sponsoring the event? A few opportunities are still available! Contact Jeannie Westbrook at Jeannie.westbrook@vnabwh.com or call 810-388-6054 to learn more.  Maybe you don’t like to run, however, you can volunteer! . Contact Heidi Benner at Heidi.benner@vnabwh.com or call 810-989-2452.   “This is our largest annual fundraiser for VNA and Blue Water Hospice, and we rely on the support of our very generous community. Last year, with help through community partners, we were able to provide more than $928,000 in charity care to our patients. We raise funds and have fun at the River Run” says Angela DeLaere, president and CEO of VNA/BWH.  For more information on the race, registering, volunteering, or sponsorships, contact the VNA/BWH at 810-984-4131.