Outdoor Stewardship Events This Winter

Outdoor exploration doesn’t have to be limited to warmer months, and Friends of the St. Clair River has a few options coming up for outdoor recreation.

On December 11th, a winter stewardship program called “Through the Woods” will take place at Woodsong County Park from 10 AM – 12 PM, and a Lakefront Restoration is planned at Fort Gratiot County Park on December 12th and January 10th.

Forestry Fridays happen weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM at Columbus County Park on December 10th & 17th and January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.

Friends Restoration Coordinator, Brooke Hiller, said, “Our staff and volunteers work fifty-two weeks a year, through all seasons, to restore, protect, and enhance our community’s natural resources. These winter stewardship activities allow residents to connect with nature in a unique setting and make a difference protecting these areas full of life, even in the dormant months.”

To learn more about these and other events visit Friends of the St. Clair River’s website at www.scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

DTF Seizes Large Amount of Meth

Port Huron Twp., MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force seized a large amount of crystal methamphetamine and arrested one man during a raid on December 1st.

According to Sheriff Mat King, The DTF conducted an investigation into the sales of meth in the Port Huron area.  That investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 2900 block of West Water Woods at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.  Once inside, members of the Drug Task Force located and seized about $45,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine and smaller amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.  Also seized during the raid were digital scales, cash and drug packaging materials.

A 35 year old Port Huron man was arrested at the residence and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl and maintaining a drug house.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force

Urgent Warning Issued for Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana

The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center has issued an urgent public health alert regarding fentanyl-laced marijuana. We reported in October about a federal Drug Enforcement Agency warning regarding fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. This is a new warning.

There have been reports of patients being treated in emergency rooms for opioid overdoses when they had only smoked marijuana. No laboratory tests have yet confirmed fentanyl-laced marijuana in Michigan, but a review of EMS responses to overdoses has revealed eight probable cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises that marijuana consumers only buy from reputable sources and vendors.

The most common signs of opioid use or overdose are confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and anxiety. Vomiting, pinpoint pupils, and respiratory depression are other symptoms. Exposure to fentanyl can be fatal and those with suspected exposure should call 911 immediately.

Fentanyl exposure is especially deadly for children. MDHHS warns that marijuana products should always be stored where kids can’t get to them.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Capac and Casco Win DNR Recreation Passport Grants

Two local communities are receiving funding from Recreation Passport Grants. Capac and Casco will both receive money to invest in local parks.

The Village of Capac was awarded $45,000 for improvements to Aldrich Park. Casco Township was awarded $56,200 for the Belle River Park Picnic Area. Sixteen projects were chosen out of 53 entries this year.

The Recreation Passport Grants are funded by revenue from the passports that give Michigan residents unlimited access to state parks throughout the year. The passports can be purchased when renewing vehicle registrations. More than a third of Michigan license plates have the passport sticker.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger said, “It’s all about getting more people outside, more often, whether you’re going camping for the weekend or enjoying an after-dinner stroll at the neighborhood park.”

Communities can get in the running for future grants by submitting an application by April 1st through the Michigan.gov website.

 Reporting for WGRT  – Jennie McClelland

Sheriff’s Office Raises Money for YMCA during “No-Shave November”

No-shave November has come and gone, but the money raised from the event will last for a long time. The Office of the St. Clair County Sheriff challenged its staff to give their razors the month off and raise money for charity.

The hairier than usual employees of the Sheriff’s Office dedicated their fundraising to men’s health awareness. The YMCA of the Blue Water Area was this year’s beneficiary of the fundraiser.

Sheriff Mat King presented a total of $2495 to Josh Chapman, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

The YMCA was chosen because of its commitment to men’s health and its wide range of programming, including fitness classes, lifestyle classes, and programs for those living with chronic diseases, like cancer.

No-Shave November started as a national movement to draw attention to cancer prevention. Cancer patients often lose their hair during treatment, and the obvious signs of ungroomed facial hair are meant to spark conversations about cancer screenings and prevention like exercise and lifestyle changes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland