Mother Dies After Losing Control of Vehicle; Kids in Critical Condition

Port Huron, MI — After investigating the cause of a vehicle crash into the Black River yesterday, Port Huron Police are reporting that the driver, Corey Michelle Pratto, a 26 year old female, has passed away as a result of her injuries. Her three children are currently in critical condition at hospitals in Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Pratto was driving her vehicle yesterday when her boyfriend, a 26 year old male, stated she was having brake problems. He reported to police that both he and Pratto tried unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle. When he realized they were going into the water, he jumped out of the vehicle because he knew he could not swim. The vehicle went into the river west of 10th Street, off of Glenwood Avenue. 

Pratto and her three children ages 3, 5, and 7 were rescued by Port Huron Fire Department rapid divers and the St. Clair County Dive Team. 

The children were initially taken to local hospitals, but they were flown out for care at Children’s Hospital in Detroit and University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and are accompanied by family members.

Corey Michelle Pratto will be examined by the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office, and an  autopsy will be performed. The investigation is still ongoing, so anyone with information should contact police at (810) 984-8415 or CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688.  Anonymous texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an apple or android device. Tips can also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

MDHHS Updates Nursing Home Visiting Guidance

It’s the time of year when more people than usual visit loved ones in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued visitation guidance.

The guidance is updated based on recommendations from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare.

Routine testing for COVID-19 is part of the guidance, but not a requirement. Mask wearing is required with some exceptions. Unlike last year, when visits were conducted through glass windows and over iPads, this year’s guidance calls for physical touch like hugging if the resident wants it.

Eighty-four percent of Michigan’s long-term care residents are fully vaccinated. As long as they are aware of the risks, and no other residents are put at risk, in-person visits are allowed and can not be restricted.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “Long-term care residents receive physical, emotional and spiritual support by visiting with their family and friends, particularly during the holiday season. Our updated guidance provides key steps to take to make these visits as safe and fulfilling as possible.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Snow Ordinance in Effect Today

The City of Port Huron’s snow ordinance goes into effect today, so it’s time to remember to make sure your car is in the driveway at night instead of along a city street.

The snow ordinance prohibits parking on paved city streets between the hours of 2:30 AM to 6 AM so that snow plows can clear streets overnight. The ordinance is in effect from now until March 31, 2022.

Violators of the snow ordinance will get a warning for the first 5 days, but after that, police will issue tickets that result in a $23 fine.

Marysville also has a snow ordinance in effect from today until April 1, 2022. Parking is not allowed on Marysville streets or avenues between 2 AM – 6 AM.

The City of St. Clair doesn’t have a standing snow ordinance; rather, they have a Snow Emergency Ordinance that prohibits parking on any city street when more than 4 inches of snows falls or is in the forecast.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Fort Gratiot Light Station to Undergo Restoration

The Fort Gratiot Light Station in Port Huron is getting spruced up over the winter. The property, which is part of St. Clair County Parks, is seeing improvements to the Light Tower’s Watch and Lantern Rooms and the Fog Signal Building.

The Lantern Room restorations are made possible by a Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program Grant. The grant is for $16,667 and will be matched with an $8,333 grant from the Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light.

The repairs will restore the lantern room to how it looked in the 1930s, which includes new glass windows, metal and masonry repair, paint, and a glass floor.

A new pedestal will be installed to hold the modern LED light that is still used as a navigational aid.

The fog signal building will be getting some repairs to the lower two feet of bricks on the structure.

A candlelight tour of the Light Station is offered on some weekends in December, with more information at phmuseum.org.

The Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light host Sandfest to raise funds for Light Station restoration projects. Sandfest is scheduled for August 5th through 7th of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Masks Required at PHASD & Health Department Changes Testing Process

Starting today, everyone over four years old inside a Port Huron Schools building must wear a mask until the end of the day on December 17, 2021.

In a letter to families, Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said “an additional layer of mitigation is necessary to slow the spread among our staff and students to ensure we can keep our schools open.”

The mask requirement in the schools is in response to what public health officials are calling Michigan’s “fourth wave” of COVID-19. Yesterday, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a plea for all Michiganders to get vaccinated, wear masks in indoor areas, and use extra precautions like hand-washing and getting tested for COVID-19 before going to gatherings.

Another local response to the current situation was announced by the St. Clair County Health Department this morning. Effective December 1, 2021, the health department is moving to patient collected specimens for COVID-19 tests.

Those who need a COVID-19 test will now park at the health department, call to alert staff they have arrived, go pick up their test and consent form from an outdoor window, return to their car to collect their specimens, and then return the test to the box.

The test will be processed while the patient waits in their vehicle, and they will be alerted by phone of the results.

This new procedure will enable the health department to test more people and return results faster.

Testing is free, and available Mondays from 10:30 AM – 6 PM, and Tuesday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4 PM. Appointments can be scheduled on the web at www.scchealth.co or by calling 810-987-5300.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Sherman Woods Neighborhood Supports Salvation Army

Port Huron, MI — Starting this weekend, you can support the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign when you take a drive through Sherman Woods subdivision to view their spectacular Christmas displays.

The Sherman Woods Homeowners Association will be collecting donations between 6:30 – 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for the next three weeks, and they’ll have a special session on Christmas Eve.

Fred Kemp, Sherman Woods Homeowners Association president said, “We started doing this in 2016 as a one weekend opportunity to raise funds for the Red Kettle campaign.”

The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron is known for its extravagantly decorated homes and trees filled with lighted balls. A drive through the neighborhood is a Christmas tradition for many, and last year’s campaign raised $11,000 for the Salvation Army.

Visitors can donate to bell ringers at the corner of Armour Street and LaSalle Boulevard during designated days and times. Santa and the Salvation Army Band are expected to make appearances as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Photo cred: Sherman Woods Homeowners Association