If you want to avoid the stores on Black Friday and choose an outdoor option for fun, Friends of the St. Clair River invites you to their annual Opt Outside Hike at Columbus County Park.

The Opt Outside Hike is Friday, November 26, 2021 at 10 AM, and there are a few options to choose from to suit the needs and preferences of hikers.

The self-guided options are for groups or solo hikers who want to explore to woods and complete a variety of quests. There are also guided hikes led by Friends of the St. Clair River staff members and a scavenger hunt created for children.

Melissa Kivel, Education Manager for Friends of the St. Clair River, said, “We’re excited to bring back this event for its 3^rd year. This outdoor event offers a fun, green alternative to the pressure holiday shopping sometimes brings. Kick off your holiday in a relaxed setting with a unique natural landscape to explore.”

The Opt Outside Hike is free, but registration is encouraged at www.scriver.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

On Sunday, November 14th after 2 a.m., Port Huron Police responded to multiple reports of a  shooting in the area of the East Quay Lot. Officers discovered that multiple cars had been  shot at and several people/vehicles were fleeing in multiple directions. 

Lake Huron Medical Center soon reported a 30 year old male Clinton Township resident was  being treated for a gunshot wound to his ankle. He was transferred to Beaumont Hospital for  treatment and we do not have an update on his medical status. 

McLaren Port Huron Hospital then reported a 23 year old male Clyde Township resident was  being treated for a gunshot wound to his legs. He was treated and released. It is unknown  what the relationship is between these two males.  

Port Huron Police officers, detectives, and the Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and  the investigation is ongoing. There are no named suspects or suspect vehicles. If you have any information about this shooting contact the Port Huron Police Department (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. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has received $875,000 in donations to their 2021 campaign, which gets them to the halfway point toward their $1.75 million dollar goal.

The Imperial corporation just committed $150,000 to this year’s United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign, which boosted the campaign to the halfway point.

Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme said, “The campaign started off slower in September compared to years past. We are lagging behind last year’s pace, there are six weeks remaining to raise another $875,000 and we are concerned.”

Many companies have matching deadlines coming up and are encouraging employees and retirees to donate. Ducharme said, “It’s as simple as employees donating whatever they are comfortable with, the amount comes off their paycheck and will show on their T-4’s for tax time.”

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton supports over 40 programs and services that help at-risk community members in Lambton County.

To learn more about their work and find out how to donate, visit https://theunitedway.on.ca/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Deer Firearm season starts in Michigan today, and safety is important for both hunters and non-hunters. Even if you’re not headed out to the woods to hunt, there are some important things to be aware of.

Nature lovers who use public trails or hike on private property should wear bright clothing. Blaze orange isn’t just for hunters; it’s the best way to be seen if you’re walking through the woods in the next couple of weeks. If you’re walking your dog, they should be outfitted as well.

Firearm season lasts until November 30th, so the safest option is to avoid walking in areas where people hunt altogether. If that can’t be avoided, and you’re dressed to be noticed, make a reasonable amount of noise that identifies you as a person rather than an animal.

Hunters should be paying close attention to their surroundings, and they should also be dressed in bright clothing, so if you encounter each other, be courteous. If you hear shooting nearby, make sure you let hunters know you’re in the area by raising your voice.

Michigan regular firearm season lasts until November 30th, and the late antlerless or doe season runs from December 13th – January 1st.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Everyone is looking for a little extra money around the holiday season which makes it a good time to check for unclaimed property.

The Michigan Department of Treasury holds on to unclaimed money turned over from banks and companies for various reasons. Money belongs to the state until the rightful owner comes forward.

To see if you have unclaimed property, visit https://unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/ and search the online database with your last name or business name. Funds from uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts, or stock certificates could be waiting for your claim.

If you see your name on the list, you can file a claim to receive your property. Claims are filled out online and involve submitting personal information like your address, email, and social security number. Once that information is submitted, you will digitally sign a form recognizing that other identifying information may be needed and a verification process will be completed.

If the department verifies that you are the rightful owner of the unclaimed property, you will receive a check in the mail or receive instructions for how to claim physical property such as contents of a safe deposit box.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand