State AG Reinforces Stiff Penalties for School Threats

Making a threat against a school to get a day off could end with a lot of days off – in jail. Michigan Attorney General released a video explaining the consequences of making threats, whether real or fake.

Nessel said, “Local law enforcement agencies have reported threats on social media that number in the hundreds within their own communities. As a result, kids in our state have missed valuable days of instruction as school administrators are forced to close buildings to keep kids safe.”

Explaining the penalties that can be levied when the perpetrators get caught, Nessel said, “Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences.” 

According to state law, communicating a threat of terrorism is a 20-year felony. Calling in a bomb threat is a 4-year felony and using a phone to make a threat is a 6-month misdemeanor, with more possible charges for each threat against a school employee or student.

The video can be viewed on the Department of Attorney General’s YouTube page. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Office of Rural Development Charged with Reaching Out to Rural Michigan

Rural Michigan could be getting some help with the establishment of the Office of Rural Development within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

On issuing the executive directive to establish the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer mentioned the “unique challenges and opportunities in our rural communities.”

The responsibilities of the new Office of Rural Development will include collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others to develop economies of rural areas. Affordable housing is also on the radar for the new Office.

Along with promoting sustainability, environmental preservation, and green energy development, the Office will study population and demographic trends and provide guidance on education-related issues.

Bolstering high-speed internet access in rural communities is a goal for the new Office, as is a collaboration with tribal leaders.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “We are committed to investing in our rural communities and businesses through job creation, broadband and infrastructure expansion.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

James Freed City of Port Huron

City Encourages Online and Drive-Thru Services

The City of Port Huron offers several options for residents who want to take advantage of city services without an in-person visit to the Municipal Office Center.

High levels of COVID-19 infections are causing many to opt out of in-person visits in favor of no-contact options like online services or onsite drop boxes or limited contact services like drive-thru services.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, said, “We just wanted to remind folks that we have enhanced our online services and drive-thru experience to allow folks an option to avoid in-person contact during this new wave of COVID-19. We have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases among our City staff and first responders. We continue to take necessary mitigation measures to ensure we can continue staffing City operations at the appropriate levels.”

Utility bills such as water and sewer bills can be paid online at Porthuron.org, but users will be charged a service fee. Many banks offer online bill pay services that offer their customers free options for sending digital utility payments.

Port Huron residents who have questions about remote services can contact the city Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4:30 PM at (810) 984-9700.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

SC4 Invites Community to Strong Inside Book Discussion

The whole community is invited to a book discussion, sponsored by the St. Clair County Community College Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The book is Strong Inside by Andrew Maraniss. Copies of the book are available for free through the SC4 Office.

The college is planning a guided book discussion with the author during the fall semester of 2022.

Strong Inside is a biography of Perry Wallace, the first African-American basketball player in the Southeastern Conference, playing for Vanderbilt University. The biography is set in the times of civil rights struggles of the 1960s.

Strong Inside won the Lillian Smith Book Award in 2015, among other accolades.

The author, Andrew Maraniss, is a contributor to ESPN and has written several other history and sports-related books.

https://sc4.edu/event/strong-inside-book-discussion/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

All Kids Can Play Together with the Arc of St. Clair County’s Inclusive Recreation

Inclusive Recreation is a way to get kids of all abilities playing together and learning from each other. The ARC of St. Clair County has organized several opportunities for kids of all abilities to enjoy winter fun while fostering understanding of the things that make each kid unique.

Valorie Hudgens, Executive Director of the Arc of St. Clair County, said that the program helps build friendships between kids with disabilities and kids without disabilities.

The free recreation programs are geared toward children aged three to twelve, but teenagers often enjoy the interactions as well. Due to covid restrictions, all events will be held outdoors, so attendees should bundle up. Hudgens said, “Snow will not slow us down.”

The events are held outside the Community Rooms at Dulhut, Huron, and Gratiot Housing Developments. Participants do not have to live in the neighborhoods to participate. No RSVP is needed; just show up to have fun.

January’s Inclusive Recreation kicks off with Mystery Snow Fun.

The Arc is looking to expand its program into downriver communities in the future.

Call the Arc of St. Clair County at 810-989-9144 for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Man Arrested for Port Huron Murder

Port Huron Police have identified Robert Kimin Tonchen as the 46 year-old Port Huron resident accused of murdering a woman on January 1, 2022.

Tonchen is charged with Open Murder, Tampering with Evidence, and Arson 4th Degree in the death of Stephanie Thompson. Thompson was found deceased in a parked vehicle in the 2700 block of Vanness Street in Port Huron with obvious trauma to her body.

Port Huron Police Detectives, the Major Crimes Unit, and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab are investigating the case, and Tonchen is scheduled for a court appearance on January 11, 2022 in front of the Honorable Judge John D. Monaghan.

If you have any information about this crime, please contact the Port Huron Police Department at (810) 984-8415 or send an anonymous tip to the CAPTURE Hotline at (810) 987-6688.