DTF Seizes Drugs in Port Huron Raid

Port Huron, MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force seized multiple drugs and a gun during a raid in the city of Port Huron on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the DTF conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The suspect was located driving a vehicle.  When deputies attempted to stop the suspect, he fled.  The suspect, a 54 year old Port Huron man was eventually taken into custody.  A search warrant was then executed at his residence in the 900 block of Wall Street.  Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized about $11,500 worth of fentanyl, $7,200 worth of cocaine, over $4,000 in cash and a handgun.  

The suspect was arrested at the home and transported to the Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, felony firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, fleeing and eluding, maintaining a drug house and being a habitual 4th offender.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

MDARD Proposes Firewood Quarantine to Prevent Invasive Pests

In an attempt to keep invasive plant pests and plant diseases at bay, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is proposing an Exterior Firewood Quarantine and is inviting public comments. 

The proposed exterior firewood quarantine would mean that firewood can’t be shipped into Michigan unless it is heat-treated. Kiln-dried lumber, wood chips smaller than one inch, and wood shipped directly to mills for immediate processing would be exempt from the quarantine. 

Mike Philip, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director explained the reason for the proposal, saying, “Harmful invasive species, some of which are invisible to the naked eye, can hide in or on firewood. While most cannot move too far on their own, these pests and diseases can be transported undetected on traveler’s firewood, starting new infestations in locations hundreds of miles away.” 

Philip said, “These infestations can be devastating and pose a serious threat to Michigan’s agriculture, natural resources and the environment.”

Members of the public interested in providing feedback on this proposed quarantine can submit their comments to Mike Bryan, MDARD Export and Compliance Specialist by emailing BryanM@Michigan.gov. The deadline for comments is Friday, November 19, 2021. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives and on MDARD’s plant pest quarantine webpage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Cynthia Cutright City of Port Huron

Cynthia Cutright Promoted to Special Projects Coordinator

Cynthia Cutright has been working hard in her role as Downtown Development Authority Director to keep events and activities around Port Huron safe and fun. Now she gets to use her gifts in a new position as Special Projects Coordinator in the office of Port Huron City Manager James Freed.

Cutright has been busy innovating ways that downtown events and spaces could be used safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has worked with downtown business owners to organize Shop, Rock & Stroll, a weekly night of music, art, and shopping, and she has also led the efforts to create the pocket parks and utilize outdoor spaces throughout downtown.

The new position of Special Projects Coordinator will capitalize on Cutright’s organizational strengths that she’s proven while managing events such as Bluewater Fest, Art Hop, and ChillyFest while also giving her new opportunities to work on administering American Rescue Plan funds and future workforce housing initiatives in the city.

City Manager James Freed said, “Cynthia is one of the most talented, dynamic and proven leaders I have worked with. She has done an extraordinary job leading the DDA these last few years, especially during the unique challenges COVID-19 presented. The Department Heads and I look forward to putting her talents and skills to good use on a much broader scale.”

In response to her promotion, Cutright said, “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to serve the DDA and the downtown business community. I am proud of the progress we have made and look forward to this new opportunity to serve our residents and community,”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Don’t Forget the Area Code; 10-Digit Dialing has Begun

The 10-digit telephone dialing requirement started on October 24th. If your calls are not going through as planned, make sure you are dialing the area code for every call.

The new requirement affects customers in Michigan’s 616, 810, 906, and 989 area codes. All 10 digits are now needed for local calls. The reason for the change is to make it possible for critical calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to go through to the 988 hotline, which will be rolled out in July of 2022. In the meantime, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains 1-800-273-TALK.

Not only does the change affect everyday phone calls and contact lists, but it has important implications for equipment such as life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, and security alarms. Things like call forwarding, voicemail, speed dialers, and other functions could also require updating.

Telephone numbers will remain the same, as will the price of calls, coverage area, and other rates and services. Local calls are still local calls, even with the added three digits.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Calendar for Sale to Benefit Art on the River

The Citizens for a Vibrant Community group has released the 2022 Blue Water Area Calendar. Proceeds from sales of the calendar go toward the Art on the River event, which is a free art and music festival held during the second weekend of June each year, in Downtown Port Huron.

This year’s calendar features scenes from the Blue Water Area. Twenty-five photographers submitted photos and thirteen were chosen for the calendar.

Citizens for a Vibrant Community President Trina Avedisian said that the calendar is sold all over the country and Canada and is considered a collector’s item by some.

This is the 7th year in which the calendar has been offered.

The calendars can be purchased at Wolverine Market Port Huron and Marysville, Uniquely Me Boutique, Border Keep Games, and Thumb Coast CBD. There is also a link at CVCPH.org for purchasing the calendar. The cost is a $6 donation.

Art on the River features local artists, crafters, and bands. The family-friendly event also has workshops, food, and a variety of entertainment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Motto Mortgage Forefront Hosting Food Drive

Motto Mortgage Forefront is taking steps to support the Food Depot and help end hunger in America.  They will be holding a  food drive from November 5 – 15th at their office at 3115 Lapeer Road in Port Huron.

The food drive is part of the nationwide Motto Mortgage Mission Against Hunger program. Scott Beedon, Broker Owner of Motto Mortgage Forefront, said, “Mission Against Hunger is about helping and feeding our neighbors. It’s a distressing fact that, according to Feeding America, more than 37 million Americans struggle with hunger, and 11 million children worry about how they’ll get their next meal.”

Beedon says he and his team wanted to do something about it. Along with the food drive, loan originators at Motto Mortgage Forefront, Justin & Jessica, help their home-buying clients donate food during their moves. Instead of throwing food out to avoid moving it, clients can fill up bags provided by Motto Mortgage Forefront and staff will deliver them to the Food Depot.

“We know that the needs of customers, partners and communities go beyond home loans. The Motto Mortgage Mission Against Hunger was founded as a way for the Motto nationwide network to give back to the communities they serve every day,” said Beedon.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand