Sex Offender Registration Act Ruled Unconstitutional

After nine years of litigation, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act is unconstitutional ex post facto punishment. What does that mean?

According to a press release from the State Appellate Defender Office, it means that many of the Act’s requirements cannot be imposed against those whose offenses requiring registration came before the enactment of the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act.

Referencing the case People v Paul Betts, State Appellate Defender Jessica Zimbelman said, “The Court correctly recognized the extreme and unconstitutional burden placed on nearly 40,000 Michiganders by requiring registration with no determination as to who actually poses a risk to the public.”

The decision was based on the court’s view that being on the Sex Offender Registry restricts where registrants can live, work, and loiter and is comparable to shaming. The court also felt that the registry resembles parole, given the “significant amount of supervision by the state” and it imposes onerous burdens, all without any evidence of reducing crime.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Buy Michigan” Week Brings Attention to Local Economies

It’s “Buy Michigan” Week. The week, July 28th through August 4th, is designated as a time to focus on supporting and growing the Michigan economy by purchasing locally produced or sold goods.

The pandemic hit small businesses hard, and many are struggling to recover. The effort is underway by the Governor’s office to get people to buy local to continue to build up the economy.

William J. Hallan, President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association said, “Small businesses like local retailers are the backbone of Michigan’s vibrant economy. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we encourage all Michiganders to keep their money in the Mitten by shopping local, and we thank the Administration for reminding residents of the importance of supporting the local retailers and businesses who make Michigan’s downtowns great places to shop and visit.” 

State government has allocated much of the federal Covid relief money toward small business recovery, with 23 programs on the books right now, and 25,000 companies receiving some type of support.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Offshore Powerboat Race In St. Clair This Weekend

The St. Clair Classic is taking over the city of St. Clair this weekend, and a full line-up of entertainment and fun is planned in Race Village and the Riverview Plaza.

Race Village was set up mid-week, so expect road closures on M-29 until Monday, August 2nd at noon. Boats have also been arriving and are available for viewing in the Dry Pits on Riverside Road.

Race Village Opens to the public at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and stays open until midnight with live entertainment planned along with shopping and restaurants.

The City of St. Clair also allows visitors to bring their own food and beverages into the city. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in Palmer Park, Rotary Park, and in specific public places on 3rd street, Vine Street, M-29, and Clinton.

The races begin on Sunday with an opening ceremony Flag Float Down tentatively scheduled for 11:15 AM, and the 1st race is at noon.

The awards ceremony is in the Riverview Plaza after the race followed by and after party with live music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

McLaren Port Huron Recognized by U.S. News. & World Report

McLaren Port Huron Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2021-22. U.S. News generates hospital rankings by evaluating data on nearly 5,000 hospitals each year.

McLaren Port Huron earned High Performing ratings for its care and treatment of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Attack, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron, said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”

This year’s survey evaluated 4,750 medical centers in the U.S. on patient experience, relative survival within 30 days of hospitalization, quality of nursing, and the number of patients served.  Less than 1/3 of all hospitals surveyed received a high-performing rating for treating specific conditions.

To view the complete report for McLaren Port Huron Hospital visit their survey results <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Sanilac County 4-H Fair Coming Up: August 8-14

For those who missed the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair, or those who want more county fair action, the 2021 Sanilac County 4-H Fair is coming up. The annual fair will be held at the Sanilac County Fairgrounds in Sandusky from August 8th to 14th.

Fair admission costs $15 per person per day and includes all carnival rides and grandstand admission. A Mega Pass costs $55 and can be used all day every day from August 10th through 14th. That’s a lot of carnival rides. The Mega Passes need to be purchased prior to the fair, by August 8th, and can be purchased from the Sanilac County 4H Fair Baord Office.

The Grandstand events include the Flying Star Rodeo on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Wednesday night features the USA Bump-N-Run and Thursday is the USA Figure 8 Race. Friday is the night for Tractor and Pickup Pulls. Saturday brings the crowd favorite, the Demolition Derby. All Grandstand events start at 7:00 p.m.

Of course, the main attractions at the Fair are the 4-H projects that the youth and their families have worked so hard on all year long. More information can be found at sanilaccounty4hfair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Become a Conservation Steward

Michigan State University Extension is offering a Conservation Stewards training program for individuals interested in learning more about Michigan’s ecosystem and how to help it thrive.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards program runs virtually from September 8th – November 10th, and it features both classroom instruction from experts via Zoom and self-led field experiences in local natural areas.

The program will teach a variety of topics pertaining to Michigan’s natural resources along with the history of conservation and how conservationists manage invasive species and collect data. St. Clair County participants will be able to join a cohort of other students in the area to enrich their learning experience.

Registration for the class is $75 through August 18th and $95 from August 19th – September 1st. Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need.

More information is available at Michigan State University’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand