Return Absentee Ballots In Person or Via Drop Box

With just over two weeks to go, Michigan voters in the 54 counties with elections on Aug. 3 should now return their absentee ballots in person or via drop box. This includes voters in the City of Port Huron.

“Michigan citizens have a number of options to vote,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Whether it’s voting absentee by mail or at their local clerk, drop box, or in person on Election Day, voters can be confident no matter how they choose to exercise their rights, the process will be safe and secure and their vote will be counted and their voices heard.”

Those who do not yet have a ballot are encouraged to visit their local election clerk’s office, where they can be issued one, vote it, and return it to the clerk in the same visit. Those who already have a ballot at home should fill it out, sign the back of the envelope and return it in person or via drop box as soon as possible.

Registered voters can vote early with an absentee ballot at their clerk office now through August 2, or at their polling place on Election Day, August 3. Those who haven’t registered can register online through next Monday, July 19, or register and vote in one trip to their clerk office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day, August 3.

The August 3rd election in the city of Port Huron only includes one issue: a proposal to amend the citizen initiative regarding marihuana that passed on November 3, 2020. The amendment would expedite medical marihuana licensing in the City. It would also ensure the City remains in compliance with State Law in order to reduce lawsuits against the City and to avoid wasting City funds.

 

Port Huron Woman Suspected of Home Invasion, Assault, Arson

On July 16, 2021 at 3:07 p.m. the Port Huron Police Department Road Patrol responded to the 1100  block of Gillett Street regarding an assault. Officers did speak with the victim, a 48 year female  from Port Huron who stated that the suspect, being a 50 year old female from Port Huron had  broken into her home and assaulted her with a hammer. 

Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who was inside of the victim’s residence, but  was refusing to answer the door or come out. As officers set up a perimeter around the residence,  waiting for additional officers to arrive, officers observed smoke coming from both the front and rear of the residence. Officers immediately requested Port Huron Fire Department to respond to the  scene. Officers then observed flames coming from the residence. 

Due to the immediate circumstances and knowing that the suspect was still inside, officers  attempted to make entry into the residence but could not due to the heavy smoke. The suspect eventually jumped from a second story window onto some cars and was taken into custody by  officers. 

The fire was extinguished by the Port Huron Fire Department and the crime scene was turned over  to members of the Port Huron Police Department Criminal Investigative Division and the Port  Huron Fire Department – Fire Marshal.  

The suspect was transported by Tri-Hospital EMS to a local hospital for medical treatment from the  smoke/fire and second story jump. Charges will be requested for the suspect through the St. Clair  County Prosecutors Office for Home Invasion, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Arson  

If you have knowledge of this crime call the Port Huron Police Department at (810) 984-8415 or the Port Huron Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division at (810) 984-9711.  

Anonymous tips can be received through the CAPTURE Hotline at (810) 987-6688, emailed through  www.porthuronpolice.org, or texted by downloading the Port Huron PD app on apple or android devices.  Anonymous texts can also be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and their message/tip to  847411. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

Next Michigan State Park Could Be in Downtown Flint

For Blue Water Area residents looking for a day trip, there could be new recreational opportunities just an hour’s drive away. Plans are underway to create a new Michigan State Park in Flint. The new park would be located at a former industrial site, Chevy Commons. The proposed park needs to be approved by the legislature.

The possible state park would run along the Flint River and would connect to local neighborhoods, U of M-Flint, and Kettering University. It would also connect to the Flint Farmer’s Market, the Flint Cultural Center Campus, and the Iron Belle Trail.

The plan includes non-motorized trails, playscapes, accessible open spaces, fishing opportunities, and canoe and kayak launches. The estimated cost is $26.2 million and would be paid for with money from the federally funded American Recovery Plan.

If approved, the park would be Michigan’s 104th State Park and Genesee County’s first. Flint was identified as lacking a “signature park” in the 2021 DNR Public Land Strategy report.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Secretary of State Expand Hours & Appointments

Starting Monday, July 19th through September 30, 2021, Michigan Secretary of State Branches are offering extended business hours and more appointments for in-person services.

Branch offices will stay open until 6 PM on Mondays and Thursdays and open at 8 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Visits to the branch offices can be scheduled at the Office of the Secretary of State’s website at michigan.gov/sos, and the best time to schedule appointments for the following week is on Wednesday at 2 PM when they become available.

Appointments can also be scheduled by phone at 888-MICH-SOS.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the department is working to offer more efficient and convenient service and will continue working with the legislature to expand online and self-service station options so Michiganders don’t have to visit branch offices at all.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Laws Strengthen School Bus Safety

School bus safety is at the heart of several new bills signed into law this week. House bills 4201 and 4203 prohibit anyone to board a school bus without permission from the driver. They establish a $500 civil fine for stepping onto the bus without authorization.

State Representative Jack O’Malley, who sponsored the bill, said, “We have made the school buildings safer. These bills now bring focus on the weakest link, the school bus. We will have better enforcement of those who ignore the stop arm. Also, the boarding with permission brings the respect our drivers need while keeping our kids safe.” 

House Bills 4202 and 4204 allow school buses to have a stop-arm camera system and to be able to use evidence from the cameras to show drivers failing to stop for busses with their red lights flashing.

State Representative Tyrone Carter, the bills’ sponsor, said, “These bills prioritize student safety. I am grateful for the bipartisan support in empowering our students.”  

Drivers are required to stop for busses with red lights flashing and remain completely stopped until the lights stop flashing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Unlock Michigan’s Petition Approved

The Michigan Senate on Thursday approved the Unlock Michigan citizen-led petition to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act.

The vote came two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified the petition’s signatures.

“This is a great day for the people of Michigan,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Never again should any governor be able to ignore the constitution and abuse the power of the office to effectively shut down the state in perpetuity and disrupt the lives and livelihoods of Michigan residents without their consent. In our system of government, the rule of law reigns supreme — no one is above it. With today’s vote, we are standing with the over half a million concerned residents who stood up for what so many have given their lives for — our constitutional republic. Together we face challenges and together we shall overcome them, and today’s vote ensures that we can.”

Last year, the state Supreme Court ruled Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s subsequent emergency orders issued after the initial 30-day order were unconstitutional.

Prior to the court ruling, Whitmer vetoed Senate legislation that would have limited a governor’s emergency powers without legislative approval.

The Unlock Michigan petition now goes to the House of Representatives for approval.

The governor has no authority to veto or otherwise block the petition if approved by both chambers of the Legislature.

Submitted by Senator San Lauwers