McLaren Port Huron’s May Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Theresa Pokorny has been named the Employee of the Month for May. Pokorny has worked at McLaren Port Huron for five years and is currently a registered nurse on the observation unit.

Pokorny was nominated by her peers because she embodies the hospital values. She is an advocate for patients, listening to their needs and concerns and taking action to help. Pokorny is dedicated not only to her patients, but to her job as well. She is a great team player and always willing to help. She is reliable, cheerful, has a positive attitude and is a great communicator.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Lake Huron Medical Center’s June Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its June 2021 Employee of the Month, Stefanie Weaver. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Stefanie works as a Respiratory Therapist and has been an employee at LHMC since January 2021. She was nominated by three employees who stated, “Since Stefanie joined the LHMC team she has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of her patients. Stefanie comes to work every day with a smile on her face, a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with because she is helpful and kind. Her knowledge and skill set is impressive. She frequently comes to the floor to check on patients to make sure they are doing well. When called to assist with a patient or for a treatment she responds quickly and professionally. She is a welcomed asset to our healthcare team.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Stefanie, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com. 

Adoption Event for Rescued Labrador Retrievers

On June 10, 2021, Pamela Dawn Smith, DVM, pled no contest to 2 counts of misdemeanor  animal cruelty to one animal. She was ordered to forfeit 32 dogs and agreed to pay a total of  $104,000 in restitution. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2021.  

A search warrant was executed July 14, 2020 on the 8000 block of Marine City Highway after  multiple complaints of an unlicensed kennel in deplorable conditions. Upon arrival, Animal  Control found 32 Labrador Retrievers in a poorly ventilated, dusty basement and attached  garage. The dogs were housed in crates with trays filled with cat litter and days’ worth of feces  and urine.  

Animal Control requested the assistance of Capital Area Humane Society to help care for the dogs, most of which were in poor condition with skin, eye, and ear infections. Blue Water  Humane Society and Furget Us Not Rescue also assisted in caring for the dogs throughout the duration of court proceedings.  

A special weekend adoption event will be held June 26th and 27th from 10am – 2pm by  appointment at St. Clair County Animal Control located at 3378 Griswold Rd, Port Huron.  Fifteen of the labs will be available for adoption, as well as other dogs, cats, and kittens.  Appointments for adoptions can be scheduled via email or by calling 810-984-3155.  

“This is the longest case in which St. Clair County Animal Control has had to hold animals as live  evidence,” said Director Melissa Miller. “Our staff has done an exceptional job over the past  329 days. We are thrilled to see these dogs able to move on to their forever homes.”  

Submitted by St. Clair County Animal Control

DTF Seizes Over $23K of Meth

An investigation into the sales of crystal methamphetamine by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force ended with the seizure of $23,500 worth of the drug.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the investigation led to a traffic stop of the suspect vehicle in the village of Capac around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night.  A large amount of crystal meth was located inside the vehicle, driven by a 34 year old Lynn Township man. He was taken into custody without incident and a search warrant was then executed at a residence in the 6500 block of Sterling Road in Lynn Township.  The search led to the location and seizure of more crystal meth, along with a rifle, digital scales and packaging materials.

The man was lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center. He is expected to face drug and weapons charges at his arraignment in 72nd District Court.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Port Huron Police Major Crimes Unit, Capac Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol K-9 Unit also assisted at the scene.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force

It’s Time to Nominate the Yard of the Year

Does your neighbor deserve the coveted yellow tulip for their stunning landscaping skills? It’s time to nominate your favorite homeowner or business for the City of Port Huron Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest.

Nominations can be submitted to the Port Huron City Clerk through mail by writing the nominee’s name and address on a sheet of paper or by filling out the nomination form available <HERE>. You can also email nominations to beautifyph@porthuron.org.

The Beautification Commission selects members from the local Master Gardeners group to judge the nominees. Residential winners are recognized with a wooden yellow tulip to place in front of their homes. Business owners or nonprofit winners receive a plaque.

Nominations must be submitted by July 15, 2021 and judging takes place from the street at the end of July.

For more information, visit PortHuron.org

 

Whitmer, Legislature Could Pay People to Get Back to Work

Time to get to work, Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the legislature to ramp up incentives for people to get off of unemployment and get back to earning a paycheck.

The “Back-to-Work Incentive” could expand to give a $300 per week bonus to those who were laid off and are now returning to work. The incentive could last through September 4th of this year. The federal subsidy that adds another $300 per week to unemployment checks is being used as an incentive to fill the jobs that employers are scrambling to fill.

Susan Corbin, Acting Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said, “Expanding the incentive would allow Michigan to take advantage of even more federal dollars flowing into our state to support local businesses and grow our economy.”

Corbin went on to say, “The program offers employers of all shapes and sizes the flexibility to address their specific business needs and an expansion would provide even greater work schedule flexibility for everyone as we work to defeat COVID-19 together.”  

The Back-to-Work Incentive could apply to new hires as well as former workers who have been collecting unemployment during the pandemic. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland