Governor Appoints Barbara Payton to State Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area now has local representation for statewide health and fitness programs. Barbara Payton, of Port Huron, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. The appointment was made last week.

Payton is well known in the area as a musical performer, and has a long history of performing with the likes of Bob Seger and Kid Rock. But she is also a certified massage technician and an avid bicyclist. Payton can now add Governor’s appointee to her list of accomplishments. Payton joins eight other new appointees on the thirteen-member council.

The Council began in 1992 under the orders of Governor John Engler with the goal of improving health and increasing physical activity among Michigan residents. The Council’s policies are advanced by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, which organizes outreach programs such as the Farm to Family program distributing healthy food every Wednesday morning at Central Middle School and Port Huron Northern High School.

Payton’s term on the Council expires in April of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Colleges Opening Back Up for In-Person Classes

Port Huron, MI — College students have been forced to be flexible this year, as classes moved from in-person to online and dormitories shut down.

Locally, St. Clair County Community College opened to in-person classes starting this week for the Summer Semester. SC4 students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 upon entry to campus buildings and social distancing precautions are being taken.

State colleges and universities are starting to make announcements that campuses are opening back up for fall semester. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., President of Michigan State University, said MSU is altering the academic calendar, setting up contact tracing and testing, managing residence halls, and allocating and scheduling class spaces.

Central Michigan, Saginaw Valley, Grand Valley, and other universities have announced similar plans. University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel says he is “cautiously optimistic” the university will be able to deliver “as much in-person instruction as possible” during the fall semester.

Most colleges have announced tuition rate freezes and have waived some testing requirements along with offering virtual advising and freshman orientation. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Lifts Stay at Home Order – State Enters Phase 4 of Re-opening

Governor Whitmer said in a press conference today that the state of Michigan is now in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan, the “Improving” phase. She also rescinded the Safer at Home order previously in effect until June 12th.

The shift will begin in phases. Immediately, outdoor fitness classes are allowed with social distancing. Offices previously deemed nonessential can go back to work unless people can reasonably work from home. Children’s day camps and swimming pools can reopen with safety measures. Crowds of up to 100 people can gather outdoors, and outdoor parks and recreational facilities may open.

On Thursday, retail can open at full capacity with social distancing and safety precautions in place.

Next Monday, June 8th, bars and restaurants are allowed to open their dining rooms at 50% capacity with social distancing.

The re-opening does not include gyms, hair salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, and casinos which are still closed.

Whitmer said, ““While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing, and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19. If we all do our part, our goal is to announce a shift to phase five for the entire state prior to the fourth of July. Stay smart, stay safe, and let’s all do our part.”

The full order is available <HERE>

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Suspect Arraigned in 2019 Ft. Gratiot Homicide

Port Huron Township, MI — A suspect in a 2019 homicide in Fort Gratiot Township has been arraigned.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, 23 year old Josiah David Lopiccolo was
arraigned Sunday in 72nd District Court. He is charged with open murder, tampering with evidence and felony firearm.

On February 10th, 2019, 28 year old Kevin Anderson Junior of Port Huron was found lying along the road in the 4000 block of Keewahdin.  The call had originally been for a hit and run pedestrian crash.  When deputies arrived, they discovered Anderson had been shot to death.

For the next 15 plus months, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office have been investigating evidence and following leads, which has led to the arrest of Lopiccolo.  “I am proud of our Detective Bureau,” said Sheriff Donnellon.  They continued to put the work in which has resulted in bringing a suspect to justice.”

Lopiccolo is being held without bond at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center. His
next court date is a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 9th in 72nd District Court before Judge John Monaghan.

 

Port Huron Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Programming

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has had to get creative this summer. The pool is closed and the city’s parks will be empty, but organized recreation has not been completely abandoned. 

The Rec. Department released its abbreviated and very innovative summer schedule late last week. Offerings for online classes include dance, cooking, nature, and art that anyone can access for free using the Rec. Department’s Facebook page. There is also the option to learn karate over a Zoom meeting. 

Walk Michigan is continuing without the group walk aspect. Walkers self-report their socially distanced walks to complete the circuit and get a free t-shirt. There is also a schedule of nine outdoor drive in movies that will be held downtown. 

One of the more unique offerings is a traveling bike clinic that will be at different parks throughout the summer to keep kids’ and adults’ bikes in top condition. While the closing of playgrounds and pools and the cancellation of typical summer social activities is a huge disappointment, there are still a few fun things for residents to write on the calendar this summer. Check out https://www.porthuronrec.com/ for details. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Legislation in the Works While U.S. Attorney Responds to Nursing Home Concerns

Port Huron, MI — Nursing homes have been the epicenters of COVID-19 virus spread, yet the practice of moving convalescent COVID-19 patients into nursing homes is actually common in Michigan. An Executive Order requires facilities to create a COVID unit if they are operating at less than 80% capacity. 

The U.S. Attorney is now investigating Michigan’s practice and state legislation is in the works to find a safer place for patients to recover. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider responded to a letter from State Senator and Majority Whip Peter J. Lucido, saying, “The protection of the life and health of the people of Michigan is a core responsibility of the United States Attorney’s Office. The residents of long-term care facilities are among our State’s most vulnerable citizens, and any concern regarding the well-being of these citizens is one that we take seriously.” 

Lucido, a Shelby Township Republican, introduced legislation last week that would ban the intentional transfer of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and would require a centralized treatment facility for recuperating patients. Lucido is hopeful of the approval of the bill, according to a press release.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland