Homeland Security Warns Public About COVID-19 Related Crime

Operation Stolen Promise is an initiative by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department of Homeland Security Investigations to target COVID-19 related fraud and other criminal activity. The pandemic has opened the door to a wide variety of criminal activity such as check fraud, counterfeit pharmaceuticals and test kits, and cyber crime.

The department released a report on May 12th sharing some of their successes, including 14 criminal arrests, 21 disruptions of illicit activity, and 531 seizures of COVID-19 related counterfeit test kits, pharmaceuticals, and Personal Protective Equipment.

Homeland Security Investigations is asking the public to help them with the initiative by recognizing criminal activity, protecting themselves and others, and reporting COVID-19 related crime. Consumers should be on alert for cybercrime, price gouging, email phishing scams, and prohibited pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

For more information visit www.ice.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

MediLodge of St. Clair Releases COVID-19 Data on Residents

There have been several inquiries directed at MediLodge of St. Clair asking for details on those who have contracted and died from COVID-19. This weekend, officials from MediLodge responded by providing a number of statistics. They also noted that because of privacy laws they cannot release information about individual patients.

On May 15, 2020, MediLodge of St. Clair reported a cumulative total of 68 COVID-19 positive residents, and 31 active cases.  MediLodge of St. Clair has been working with the St. Clair County Health Department to develop and deliver a comprehensive COVID-19 testing plan for residents and staff. The St. Clair County Health Department is assisting in the facilitation of the universal testing strategy to identify currently asymptomatic residents/staff at the facility and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All current residents have been previously tested. Testing of staff and additional testing of residents will begin early next week.

Bill Gray, Media Director at MediLodge, said in a written statement, “MediLodge of St. Clair is dedicated to the health and safety of all residents and staff. The facility will continue following all government guidelines for safety and prevention protocols, infection control measures, and work closely with St. Clair County Health Department officials.”

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

McLaren Port Huron’s Employee of the Month: April 2020

Port Huron, MI – Paige Smith, RN, has been named McLaren Port Huron’s Employee of the Month for April. Smith has been employed with McLaren Port Huron for seven years and currently works on the cardiac stepdown unit.

Smith was nominated by her peers because she demonstrates the hospital values every day. She is described as being thorough and timely with patients’ needs and empathetic and compassionate to all of whom she encounters.  Smith lives the values of honesty, integrity and mutual respect and often volunteers to work over or take on extra shifts.

Smith resides in East China.  In her free time, Smith enjoys kayaking, traveling and spending time with her co-workers outside of wok.

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.

Grant Opportunity from United Way of St. Clair County

United Way of St. Clair County received $7 5,858 in federal grant funding to provide for homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, and organizations helping individuals with emergency utility and mortgage assistance. The United Way of St. Clair County acts as board chairperson for the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and has authority to grant the money to eligible organizations in St. Clair County.

This category of funding (EFSP) is provided annually through a provision in the federal budget, which is targeted to address the needs of families impacted by unemployment and emergency medical events.  The funds are determined for each County through a formula based on the number of funds allocated by congress and the rate of unemployment within that particular County.

All organizations are required to apply using the application process available online, www.uwstclair.org/EFSP; instructions are provided.  All applications must be submitted to United Way of St. Clair County by 4:30 PM on May 25, 2020 for consideration.

Agencies previously receiving funding through EFSP dollars are: Blue Water Safe Horizons, The Harbor, Salvation Army, Downriver Helping Hands, Downriver Bread of Life Nutrition Center, Blue Water Community Food Depot (Port Huron), Harbor Impact Ministries, Trinity United Methodist Food Pantry (Algonac), SOS Marysville Food Pantry, Blue Water Area Rescue Mission, Detroit Rescue Mission (Port Huron Pathway Shelter), Mid City Nutrition, and the C3 Connection.  

Lexington Music in the Park Arts Council

Lexington Summer Music Festivals Canceled

The Board of Directors of the Lexington Arts Council has announced the cancellation of its summer 2020 season of Music in the Park and the 2020 Lexington Bach Festival. They are deeply saddened to have to cancel, but feel it is the only step to take in these uncertain times.   

The Lexington Bach Festival, a fall favorite, was in full planning mode with an outstanding lineup of beautiful classical music.  The 2020 Festival information along with previous festival highlights is available on our website as well as Lexington Bach Festival website; https://www.lexingtonbachfestival.org.

The committee wishes to tell the community that they will certainly miss all of their volunteers, patrons, sponsors, attendees and performers, and they look forward to the Lexington Arts Council’s return next year and are eager to share great live music in the Thumb of Michigan in the future. 

Keep your eye out for Music in the Park and the Lexington Bach Festival in the summer of 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Evictions Prohibited Until June 11th

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended an executive order prohibiting home evictions  during the coronavirus pandemic until June 11th. The original executive order prohibiting evictions went into effect on March 20th.

The extended order protects tenants from being evicted unless they pose a substantial risk to property or another person. It also provides courts the ability to stay eviction-related proceedings until after the COVID-19 emergency. Whitmer said, “It’s critical Michiganders can self-quarantine and continue staying safer at home without fear of being evicted. This Executive Order gives renters and mobile home owners some peace of mind as we continue to flatten the curve.”

Michigan is currently under a Stay Home executive order until May 28th. Violating the order can result in a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each offense, as well as licensing penalties for businesses and other entities that disregard the order.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn