Sen. Dan Lauwers on Thursday of last week, supported approval of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) projects for 2019, including three projects in the 25th District.  “These projects will improve the quality of life for residents of the Thumb as well as visitors,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Outdoor recreation opportunities are an important part of community life, and the money in this fund will increase those opportunities.”  House Bill 4244 would authorize the NRTF to use $26 million in restricted funds to support 30 land acquisition projects and 34 development projects. Local matching funds of $15.9 million would bring the total investment to $41.9 million.  In St. Clair County, the city of Port Huron would receive $50,000 for the Palmer Park Inclusive Playground, and Clay Township would receive $86,200 for the Harsens Island Kayak Access project.  The city of Harbor beach in Huron County would receive $49,000 for the Lincoln Park expansion.  “The Natural Resources Trust Fund was created over 40 years ago to preserve Michigan’s great outdoors and enhance access to public recreation,” Lauwers said. “I am happy it is working for the 25th District.”  The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The fund’s dollars are constitutionally restricted to recreation improvements and land acquisitions.  HB 4244 now heads to the governor to be signed into law.

4-H Clubs will be joining with youth groups, scouts and families at this year’s May 4th Adopt-A-Stream day for a FREE educational and environmentally beneficial project.  Organizers say it is a great hands-on project for youth and adults who want to help improve the  local water quality.  Adopt-A-Stream allows county residents to become actively involved in improving local water quality by testing, cleaning and monitoring a portion of a county stream, river or drain.  Anyone interested in taking action to improve the local watershed is eligible and encouraged to take part.  Groups will meet in Goodells County Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4th, near the horse arena for a group clean-up of the Pine River and everyone is invited who would like to participate. Organizers say just wear water proof boots and dress accordingly.Anyone who would like to participate can contact Liane for a one hour, week-day, training.  Liane can help you to choose a stream, river or drain, she says, just call for more information at (810) 989-6935 or email her at lallen@stclairounty.org

Identification has been made of the man who was found dead following a structure fire in Emmett Township on Sunday as 30-year-old Charles Fogler.   Michigan State Police report that the man’s girlfriend called 911 after discovering the fire when she came to the residence in the 5000 block Welch Road.  Reports showed two deceased dogs and the deceased Fogler. By the time officials arrived, the fire has smothered itself out.   Officials are considering the fire as suspicious in nature due to the burn patterns.  The fire appears to have begun in the kitchen area, and investigation is ongoing, pending the final fire investigation and the Medical Examiner report.

Vincent’s Heating and Plumbing not only has a business in Port Huron, they believe it is important to “Give Back” and “Care” for the local community.  Daniel Squires, President of Vincent’s says they have been in business for sixty years and are grateful to the community for their support over the years.  With that in mind, Vincent’s Heating and Plumbing began two programs in the fall of 2017.  Vincent’s Cares allows for customers of Vincent’s to log on to their website, select an organization in the list provided – supply their invoice number and amount, and one percent of that total will be donated to the selected non-profit.  The Give Back program allows for three non-profits to be voted on daily for a period of time by anyone wishing to participate.  Squires says it is easy to do, you just click on to participate and then you can vote daily for your favorite of the three non-profits.  At the end of the allotted time, the group with the most votes wins $1,000.  The other two are awarded sums of cash as well.  Squires says it is a lot of fun for everyone involved as you watch the votes grow in number coming down to the final award.  He says he likes nothing more than delivering that oversized check to the different groups at the end of the voting period.    Today is the final day to vote in this quarter’s competition.  Log on to www.vhpinc.com and check it out.

McLaren Health Care Corp., a 14-hospital health system with a location here in Port Huron, has jumped on the emerging telehealth bandwagon by offering a new service called McLarenNow to employees, patients and anyone who has a non-emergency primary care condition.  For a $49 fee, people are able to register at McLarenNow with their smartphone or computer and use a web camera to talk with one of five board-certified family physicians on McLaren’s hospital staffs.  Common conditions might include back strain, cough and cold, ear pain, headaches, pink eye, rash, sore throat sinus problems and flu symptoms.  The program ran as a pilot trial in the month of February for hospital employees and the full telehealth service opened up to all March 1.  Authorities say about 200 telehealth consultations have been delivered, with 82 percent women, mostly mothers inquiring about their children’s medical condition.