There has been quite a bit of recent buzz about Ring security cameras and hackers invading people’s personal privacy. In the recently reported cases, individuals who had Ring cameras installed in bedrooms and living spaces, were shocked to hear unknown individuals spying on unsuspecting family members activities. The incidents have prompted an official statement from the Ring team. While Ring did confirm that the incidents were, in fact, real, the company denies that it was a breach in their system.

In the official statement sent out to customers, Ring said users can rest assured they’ve investigated these incidents and did not find any indication of an unauthorized intrusion or compromise of Ring’s systems or network. The organization said it was rather, “Malicious actors [that] obtained some Ring users’ account credentials (like a username and password) from a separate, external, non-Ring service and reused them to log into some Ring accounts. If you have a Ring camera, the company recommends using two-factor authentication and adding shared users instead of sharing your account information to avoid hacking.

Whether you have a service through Ring or not, it’s an important reminder to use different passwords, update them regularly and keep guard for your information as much as you can.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

Funds collected from the St. Clair Inn’s celebratory grand opening last month are being donated to local youth. Lelito’s Legacy Foundation Donor Advised Fund will receive and then match a $4,500 grant from the Inn. A total of $9,000 will be used to benefit more than 115 students in 15 local middle and high school athletic programs who cannot afford pay-to-play fees.

Jeff Katofsky, owner of the St. Clair Inn, said the group wanted “to give back to the community that has so greatly supported [them] in the restoration of the Inn and helped to provide the funds for [their] first grant that will have double the impact, thanks to the match from Lelito’s Legacy Foundation Donor Advised Fund.”

Lelito’s Legacy Foundation is a registered non-profit organization that aids student athletes by eliminating financial barriers and creating healthy opportunities for deserving youth. Their programs are open to all student athletes and their grants stay in our Thumbcoast Region.

Reporting for WGRT, Kelsie Kaczperski.

Christmas Dinner is something that most people look forward to all year long. But, for some, it can be a lonely day if there is no one to celebrate with. The SOS Marysville Food Bank is offering residents an option to spend Christmas with others as they will be hosting the annual Community Christmas Dinner to be held at Marysville United Methodist Church on Huron Boulevard. 

Last year, over 1,300 people were served and the organization is expecting similar numbers this year. Volunteers begin preparing the meal at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning and work until late afternoon. Dinners are available for delivery and takeout also. 

Carmella Burns’ team of volunteers with the food bank are especially concerned with the area’s senior citizens and those who are living in shelters, making sure that meals are delivered to them. Burns started the event with her family about six years ago and has watched it grow into a tradition that engages a host of community groups from law enforcement to robotics teams to churches, as volunteers prepare, serve, and deliver the meals.

For Ms. Burns, the highlight is seeing the people donating their time. Volunteers often enjoy it so much that they are hesitant to leave, even on Christmas. The dinner is ham or turkey with all the side dishes and dessert. To volunteer or to reserve a dinner, call 810-364-6333.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Harsens Island mainland ferry dock collapsed into the river last week causing chaos for some local residents and leaving many vehicles stranded on the downriver island. The good news, although longer than originally expected, is that the ferry is back to a normal operating schedule as of 6 p.m. Monday evening. While heavy trucks are still on hold, cars and light trucks can now cross with garbage pickup also resuming on the island this coming Friday. 

The dock collapse came about a month after the ferry owners submitted a repair plan to the Michigan State Police citing the summer’s high water levels as the reason for the need to limit the types and weights of vehicles. 

The downstream, mainland dock had already been temporarily taken out of service to begin repairs that included new pipes for stabilization and a hinge foundation. The project was supposed to be completed in late spring, but the recent collapse will likely change that timeline. A passenger boat has been operating through Clay Township for individual passengers in the time since the incident. Champion’s Auto Ferry, a privately owned business, owns and operates the sole ferry service to and from Harsens Island.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Over the weekend, the St. Clair Allied Veteran’s Cemetery was filled with local residents who volunteered to place remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes while saying each and every veteran’s name aloud. The remembrance ceremonies were part of a nationwide event called “Wreaths Across America.” 

This year, the local activities were organized by Jowett Family Funeral Home. The original goal was to raise money for 975 wreaths. The goal was exceeded with 994 wreaths sponsored. Volunteers included local Boy Scout troops, families and non-profits organizations. Kelly Klemmer, who volunteered, said “the whole experience was humbling, moving,and such an honor to pay respects to those that have fought for our freedoms.” She said her “boyfriend is an Army Veteran, so when [they] first heard about the mission and the event, [they] were on board immediately.” It was the couple’s first year participating, but Klemmer said they will definitely be back because “it truly was rewarding.”

The national event has been taking place for more than 20 years, beginning at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, wreaths were laid at over 1,600 locations across the United States.

Reporting for WGRT, I’m Karly Hurley.

Good news for Michiganders and locally, Gratiot Park users, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced its disbursement of $25 million into projects to enhance public outdoor recreation. 

The City of Port Huron was awarded a $50,000 grant to pay for development of inclusive play equipment at Gratiot Park to include access pathways, site amenities, and renovation of play equipment and basketball courts. The century old park is proposed to get accessibility upgrades and compliance with modern safety regulations, according to the DNR. The fund was established in 1976 to support conservation and recreation. 

The grants are subject to legislative approval. Gratiot Park is located on the north end of Port Huron, near the Blue Water Bridge. It is within walking distance of the convention center and many neighborhoods. The upgrades should improve safety and accessibility for playground users.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.