local news

St. Clair County Board of Commissioners Meetings Move to Convention Center

The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners will be meeting at the Blue Water Convention Center instead of the St. Clair County government offices in downtown Port Huron.

The county board meeting that was held on January 6th was reported to have attendance that exceeded the capacity of the usual location. Increased public interest over mask mandates and covid protocol has drawn larger than usual crowds to the public meetings.

County Commissioner Lisa Beedon said, “It’s important we hold our meetings in a venue that accommodates the size of the audience, not only to meet the Open Meetings Act requirements but also to adequately hear from and have seating for our constituents.”

The regular meeting of the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners on January 20th will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Convention Center located at 800 Harker Street. The Convention Center is connected to Freighters Restaurant and the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel.

The Standing Committee meetings on February 3rd and the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on February 17th will also be held at the Convention Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Little Black Dress Fundraiser Goes Virtual to Raise Funds for Cancer Patients

The 16th Annual Little Black Dress fundraiser is on the calendar for Friday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m. The event will be virtual again this year, thanks to the spike in Covid cases in the region and the danger of gathering in large groups. Participants can check in on Facebook Live to be part of the annual tradition.

The Little Black Dress event raises funds for the Betty Kearns Cancer Fund to provide support for those in cancer treatment. Last year, 25 families were helped with meeting basic needs while dealing with their cancer diagnoses.

Supporters can get involved by buying raffle tickets. Some of the items on the list this year include a Gift Card Board, Lotto Ticket Board, a Paddle Board & Yeti Cooler, and the popular “Touch a Freighter” experience. There are also trips to Sedona, Arizona and Mackinac Island and catering from Vintage House, among many others.

Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and families are available. Donations of raffle items are being accepted until February 25th.

To buy raffle tickets or to find out more about the cause, go to bluewaterlittleblackdress.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Big Money Headed to Port Huron and St. Clair County From American Rescue Plan

The City of Port Huron and St. Clair County will be getting big checks from the federal American Rescue Plan. Port Huron has been allocated $17,959,874 and St. Clair County is receiving $30,908,749 total with first payments being distributed this week.  

The money is for mitigating the effects of the pandemic and the shutdowns. It is to be used to bring back lost jobs, provide premium pay to essential workers, make up for lost revenue, and invest in infrastructure.

The race is on to identify projects and obligate funds by the 2024 deadline. The spending rules are enforced by the U.S. Treasury with fund distributed through the state treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “Local units of government should take their time to plan to use these dollars in a viable and sustainable manner that will have a lasting impact. The Michigan Department of Treasury continues to be a resource for helping local officials navigate through the ARPA process.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the money “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Schools and NAACP Collaborate for MLK Day

Students and staff at Port Huron Area Schools will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with activities and service projects.

Students in district elementary schools will host members of the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP. The volunteers will read selected books and engage in discussions with the students.

Secondary students will be engaging in a service project to benefit the local community. Students will be collecting and delivering both canned goods and basic toiletries to Blue Water Rescue Mission, New Life Women’s Mission, Carolyn’s Place, Pathways Homeless Shelter, and Harbor for Youth.

The partnership with the NAACP has been a yearly tradition. Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said, “I am so proud that Port Huron Schools partners with our local NAACP each year to engage our students.”

Kerhoulas said that the students “are not only learning about Dr. King and his remarkable work, but also participating in a collective project that provides something of value and care to people in our community. Seeing our students exhibit the values of peace, love and equality on Dr. King’s holiday each year is truly something special.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Heart of a Hero Nominations Open

Calling all heroes…The 2022 Heart of a Hero Nominations are open and it’s your chance to recognize someone who makes a difference in the community.

The Heart of a Hero project is a fundraiser for The Arc of St. Clair County. It is sponsored by Woman’s Life Chapter 820 “Archangels”.

Heart of a Hero recognizes nominees at a banquet to be held this summer, on August 11th, at Alexander’s in Marysville. The nomination period goes from now until the end of April.

Jo Ann Wilton, President of Woman’s Life Chapter #820 said that the group is its third year of recognizing those who never get the recognition they deserve for all they do for the community.

Nominations can include those in the categories of law enforcement, military, first responders, and faith leaders, as well as anyone who makes St. Clair County a better place. It can include anyone to whom one goes for assistance including those who are retired, as well as those who volunteer.

The Arc of St. Clair County, who benefits from the fundraising banquet, advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please email your nominations ASAP to Jo Ann Wilton at misspotter@comcast.net  or call 810-385-9040.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDHHS Updates School Quarantine Guidance

New school quarantine and isolation guidance was issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service late Monday.

The updated guidance reflects the updates by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. The updates allow students and staff to return to school sooner than previously recommended.

Now, school students and staff who test positive with no symptoms should monitor for symptoms from the day of exposure through day 10 of isolation and isolate at home for 5 days. Day “0” is the day symptoms begin or the day test was taken for students, teachers & staff who do not have symptoms.

Those who test positive can return to school if symptoms have improved or they continue to have no symptoms and must wear a well-fitting mask for days 6-10. If unwilling or unable to wear a mask, they should stay home for a full ten days.

Close contacts don’t need to quarantine if they just had covid within the past 90 days or are fully vaccinated. They should still monitor for symptoms.

A link to the full guidance, including symptoms to watch for, can be found at the link below.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/MI_Safer_Schools_Guidance_for_Managing_Students_Exposed_to_COVID-19_734750_7.pdf?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland