local news

Rep. Beeler Fights for Private Property Rights

State Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) announced last week that he co-sponsored legislation which requires Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers to obtain a warrant before entering private land.

Beeler said the bill protects Fourth Amendment rights and aligns the requirements of DNR officers with other law enforcement officers in the state who must acquire a warrant in such situations.

“I was shocked that this wasn’t already covered in state law,” Beeler said. “The Fourth Amendment is clear. It guarantees freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. This proposal puts that clarity into Michigan law and states that these protections apply not only in instances with traditional law enforcement agencies who are working hard to protect us and our communities, but for all government authorities.”

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, offers practical exceptions for entrance onto private property, such as when probable cause exists, when an officer is in pursuit of a suspect, when there is a reasonable belief evidence will be destroyed, when someone is in danger, or if there is consent to search. Several states, such as Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon and Vermont, have extended protections to private land through their constitutions in recent years.

“I want to thank Representative LaFave for bringing this issue to the forefront,” Beeler continued, “I am optimistic that this bill will receive strong bipartisan support.”

House Bill 4315 was introduced on the House floor February 18th and will soon be formally read into the record.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Dr. Bali Appointed New Medical Director at VNA & Blue Water Hospice

Dr. Doru Bali has been appointed Medical Director of Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice, taking over for Dr. Anil Patel who retired in 2020.

Dr. Bali became the Associate Medical Director of the organization in 2020, and will use his experience as an emergency medicine clinician and leader in this new role. Dr. Bali is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, and he has special interest in population health management, social determinants of health, and end of life care. He has been a resident of the Blue Water Area since 2018.

The VNA & Blue Water Hospice provide a continuum of care including home health care, palliative care, private duty, and hospice care to the people of St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Photo Contest for VNA & Blue Water Hospice

The Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice has been renovating their patient rooms at the Blue Water Hospice Home, and they are asking the community to help decorate the walls. Photographers can submit photos that feature scenes from around Michigan, and winners will be credited with a placard noting their name along with having their photos shared on the organization’s Facebook page.

Here are the details and requirements for entry:

  • Photos will be enlarged to 12”x18”, only those with a minimum pixel dimension of 2400×3600 will be accepted for entry.
  • Entries will not be compensated monetarily or otherwise.
  • Themes (must not include people):
    – Lake Huron
    – Thomas Edison Park
    – Lake Ontario
    – Blue Water Bridge
    – Lake Michigan
    – Boardwalk
    – Lake Erie
    – Lighthouse (any Michigan lighthouse)
    – Lake Superior
    – Freighter
    – Lake St. Clair
    – Sailboat

To enter photos the photographer must:

    • Attach a jpg photo in an email to: marketing@vnabwh.com
    • Include in the email:
      • Your name (photographer)
      • Phone number
      • Address/City/State/Zip
      • Location of photo (which theme)
      • Title of photo

All entries must be received by March 19. Those whose photos are selected will be notified by April 1.

Closings for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Closings for Wednesday, February 17th

St. Clair County:

Algonac Community Schools

Capac Community Schools

East China School District

East Shore Leadership Academy

Holy Cross Catholic

Marysville Public Schools

Memphis Community Schools

New Life Christian Academy

Port Huron Area School District – Closed for all students both Hybrid and Virtual – no Zooms

St. Clair TEC

St. Clair County CMH: St. Clair County Community Mental Health will be open. However, its CIS program closed. There will be no agency transportation available. Employees are to report to work.

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy

Yale School District

 

 

 

Sanilac County

Brown City Schools

Carsonville – Port Sanilac

Croswell-Lexington Schools

Peck Community Schools

Sanilac Career Center & Special Ed

 

New COVID Variant Identified in St. Clair County

A case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in St. Clair County. The individual has been in isolation and close contacts quarantined since initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Variant identification is learned after (initial COVID -19 diagnosis) further testing of the specimen.

The individual who tested positive is in their 70’s with no current travel history. Symptoms are mild and hospitalization is not needed at this time.

The COVID-19 virus, as expected with a coronavirus, has changed over the past year. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January. The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.

“Since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department. “Which is why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.”

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant B.1.1.7:

  • Wear a face mask around others
  • Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Avoid crowded areas or gatherings
  • Ventilate indoor spaces if around others
  • Seek testing if ill, exposed, or after travel
  • Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results
  • Get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available to you

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

4-H Auction Raises Support for 4-H Clubs and Charity

The St. Clair County 4-H Council Virtual online Auction will be Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. and go through Saturday the 27th at 1:00 p.m. at this link Virtual 4-H Auction site  Items can be, safe no contact, picked up at the Fair Office in Marysville on February 27 from 2pm – 6pm and February 28 from 9am – noon.    Exact cash or check payment only.

It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of 4-H by bidding on some great items that have been donated. 50% of the proceeds go back to 4-H clubs that secure the items and 50% will go to a local food pantry or charity with the greatest need.

4-H provides fun, educational opportunities that become the foundation for a lifetime of success.  Program areas ranging from science and technology to clothing and textiles, and so much more are available to our youth.  You have an opportunity to support the St. Clair County 4-H Program by bidding this annual auction.

Some items include: Top Bar Beehive, grow unit and supplies to start your garden, art and craft items, gift baskets, and many other items too.

For donations or questions, please contact the MSU Extension office at (810) 989-6935 and ask for Lori Warchuck.

Submitted by St. Clair County 4-H Council