local news

See You In Court: Port Huron Rejects MIOSHA Citations and Fine

Port Huron, MI — A local legal drama is brewing as the City of Port Huron is taking on the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) regarding a $6,300 fine issued after receiving several citations for not following COVID-19 prevention protocol.

The citation was issued after a complaint was filed. MIOSHA accused the City of “violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements including failure to require face coverings, not conducting daily entry self-screening protocols for employees, not training employees on COVID-19, and failing to maintain records of the daily entry self-screening protocols.”, according to MIOSHA records.

MIOSHA dismissed one of the charges, but is not backing down on a portion of the penalty. The City has asked for a court date to hash it out in front of an independent administrative law judge.

The City denies all charges and points out that there have been no workplace COVID-19 outbreaks. They also dismissed the legitimacy of MIOSHA to levy fines after the Governor’s Executive Orders were ruled unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court.

City Manager James Freed called the citations “baseless and not with legal merit”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Festival Of Trees Money To Go Toward Lung Cancer Equipment

Port Huron, MI — McLaren Port Huron’s Festival of Trees  2020 was a totally different event from the three-day event of years past, but the scaled-back adaptation was still a success. 

The 2020 version had seventeen trees displayed at the windows of the hospital that the community could enjoy safely from outside. Donors still came through with sponsorships and raffle ticket purchases, netting $65,000 for the hospital’s Foundation. 

The proceeds from the Festival of Trees are going toward the purchase of equipment to diagnose and treat lung cancer – an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy device. The device should be ready for use this summer.

Dr. Vasken Artinian, a pulmonary critical care specialist, said that this tool will improve patient care and outcomes and using it is the procedure of choice. He said, “It really complements our full-service cancer program at McLaren Port Huron and is an opportunity to ensure patients can remain in the community for diagnosis and treatment.”

Both Dr. Artinian and Sara Tait, Director of the McLaren Port Huron Foundation, expressed gratitude to the community for their generosity and support.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Championship Disc Golf Course In the Works at Columbus County Park

Columbus County Park in St. Clair County is about to become home to a state-of-the-art Disc Golf Course. The cutting-edge course design work has been completed and the construction of the course is underway.

Jeff Bauman, a professional disc golf course designer, has been charged with the creation of the course. Bauman said the course will have something for everyone, with “Gold Level” long tees and “Fun Level” short tees. He said the course will challenge the best players, yet be fun for beginners.

Bauman said fifteen volunteers were ready to work at 8:00 last Saturday morning, in 17-degree temperatures. The projected June completion date could be moved up because of the hard-working volunteers and the enthusiasm for the project. Information about volunteer opportunities can be found at the Columbus County Park Disc Golf Course Facebook page.

Bauman said that interest in disc golfing “has really exploded” as people are looking for outdoor recreation during the pandemic. Bauman recommended PDGA.com for more information about getting started with disc golfing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Honor Staff & Volunteers

In a typical year, the entire staff of VNA & Blue Water Hospice gather for breakfast, laughs, and awards. Unfortunately, this year is anything but typical. Instead, the agency spread the celebration out over a week, honoring several staff and volunteers with Volunteer of the Year, Leader of the Year, Bess MacCulloch, and Dr. Elmore Shoudy awards. In addition, a little competitive fun was had between staff with gingerbread house and door decorating contests!

Volunteer of the Year Award

Fran Meyers was named 2019 Volunteer of the Year (luncheon was cancelled due to COVID). A volunteer since 2009, Fran has helped in many areas such as bereavement, fundraising, mailings, memorial services, and most recently in the kitchen at Blue Water Hospice Home. Everyone – patients, families, and staff enjoy Fran’s treats!

Carl Erickson was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Carl has been a volunteer at the agency since 2016, helping at the Blue Water Hospice Home kitchen, front desk, and assisting with mailings. During COVID, he never missed a shift, and picked up a few extra. “Carl never hesitates to help out. I am grateful for his commitment to our staff, patients, and the organization,” says Heidi Benner, Volunteer Coordinator.

Marilyn Cruickshank was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. As a volunteer since 2018, Marilyn has contributed as a companion volunteer, greeter, housekeeping, and with mailings. “Always with a smile, she is there when I need her. I appreciate Marilyn’s commitment to us,” says Heidi Benner, Volunteer Coordinator.

Bess MacCulloch Award

Rebecca Reeves was named 2020 Bess MacCulloch Service Award winner. This award is given to someone in the Health Services, Home Health Care, or Special Care services area who exemplifies the mission of the agency. They provide excellent care to clients in addition to their community service.

Rebecca has been with VNA since 2018 and works in Private Duty. She was nominated by a co-worker who stated “She is always friendly to clients and their families. She knows how to handle difficult situations, has a dependable work ethic, and is always available to fellow staff.”

Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award

Chuck Seigneurie was named 2020 Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award winner. This award is given to an employee of the Hospice division who provides extraordinary care to patients and families dealing with terminal illness.

Chuck has been with the agency since 2019 creating exquisite meals in the Blue Water Hospice Home kitchen. A patient’s husband commented “you can tell Chuck makes all of the meals with love. He takes the time, so it not only tastes good, but looks good too…that’s someone who loves what they do.” A co-worker added “he strives to make patients feel like this is their home; he goes out of his way to help, not only patients, but also the staff. He embodies the mission of the agency.”

Leader of the Year Award

Jessica Martin, RN, BSN was honored with the first annual Leader of the Year Award. To be named Leader of the Year an individual must demonstrate compassion, outstanding leadership, hold themselves and others accountable, while functioning with the utmost humility.

Jessica has been with VNA & Blue Water Hospice since 2018 and is currently the Director of Hospice at the Blue Water Hospice Home. Several of her staff nominated her, all listing her willingness to help – no matter day or night. “Jessica is the kind of manager anyone would be lucky to have. She hops right in to help with anything a patient may need. She listens to employees and you can talk about anything with her” says a staff member.

Submitted by VNA & Blue Water Hospice

Mask Exhibit Uses Art to Process Pandemic

The Michigan Legacy Art Park (MLAP) will open a “Stay Safe” mask exhibit in February at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee, Michigan. The exhibit features over 300 paper mache masks created and decorated by people of all ages from across the state.

The exhibit began as a way for participants to explore and express their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was created by artist and Volunteer Director of Education for MLAP, Patricia Innis, and more than 400 people have participated since the launch in August of 2020.

Innis said, ““It quickly became apparent it was more than
just a fun thing to do. Families were using the masks as a starting point to talk about thoughts and feelings during the pandemic. I’m amazed at how many still want to create masks and the number of organizations who have expressed interest in bringing
the project to their own communities.”

There will be a free online tour of the exhibit on February 12th at 1 PM via Facebook Live on the Ramsdell Center’s Facebook page, and the Art Park has also created a How-To blog for anyone interested in participating in the project from home by themselves, with their families, or in a small group.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Congresswoman Lisa McClain Michigan's 10th District

Congresswoman McClain Selected to Serve on House Armed Services Committee

Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced she will serve on the House Armed Services Committee during the 117th Congress.

“The House Armed Services Committee is vital to keeping Americans at home and abroad safe, and I am honored to serve on the committee. The assets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base are critical to our national security,” said Rep. McClain. “I look forward to protecting our armed forces, making sure our military has the support it needs and ensuring Michigan remains at the forefront of national defense.”

“Congratulations to Rep. Lisa McClain on her selection to the House Armed Services Committee. Lisa brings a valuable perspective to our committee, and I’m confident she will immediately make an impact on our national defense policies,” said House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (AL-03).

Rep. McClain’s district includes several defense and national security assets including Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the Michigan Defense Corridor and the Blue Water Bridge, an international border crossing.

Submitted by Congresswoman McClain’s Office