local news

Hand Deliver Absentee Ballots to Avoid Postal Delays

With less than two weeks left before the election, officials are recommending absentee voters hand deliver their ballots to their local clerk’s office instead of relying on the postal system.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “Only the absentee ballots received by 8 p.m. on November 3 can be counted, and voters should not risk possible postal delays this close to the deadline.”

Registered voters can still request absentee ballots until November 2nd at their local clerk’s office, and eligible citizens can register to vote at the clerk’s office until November 3rd.

As of October 19th, more than 1.5 million Michigan citizens had already cast their absentee ballots. Benson also issued a reminder that polling places will be prepared with personal protective equipment on election day to ensure safe voting. She also issued a directive on October 16th clarifying that the open carry of firearms is not permitted in or within 100 feet of voting locations on Election Day.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Beware of Fake Package Delivery Texts

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert to warn Michiganders about a new scam involving fake text messages about package deliveries.

Complaints are being received by individuals who are getting text alerts that they have an Amazon, FedEx or USPS package on the way along with a link to click on. An earlier version of the scam contained a link promising information about a missing package or a link to claim delivery on a pending package.

Attorney General Nessel urges those who receive text messages regarding a package delivery from an unfamiliar number to immediately block the number and delete the message. Do not respond or click on any links in these messages.

The Federal Trade Commission suggests three ways to report unwanted text messages:

  • Report it on the messaging app. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
  • If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon or Sprint subscriber, copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM), free of charge.
  • Report it online to the Federal Trade Commission.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Sarnia and Brights Grove Tim Horton’s Restaurants Help Pathways Health Centre for Children

Sarnia, ON — Pathways Health Centre for Children has received a sizable donation from the Sarnia and Bright’s Grove Tim Horton’s franchises. The local restaurants donated $44,461.00 to the charity.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s campaign are being donated by the owners of the local restaurants to the charity, helping Pathways move toward its $260,000 fundraising goal.

Alison Morrison, Executive Director at Pathways Health Centre for Children, said, “Everyone needs a smile these days! This gift to Pathways made possible by strong community support of the local Tim Horton’s in their Smile Cookie Campaign couldn’t have come at a better time for our organization and the clients we serve. It is truly incredible, that during a global pandemic with such hardships experienced by citizens and businesses, that Sarnia responded so generously to the campaign, surpassing last year’s record!” 

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario. The Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record breaking $10.56 million this year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kimball Twp. Man Taken Into Custody After Standoff

 A man who barricaded himself inside his home for about three and a half hours yesterday afternoon was taken into custody.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, deputies were called to a home in the 5000 block of Burma Road shortly before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday for what was described as an argument between husband and wife.  Deputies were also told that the 48 year old man fired a gun inside the home.  The 39 year old wife left the residence with their two teenage children and met deputies on the roadway.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) was called to the residence and began negotiating with the man to come out of the home.  He finally complied and came out shortly before 7:00 Tuesday night.

The man was transported by Tri-Hospital EMS to Lake Huron Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence to remove firearms from the home pending the outcome of the mental evaluation.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and Michigan State Police also assisted at the scene. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

The Dry Dock Provides Safe Community for those in Recovery

Port Huron, MI — 2020 has been a difficult year for a lot of people, and an even tougher year for those recovering from addiction. But, the Dry Dock Recovery Reading Room in Downtown Port Huron has persisted in providing a ray of hope for those in recovery to find acceptance and a safe, positive environment.

The Dry Dock opened in February of this year. Three brothers, Linn, Jeff, and Brad Bartlett, rented a unique space right on the Black River by the Military Street drawbridge. The brothers, who are all in recovery themselves, used their experience in the hospitality industry to make a welcoming and friendly gathering space for people in the process of conquering addiction.

The space provides not only friendly conversation and plenty of reading material, but a chance to make healthy choices in the face of isolation and loneliness, which can be amplified by the pandemic.

There is no charge to visit the Dry Dock. While the facility is not affiliated with any particular recovery program, they have information on overcoming all kinds of addictions. They also host events such as a clean and sober Boat Night, euchre games, and art and music shows.

For more information, call Linn Bartlett at (810) 941-8510 or check out their facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Dry-Dock-Recovery-Reading-Room-100292064904693/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Urges Caution at Social Gatherings as COVID-19 Cases Increase

The St. Clair County Health Department is urging the public to follow safety practices while attending social gatherings. Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in St. Clair County, and in the last two weeks the average number of new cases has increased by 55%.

The Health Department is reporting that 20% of cases are tied to social events which indicates that people are not following public health guidance when gathering.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department, said in a press release, “As St. Clair County residents and as proud Americans, we know what we have to do to slow the spread of transmission because we did it before. We came together at the beginning of the pandemic and effectively drove down the case counts by wearing masks, maintaining six feet of social distance from others, and practicing proper handwashing.”

As of Tuesday morning, there were 253 active cases of COVID-19 in St. Clair County, up 69 cases from our report last week. As cases increase the Health Department is also asking individuals to respond to public health nurses when they reach out for contact tracing purposes. Nurses will never ask for sensitive information related to insurance, credit cards, or social security numbers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand