local news

St. Clair County Drain Commissioner Race Heats Up

The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner Race is one of the hottest local contests on the ticket this year, with Democrat Fred Fuller challenging incumbent Republican Robert Wiley.

Longtime residents might think they are having a flashback to the 1990s when they see the “Fred Fuller for Drain Commissioner” campaign signs in yards around the county. Fuller held the Drain Commissioner position from 1997-2008. He originally ran to fight the dredging of Mill Creek, which flows through the town of Yale, where he resides and has served as mayor. Eventually a compromise was reached and Mill Creek mostly remains in its natural state. Fuller points to frustration with expensive studies instead of maintenance as one of his reasons for running for his old job again.

Incumbent Drain Commissioner Robert Wiley has been in the office since 2008. Wiley’s office has been instrumental in the mitigation of damaged wetlands in Fort Gratiot and the construction of the Veterans’ Memorial Wetlands Preserve. Wiley is in his third term as Drain Commissioner.

The Drain Commissioner position pays just under $80,000 per year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Library Branches Open to Public after 7-Month Closure

After being closed to the public since March 16, the St. Clair County Library System is back open for in-branch service. 

The library had been offering services online as well as curbside service, but as of today patrons can enter the buildings. Curbside service will continue, by appointment. 

There are a few restrictions and changes that library users will need to keep in mind. Hours will be limited to Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

There will not be an opportunity to linger at the library. Much of the seating has been removed and visits are limited to 30 minutes. The number of patrons in the buildings will be limited and precautions like masks, social distancing, and the use of plexiglass shields are required. Gathering and meeting spaces are closed until further notice. 

Computers and WIFI are available, but only in 30-minute increments. The Local History and Special Collections will be available by appointment. At this time, book donations are not being accepted. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

October is Agritourism Month

It is Agritourism Month in Michigan. Trips to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch add to the economy and have social and cultural benefits, but this year, protecting farmers and other visitors is a top priority.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell addressed promoting agritourism in the midst of a pandemic, saying, “Agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state. Our operators are implementing key safety measures to assure the well-being of their customers. We also need visitors to help the agriculture community by following on-farm safety protocols, wearing masks, social distancing whenever possible, washing their hands often, and staying home if they are not feeling well.” 

Agritourism includes farmers markets, on-farm markets, wineries, roadside produce stands, on-farm weddings and events, corn mazes and others. October is the peak time for agritourism as it is harvest time and the time when Michiganders traditionally visit local farms.

In the Blue Water Area, Simpson Family Farm, MacCallum’s Orchard, and CornFun Corn Maze Adventure & Pumpkin Patch are listed on the state’s michiganfarmfun.com website.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grand River Open – Majestic Lot Still Closed

Grand River Avenue is back open after roof work was completed by a local contractor. The closure of the road was unrelated to the work being done by DTE on the Majestic Lot.

The Majestic Parking Lot, a popular parking lot for those shopping at Downtown businesses, will continue to be closed until December 2020. The lot is being reconstructed as a result of infrastructure work being done by DTE, and the City of Port Huron is working closely with DTE to keep up with its progress.

Parking is available in the city owned McMorran lots that surround the Blue Water Transit Center. Those large parking lots usually charge patrons after the first two hours, but they will remain open and free to the public during construction. The walk from the McMorran lots to businesses on Main Street is about 2 city blocks .

The City of Port Huron has also established convenience spots along Huron Avenue for customers who are making a quick trip or pick up from a downtown businesses. Those select spots are designated for loading and unloading or trips of 15 minutes or less.

Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 810-984-9730.

 

Two Charged Following Drug Raid

(Port Huron)  Two Port Huron men are facing charges following a drug raid on October 1st.

According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation ended with the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of 13th Street shortly before 11:30 on October 1st.  Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized about $2500 worth of crack cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspects were arraigned before 72nd District Court Judge Mona Armstrong on Sunday.  Vincent Lumetto, age 61, is charged with controlled substance less than 25 grams and maintaining a drug house, while 29 year old Deangelo Lee is charged with controlled substance second or subsequent offense.  Bond for both was set at $10,000 cash/surety.

Both men face a probable cause hearing before Judge Armstrong on October 13th at 9:00 a.m.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Sarnia-Lambton United Way Hits Half-Million Mark in Yearly Campaign

Sarnia, ON — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton County has reached the $500,000 mark in its efforts to reach its Needs Target.

The goal is $1.9 million, but the campaign hit a milestone on October 1. Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme said, “Local businesses have been working on creative ideas to boost their own staff morale during this pandemic while raising funds for United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. We are booking virtual presentations to employee groups; we have had fun at the drive thru breakfasts and lunches.” 

Like everything else, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton had to change course in the midst of the pandemic. The usual Day of Caring, Dinner and Auction, and Sarnia Sting game were cancelled. However, the challenges that the United Way addresses remain.

Ducharme said that issues including mental health, food insecurity, poverty, and isolation have not gone away. The organization raises funds for 36 local programs that help vulnerable youth, families, and seniors in the area.

More information can be found at theunitedway.on.ca.