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Stay Safe as Summer Temps Remain High

With temperatures across the state expected to remain in the 80s and above through next week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding all residents to stay cool to beat the heat.

MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department (ED) data for heat-related illness. During this past July 4 weekend, July 2 to July 5, 120 ED visits due to complaints that include heat exhaustion and heatstroke, sunburn and sun poisoning were reported. Daily temperatures this week are anticipated to again rise above 80 degrees, which generally correlates with an increase in ED visits for heat-related illness.

“It’s important Michiganders stay hydrated and out of the sun as much possible to avoid serious health complications during this hot weather,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “Young children, older adults and those who are have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance.”

To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:

  • Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
  • Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
  • Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
  • Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.

For those without access to air conditioning, text or call Michigan 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help. Remember to follow guidance regarding COVID-19 precautions including wearing a mask or other face covering and practicing social distancing (keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from others).

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside, and because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) and tiredness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly.

The heat can also combine with air pollutants to cause high ozone levels, triggering Air Quality Alerts. People who have asthma or other breathing problems should avoid outdoor activities if an Air Quality Alert is triggered in their area.

For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

To learn more about Air Quality Alerts, visit AirNow.gov.

Port Huron Man Arraigned on Weapons Charges

Port Huron, MI — On Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 6:18 PM, Port Huron Police responded to a call of a large fight and a man shooting a handgun out of a car at Knox Field in the 2400 block of Cleveland. Police learned the incident stemmed from two females who have had on going issues with each other. One female is a 20 year old Port Huron resident and the other is a 32 year old Port Huron resident. 

The 20 year old female saw the 32 year old with three friends at Knox Field and initiated an argument. When the 20 year old and occupants of her vehicle learned the police were being called they proceeded to leave the area. However, a 24 year old male passenger from Port Huron pointed a handgun at the 32 year old and her friends. He then fired the handgun in the air as they drove away. A description of the vehicle was given over the police radio. 

A St. Clair County Sheriff Deputy spotted the vehicle westbound on I-94 and pulled it over. The 20 year old female and a passenger, a 32 year old male Warren resident, were taken into custody and later released. The 32 year old male shooter turned himself into police custody in the 2000 block of Stone Street. The Major Crimes Unit responded to assist road patrol and the handgun used was recovered. He was lodged in the St. Clair County Intervention Center for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle, and Felony Firearms. 

On July 7, 2020, Jesse Tyrelle Stevenson, a 24 year old Port Huron resident, was arraigned on the above charges. A $10,000 cash/surety bond was set. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference hearing on July 21, 2020 at 9 a.m. in front of the Honorable Judge Monaghan. 

 

Community Foundation Acquires Knowlton Ice Museum

Port Huron, MI — Operation of the Knowlton Ice Museum is about to be turned over to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. If the plans are approved, a new nonprofit entity will be created, and assets and care of the museum will be transferred to the Foundation. 

Chuck Knowlton, Trustee of the Knowlton Family Private Foundation, said, “The Community Foundation is the right fit for our family’s charitable legacy. We have grown an endowment fund to be available to care for the Ice Museum collection in perpetuity, and the Foundation has the expertise, dedication and transparency we wanted as a family to be able to feel good about the transfer of not only millions in charitable assets, but the museum collections as well.” 

Mickey and Agnes Knowlton, founders of Party Time Ice, created the Knowlton Foundation and the Knowlton Ice Museum in 2000. The museum’s extensive collection of ice-making equipment and memorabilia have been open to the public since 1987.

The current location of the artifacts in Downtown Port Huron has been open since 2009. The museum will continue to be open to the public as usual.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mannequins Will Still Be a Part of Summer 2020

Port Huron, MI — Kelly Strilcov, owner of Salon Pizazz in Downtown Port Huron, has mobilized her stylists and volunteer mannequins every summer for the last  10 years to produce Mannequins Making a Difference. The event has become one of the most popular components of Boat Week and the Blue Water Fest with crowds spending hours watching models in creative costumes stand perfectly still for hours in the July sun.

This year, with the cancellation of Blue Water Fest, many locals and visitors have been wondering what summer traditions will continue despite the pandemic. Kelly and a group of Downtown Port Huron business sponsors and supporters decided to find a way to safely get Mannequins Making a Difference back to Downtown.

Organizers compiled photos of past mannequins, and Sir Speedy is creating 4′ by 8′ foot replicas to place in Downtown businesses. Beginning July 9th through July 31st, spectators can stop by the business with a square Mannequins Making a Difference sticker on the ground by their door. They can find the mannequin replica in the store, take a photo with it, and share it on social media with #PortHuronStrong. Submissions are eligible to win a prize from Salon Pizazz.

“Adaptability is the name of the game for all of us this year. We look forward to resuming to life as it was during boat week in 2021,” said Kelly Strilcov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Hunter Hospitality House Recognizes Volunteers, Cancels Fundraiser

Port Huron, MI — Due to COVID-19 concerns, Hunter Hospitality House cancelled their Hope Blooms Fundraiser that was planned for August 26 at the Blue Water Convention Center. The event is a major fundraiser for the non-profit that provides free lodging to those with loved ones in local hospitals.

Several awards are usually given out at Hope Blooms, and the cancellation of the event didn’t stop Hunter Hospitality House from recognizing their volunteers.

The M. Martha Koerber Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Barbara Teller in recognition of her six years of dependable house cleaning work. Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, said, “When we need something done thoroughly and with exceptional excellence, like training new volunteers, ‘Barb’ is our go-to gal!”

The other award is the Paula Flynn Godwin Spirit of Hunter Hospitality House Award. The award was given to Hannah Yurgens. According to Willard, “Anyone who knows Hannah knows that when she finds a cause she’s passionate about, nothing will stop her from helping them. She literally bubbles over with enthusiasm, as does her son, Adam Watson, who also volunteers for HHH.”

The 2021 Hope Blooms event is being planned. Tickets for the 2020 event will be honored at the 2021 fundraiser.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Foundation Volunteer Organization Awards Scholarships

PORT HURON, MI – Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Organization (LHFVO) is pleased to announce ten (10) scholarships have been awarded to students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the health care field.

Because of COVID-19 pandemic and the financial difficulty it has placed on many students, LHFVO increased the number of scholarships awarded in 2020 from six to ten. The hope is to provide additional relief to students during this unprecedented and uncertain time. Each recipient will be awarded $1,200. The 2020 Healthcare Scholarship recipients are:

  • Megan Carnaghi – Franciscan University
  • Lindsay Carter – Grand Valley State University
  • Kaitlyn Fletcher – Michigan Technological University
  • Sydney Kenaya – Michigan State University
  • Serenity Lademer – Michigan State University
  • Courtney Lundy – St. Clair County Community College
  • Christene Marcum – St. Clair County Community College
  • Jamison Nightingale – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Olivia Poelker – University of Detroit Mercy
  • Heather Porter – St. Clair County Community College

The eligibility requirements and considerations included: students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the field of health care, are currently enrolled, carrying a minimum of six (6) credits per semester and demonstrating satisfactory progress.