port huron

United Way Campaign Needs Your Help

The United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with donors in their workplaces, and they receive the bulk of their support from campaigns run in local businesses.

They are facing several setbacks this year, including the closure of a local manufacturing plant that generated many contributions, and the 2021 Campaign could use support from the community.

Executive Director Brett Gillette said, “United Way of St. Clair County depends on connecting with individuals through presentations and answering questions when going into our local plants and businesses. Talking with employees is what we do best. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the opportunity as often as we would like. Our community has stepped up in many ways to help us with the shortfall and we are thankful, however we still have a long way to go to meet our goal”.

All money contributed to United Way of St. Clair County goes back into the community, funding many of the area’s nonprofit organizations and focusing on those that meet the needs such as teaching life skills to youth, constructing ramps for those who are handicapped, and providing 211 service to St. Clair County.

To get involved in United Way of St. Clair County as a volunteer or donor, call 810-985-8169 or visit their website <HERE>.

Here are some opportunities to help now:

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Old Newsboys Raising Funds to Keep Kids Warm

No one likes cold feet in the winter. Thanks to the Port Huron Old Newsboys, St. Clair County kids should be able to have toasty warm feet all winter long.

The local charitable organization has been providing access to warm socks, underwear, and boots to kids in need for over nine decades. Families who sign up for help from the Old Newsboys get a voucher to Meijer where they can purchase brand new socks, underwear, and boots of their liking to get them through the cold winter and beyond.

To pay for these necessities for around 1000 children, the Old Newsboys are trying to raise $70,000. Almost all of the money raised goes to the children. The organization is run by volunteers and there is no paid staff.

The Old Newsboys organization partners with MDHHS to verify eligibility for families that request assistance. Michelle Brown, a volunteer, said that the application period is closed because the target goal of 1000 children has been met. If donations pick up, they will be able to help more children.

To donate to the Old Newsboys, look for donation canisters in local restaurants, donate online, or mail a check.

https://www.facebook.com/PortHuronOldNewsboys/

Old Newsboys

PO Box 100

Marysville, MI 48040

Old Newsboys Fund at Community Foundation of St. Clair County

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/fund/old-newsboys-association-of-port-huron-fund/ 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron to Participate in Historic Opioid Settlement

Eleven people overdosed on drugs in the City of Port Huron this September alone. One of those overdoses was fatal. Nine of those overdoses were known to be from the use of heroin.

Port Huron could soon be getting help from the historic settlement between states’ Attorneys General and the makers and promoters of highly addictive opioid pain relievers that can lead to heroin use and substance abuse disorders.

The settlement is the result of years of negotiation and the clock is ticking to ensure participation and guarantee payout. Michigan’s Office of Attorney General acknowledges that the money won’t immediately end the opioid epidemic, but it will help local governments to “commence with meaningful change” to curb addiction, overdose, and death.

The City of Port Huron is taking the necessary steps to participate in the settlement process, according to a memo from City Manager James Freed.

The multi-billion dollar payouts will be spread out over up to 18 years and priority is given to the states which have been the most affected by opioid abuse.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mark S. White Named 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year

Mark S. White has been named the 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.

White is the Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. White drafted the emergency management framework in the midst of the pandemic, which allowed for all county agencies to coordinate their efforts.

White is also credited with spearheading the Local Emergency Planning Committee in St. Clair County. The Committee brings together the resources of both public and private entities to expand resources and expertise in emergencies.

Captain Kevin Sweeney, Commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said, “Mr. White’s dedication to emergency management over the last three decades has helped his community prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring their health and safety. His continued efforts to educate others and improve emergency response statewide are more than deserving of this award.”

Mark S. White started his career in public service 35 years ago as a firefighter with the Port Huron Fire Department.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Drive-Thru Halloween Stroll Coming to Desmond Landing

The Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for their annual Halloween Stroll at Desmond Landing on Saturday, October 30th.

Families should register by Friday, October 29th to reserve their space and receive the pre-registration discount of $8 per car for Port Huron residents and $10 per car for non-residents.

Kati Gardner, Co-Supervisor of the Port Huron Recreation Department, is the event coordinator for the Halloween Stroll. She said, “Many local businesses have shown a great interest in this event, and we are excited to offer the Halloween stroll, once again, to our community. We are looking forward to this year and are really encouraging participants to decorate their cars to add to the festivities.”

The Halloween Stroll is a drive-thru event with fun stations along the way including trick-or-treating, Halloween inflatables, and the chance to see fire trucks and other vehicles up close.

To register for the event, visit porthuronrec.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Armory Could Get Upgrades to Support Women in Service

Port Huron’s Army National Guard Armory needs to “get with the changing times”, according to National Guard representatives that gave a tour to legislators and media on Friday.

The U.S. military now allows women into combat roles, but Michigan does not currently have adequate facilities for guardswomen at their armories. That could change with cooperation from the Governor, the legislature, and the federal government to start construction projects at Michigan’s National Guard armories to provide adequate bathroom and shower facilities for the increasing number of guardswomen.

Paul D. Rogers, Major General in the Michigan National Guard and Adjutant General with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said that Michigan is at the forefront of the effort to welcome women into the military roles that help to build skills and provide career opportunities.

There are currently four women in service at the Port Huron Armory with another in training. The $3 million upgrade would be funded with half of the money coming from state appropriations and the rest matched with federal funds. Both State Senator Dan Lauwers and State Representative Gary Eisen expressed support for the renovations to the armory that will update the community facility and support local contractors. Eisen called the renovations “way overdue”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland