port huron

McLaren Festival of Trees to Raise Funds for Lung Cancer Treatment Equipment

Port Huron, MI — McLaren Port Huron Foundation is planning to purchase an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS) machine with the proceeds from this year’s Festival of Trees. The medical equipment will allow for early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The new technology gives hope to those afflicted with the disease, as it can improve survival rates.

For thirty-one years, the Festival of Trees has traditionally been a highly social event, but this year’s version will employ creative measures that respect social distancing guidelines. Trees will still be decorated and the magic of the holiday season will still be present.

This year, McLaren Port Huron Hospital’s South Tower Lobby will be transformed into a winter wonderland with decorated window displays. The community can drive by or walk around outside to enjoy the display.

General donations, as well as sponsorships, are being asked for to fund the purchase of the new lung cancer treatment equipment. The holiday display will be up from Thanksgiving to the New Year. Donation information: www.mclaren.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Stronger Together Support Groups Launched by Families Against Narcotics

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Chapter of Families Against Narcotics (FAN) has launched Stronger Together Family and Friends Support Groups. The Chapter reminds the community that while there is a viral pandemic, there is also an opioid epidemic in the area.

Addiction is considered a “family disease” because it affects the entire family and friend network of a person suffering from Substance Abuse Disorder.

Charlene Burgett, president of FAN’s Blue Water chapter said “If your loved one is battling addiction, they may be leading a destructive life. But that doesn’t mean that YOUR life has to be destroyed, too. We’re hoping to bring some calm and relief to the lives of those who need it, and teach them that self-care is not being selfish.”

The support group is meeting on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. at the Restored Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints church, located at 1404 Garfield Street, Port Huron. The group will be utilizing a unique 12-step “Family Recovery Plan” that can help individuals and families move from a life of despair to a life of hope and purpose, according to FAN.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McMorran Arena Opens for Hockey with Precautions

Port Huron, MI — It’s been a long time since the puck has dropped on the McMorran ice, but things are starting to move closer to normal at McMorran Place Sports and Entertainment Center in Downtown Port Huron. The ice arena has reopened to high school hockey teams and the Port Huron Prowlers could be taking to the ice this season.

The ice arena has new lights, new seats, and fresh ice; it just needs some players and fans to feel like the old days before the pandemic.

There are extensive precautions being taken to keep athletes and staff healthy. Entry procedures have been carefully constructed and include entry through the North entrance of the arena only. Players will need to scan a QR code which will link them to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. Temperatures will be taken and only those who pass the health check can enter the building.

Only players and coaches are allowed in the locker room. Kids aged ten and under can have an adult accompany them. Masks and social distancing are expected, all in an effort to keep the arena open and give the area’s youth hockey players and the professional team a chance at a real competitive season.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/entryprocedures.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Local Election Results – November 2020

St. Clair County unofficial election results as of 6:00 AM:

To see updated election results from St. Clair County visit the County Clerk’s office <HERE>

St. Clair County:

State Representative 83rd District: Andrew Beeler

Prosecutor: Michael Wendling

Sheriff: Mathew King

Clerk: Jay DeBoyer

Treasurer: Kelly Roberts-Burnett

Drain Commissioner: Robert Wiley

Commissioner 3rd District: Lisa Beedon

Judge of Court of Appeals District 4: Michael Kelly

Judge of 31st Circuit Court: Daniel Damman

Judge of Probate Court: Elwood Brown

Judge of 72nd District Court: Mona Armstrong

SC4 Trustee: John Lusk, Nicholas DeGrazia

City of Port Huron Mayor: Pauline Repp

Port Huron City Council: Sherry Archibald, Bob Mosurak, Teri Lamb, 4th is too close to call

PHASD School Board: Ann Murphy, Jessica Totty, Frank Partipilo

Port Huron City Proposal: Marihuana ordinance – Yes

For election results in other Michigan counties, visit <HERE> .

Port Huron Police Seek MACP Recertification

The Port Huron Police Department is proudly recognized as a nationally and state accredited agency through CALEA since 1995 and MACP since 2018. The Port Huron Police Department is scheduled for reaccreditation and will need to go through the evaluation to achieve the status of accredited. This process is overseen by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) which assigns assessors to review the agency on-site and recommends approval or rejection to the commission. 

Over the past three years, agency personnel has worked hard to meet the stringent standards set forth by the commission. This process has been completed and the Port Huron Police Department is scheduled to have its MLEAC on-site assessment for reaccreditation on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The two assessors will review files, policies and procedures, conduct interviews with key personnel, and meet with local businesses and dignitaries, in an effort to thoroughly evaluate the Police Department. 

Citizens, businesses and organizations are welcome to call the assessors directly and discuss the operations of the Police Department on December 1, 2020 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Interested callers can reach the assessors at (810) 985-0141. 

The Port Huron Police Department appreciates the support of our citizens and welcomes comments, both positive and negative, to better improve our policing efforts. If anyone has any questions regarding the on-site or the accreditation process, they can contact Chief Joseph Platzer or Captain Marcy Kuehn at (810) 984-9710. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

Dog License Renewals Available at City and Twp. Offices

If you are a St. Clair County resident who has a dog registered with the county, you can now renew your dog license at some city and township offices. City of Marysville and Memphis treasurers can perform license renewals to any dog owner who resides in St. Clair County. The service is also available in Berlin, Casco, Clay, Columbus, Grant. Greenwood, Mussey, Riley, and Wales Townships.

To renew your dog license at a city or township office, you must take a copy of the dog’s current rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian along with payment for the renewal.

First-time licensing of a newly acquired dog must still be done directly through St. Clair County Animal Control, either online or in-person, at the County Animal Control Office or the County Treasurer’s Office. All dogs over 4 months of age must be rabies vaccinated and licensed according to State Law.

For more information visit Animal Control’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand