port huron

Port Huron Parks and Recreation Announces Summer Programming

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has had to get creative this summer. The pool is closed and the city’s parks will be empty, but organized recreation has not been completely abandoned. 

The Rec. Department released its abbreviated and very innovative summer schedule late last week. Offerings for online classes include dance, cooking, nature, and art that anyone can access for free using the Rec. Department’s Facebook page. There is also the option to learn karate over a Zoom meeting. 

Walk Michigan is continuing without the group walk aspect. Walkers self-report their socially distanced walks to complete the circuit and get a free t-shirt. There is also a schedule of nine outdoor drive in movies that will be held downtown. 

One of the more unique offerings is a traveling bike clinic that will be at different parks throughout the summer to keep kids’ and adults’ bikes in top condition. While the closing of playgrounds and pools and the cancellation of typical summer social activities is a huge disappointment, there are still a few fun things for residents to write on the calendar this summer. Check out https://www.porthuronrec.com/ for details. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Legislation in the Works While U.S. Attorney Responds to Nursing Home Concerns

Port Huron, MI — Nursing homes have been the epicenters of COVID-19 virus spread, yet the practice of moving convalescent COVID-19 patients into nursing homes is actually common in Michigan. An Executive Order requires facilities to create a COVID unit if they are operating at less than 80% capacity. 

The U.S. Attorney is now investigating Michigan’s practice and state legislation is in the works to find a safer place for patients to recover. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider responded to a letter from State Senator and Majority Whip Peter J. Lucido, saying, “The protection of the life and health of the people of Michigan is a core responsibility of the United States Attorney’s Office. The residents of long-term care facilities are among our State’s most vulnerable citizens, and any concern regarding the well-being of these citizens is one that we take seriously.” 

Lucido, a Shelby Township Republican, introduced legislation last week that would ban the intentional transfer of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and would require a centralized treatment facility for recuperating patients. Lucido is hopeful of the approval of the bill, according to a press release.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Secretary of State Branches Reopen June 1st by Appointment Only

Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.

“While the offices were closed to the public, we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.”

Beginning the week of June 1st, all 131 branch offices in Michigan will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointment-only services for transactions including:

  • Driver licenses and state ID transactions that must be done in person
  • Title transfers
  • Operator, CDL, chauffeur, mechanic and motorcycle testing
  • Seasonal commercial vehicle renewal

Branch staff will follow strict health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, standing six feet apart, using desk shields, and continuously disinfecting shared or common surfaces. Branch doors will be locked, and each branch will have a greeter to let customers with appointments in at scheduled appointment times.

Body Found in St. Clair River Identified

Port Huron, MI — The body of a man found Monday in the St. Clair River has been identified.

Through the use of dental records, the St. Clair County Medical Examiner’s Office was able to determine that the body found is 31 year old Larod Denate Smith of Port Huron Township.  

Smith was reported missing from his Port Huron Township residence on April 1st. 

On April 2nd, the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Port Huron Fire Department were called to Vantage Point in downtown Port Huron after reports of someone jumping into the St. Clair River.  The Dive Team used divers and sonar equipment to search the river from April 2nd through April 5th, but found nothing.  Smith’s vehicle was located at Vantage Point on April 2nd.

Smith’s body was located in St. Clair River near the mouth of Black River by a boater on May 25th.  His body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Port Huron Fire Department.

The Medical Examiner’s Office is awaiting results of a toxicology report to conclusively determine the cause and manner of Smith’s death.

United Way of St. Clair County Grants Funds for Virtual Counseling

Port Huron, MI — The United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) granted funds from their Emergency Services Fund – COVID-19 Relief Aid to the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM). The grant will help the counseling center with the start-up costs and maintenance of their telehealth system so they can provide virtual services.

The counseling center converted from face-to-face counseling to provide virtual counseling to their new and existing clients during this time of social distancing. CCSEM offers counseling services to those who  most need it and never refuses services based on a client’s ability to pay.

Mental Health agencies have reported an increase in anxiety, depression, and substance abuse since the COVID-19 virus began affecting Americans in March. These valuable mental health services allow counselors to meet virtually and offer the support and tools their clients need to feel supported and equipped to deal with this challenging season.

COVID-19 funds are still available for organizations seeking aid.  Visit the United Way of St. Clair County’s Website <HERE> to apply.

 Funds cannot be used for individuals seeking financial support at this time.  UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources. Please remember, many organizations have staff working from home and require individuals to leave a phone message.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

North American Rebound Campaign Seeks Partnership for Economic Recovery

Port Huron, MI — The Washington-based Canadian American Business Council launched a new online campaign last week to convince states, provinces, and federal officials on both sides of the border to team up in the economic recovery of North American businesses. The primary goals of the “North American Rebound” campaign are to secure personal protective equipment, replenish and maintain each other’s medical stockpiles, and defend cross-border supply chains.

In many ways, the effort is an early hedge against the perils of protectionism. Kathryn Friedman, a law professor and Canada-U.S border expert on the Buffalo campus of the State University of New York states: “Given that now there’s a real push for companies to bring suppliers back home, to really get out of China and reshore back in the United States or Canada, there’s a real opportunity for border cities to position themselves as a new platform in each region for reshoring of supply chains.”

Since the shutdown, bridge traffic between Port Huron and Sarnia has significantly slowed. The bridge is not expect to re-open for regular traffic until June 21st.