port huron

Salvation Army Urgently Appeals For Help As Christmas Gift Distribution Lags

The Salvation Army of St. Clair County is facing a pressing need for support as Christmas approaches, with over 600 pre-registered families awaiting gifts, toys, and food. The organization employs an adopt-an-angel format, with printed tags representing each child in the program. Unfortunately, many angel tags remain unadopted, prompting a call to action.

Angel tags can be found on trees at Birchwood Mall and the Fort Gratiot Walmart. Additional tags are available at the Salvation Army’s main office and online registries at Walmart and Amazon. To ensure timely distribution before Christmas, purchased gifts should reach the Salvation Army office by December 15th or the designated locations by December 17th.

The Salvation Army expresses gratitude for the community’s generosity and emphasizes that St. Clair County’s support is crucial for bringing holiday joy to families in need. 

For inquiries or tag requests, contact (810) 984-2679.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BWROC Expands Transportation Services To Boost Access To Treatment And Recovery Support

In a pivotal move to address the pressing issue of drug overdoses and bolster accessibility to vital services, BWROC proudly announces the expansion of its transportation services in St. Clair County. 

Funded through the Michigan opioid settlement, this initiative, effective December 10th, aims to bridge the gap for economically disadvantaged individuals seeking treatment or recovery support services.

The extended services will now cover transportation to Recovery Support Groups, Recovery Events, detox facilities, treatment centers, hospitals, and other recovery-related needs. By prioritizing the reduction of health disparities and enhancing long-term recovery opportunities, BWROC strives to overcome obstacles faced by those in need. 

Recognizing the critical role transportation plays as a barrier to treatment, BWROC remains steadfast in its commitment to filling community gaps and is grateful for the opportunity to provide this essential service.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Audubon Society Collaborates With St. Clair County Parks For 124th Annual Christmas Bird Count

The Blue Water Audubon Society is teaming up with the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission to host the Christmas Bird Count in the Port Huron area this holiday season. 

Celebrating its 124th year, the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count stands as one of the nation’s oldest and largest community science initiatives. Taking place on Sunday, December 17th, volunteers are crucial for spotting, identifying, and recording bird sightings in designated areas across St. Clair County. Novice volunteers will partner with experienced birders, while others can contribute by counting birds at their backyard feeders. The data collected aids global bird conservation efforts. 

To volunteer or inquire, contact Christmas Count Co-coordinator Gerry Pink at: gepink63@gmail.com or (810) 367-3195.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Addresses Patient Data Security After Third-Party Vendor Incident

Lake Huron Medical Center has taken swift action following a security incident involving third-party vendor CBIZ KA and Progress Software’s MOVEit Transfer platform. Although the medical center’s systems were not directly affected, patient information handled by CBIZ KA was compromised. 

The vendor promptly investigated the MOVEit Transfer vulnerability with cybersecurity professionals, identifying and patching the server vulnerability. Patient data, including names, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, Social Security Numbers, admission and discharge dates, were potentially exposed. CBIZ KA is reinforcing protocols with vendors to prevent future incidents. 

To address concerns, Lake Huron Medical Center has set up a dedicated call center (1-866-547-6909) for affected patients, open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Homeschooled Children May Be Required To Register With The Government

State Representative Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, strongly opposed the recent proposal by the Democrat chair of the House Education Committee to implement new policies mandating the registration of homeschool students with the government. 

In her statement, Rep. Greene emphasized that such a requirement constitutes a severe violation of parental rights, an invasion of privacy, and an unjustifiable government overreach. Greene argued that parents should have the autonomy to choose the best educational path for their children without intrusive oversight. 

Instead of imposing additional administrative burdens on homeschool families, she urged efforts to enhance public education and child protective services. Greene criticized the proposed registration as a misguided focus on regulating a legitimate educational choice, diverting attention and resources from addressing systemic issues within government agencies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Launches Aggressive Anti-Vaping Campaign In Collaboration With St. Clair County Health Department

In a proactive move to address the rising concerns of vaping among students, Port Huron Schools has joined forces with the St. Clair County Health Department for an intensive anti-vaping campaign. 

On December 6th, high school students witnessed a live presentation by Daniel Ament, a Grosse Pointe resident and the first person to undergo a double lung transplant attributed to vaping-related damage. Ament, once a state-recognized student athlete, shared his harrowing experience to raise awareness. 

The Health Department will extend its outreach to middle and high school students, delivering vital information on vaping dangers. The campaign will also engage parents through the Superintendent’s weekly e-newsletter, reaching 10,000 subscribers and linked to the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce’s weekly e-newsletter. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell