St. Clair County

Libraries Return to Curbside Only

The St. Clair County Library System will return to curbside service only starting today. All in-person services will be modified to curbside delivery only.

The library system is responding to an increase of COVID-19 cases in St. Clair County and the surrounding areas and hopes to keep its employees and patrons safer by limiting person-to-person contact.

The St. Clair County Library’s website was recently updated and is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Patrons can search for books and media online and access movies, books, and music through the streaming service, Hoopla.

The library’s website contains up to date information about curbside service and what services will be available. Library patrons can also contact their branch directly during normal business hours.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Photo by Abby Schneider Boat Night Port Huron Photo

2021 Blue Water Area Calendar Released

Citizens for a Vibrant Community just released its 2021 Blue Water Area Calendar. The popular calendar features 13 photos from local photographers who submitted their work for consideration, including Abby Harvey and Tom Shaw.

The calendar is the biggest fundraiser for Citizens for a Vibrant Community, and it is usually released at a social event. This year, the calendar is being released online and being sold in local stores such as Wolverine Market Downtown Port Huron.

Calendars can be purchased at Citizens for a Vibrant Community’s website, cvcph.org, and they cost $6 each. Calendars will be mailed once payment is received.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Meets Green Looking for Projects

The Blue Meets Green initiative started in 2009 as part of a county-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan. Its vision is to develop the Blue Water Region into a prosperous, sustainable economic environment through the commitment of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. More than 100 volunteers have worked to define the group’s focus and create action plans for the economic success of the region.

Dozens of projects have been completed over the last 10 years, including the development of the Blue Water Convention Center. Current projects are the Country Style Market coming to 310 Huron Avenue in Downtown Port Huron, the clean-up of the DTE site in Marysville, and the expansion of bike trails in the county.

As the group moves into Phase VI of its work, they are taking submissions from community stakeholders that have current or future plans for projects that could result in regional economic development, placemaking, education, or population growth.  Proposals are being accepted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission until November 30th.

Submitted projects will be reviewed, presented, and voted on in March of 2021.

To learn more about Blue Meets Green, visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

United Way Honors First Responders with T-Shirt Sale

The United Way of St. Clair County is selling T-shirts to honor First Responders. The Government Division of the local United Way selected this fundraiser as a way to honor men and women on the frontlines, as they always go beyond the call of duty for the citizens in the community.

Sponsorship from UHY, LLP, Certified Public Accountants, and the law firm of Fletcher, Fealko, Shoudy and Francis, PC make it possible for 100% of the proceeds to go to the United Way’s fundraising campaign. The United Way has a long history of serving those in the most need in the community.

The shirts cost $20 for sizes Small through Extra-Large and $25 for sizes 2 XL and 3 XL. The shirts are only available for a limited time. They will be delivered before Christmas, and would make a nice gift that also gives back to the community. The deadline for ordering the shirts honoring First Responders is November 20th.

To order, contact Lydia Kern at 810-989-6900 or email lkern@stclaircounty.org. 

A link to the order form: https://www.uwstclair.org/sites/uwstclair.org/files/SCC_FirstRespondersShirtSale .pdf 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Businesses Benefit from Small Business Restart Program

Many small businesses in St. Clair County have gotten a share of $100 million in relief money through the Michigan Small Business Restart Grant program.

The grants were chosen by local Economic Development Organizations. In the Blue Water Region, it was the Flint and Genesee Chamber. Grants topped out at $20,000, with most businesses getting at least $5000. The program is funded with CARES Act money.

At least 30% of the recipients were required to be women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned. Michigan’s allocations exceeded the requirement. The grants are estimated to have retained at least 97,000 jobs.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton praised the payouts, saying, “The Michigan Small Business Restart Program has provided significant support to small businesses and nonprofits helping to get them through this critical time and on the path to economic recovery. We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development partners, who worked to deliver these vital financial resources within their regions and create a path toward economic recovery for small businesses throughout Michigan.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mat King Appointed Sheriff

Port Huron, MI – Mat King, who was elected Sheriff of St. Clair County on November 3rd, was appointed interim Sheriff Tuesday afternoon by a panel of three elected officials of the county.

Per Michigan statute, the panel, consisting of Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wendling, Probate Judge Elwood Brown and County Clerk Jay DeBoyer posted the position for any citizen to apply to become sheriff until January 1st.  In a meeting, they made the decision to appoint Mat King as sheriff for the approximately seven weeks until he will take the reigns as the duly elected sheriff.  King was sworn in by Jay DeBoyer in a ceremony at the St. Clair County Courthouse at about 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Sheriff King will be filling out the remainder of Sheriff Tim Donnellon’s term.  Donnellon left his post early to take a position with the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

“I am pleased that the board made the decision to appoint me sheriff,” said King.  “I believe it is important to have a smooth transition moving forward towards my first term as the elected St. Clair County Sheriff.  I would also like to thank the citizens of our community and the employees of the Sheriff’s Office for their tremendous support.”

King began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1998, working his way up to the rank of Captain prior to his election as Sheriff earlier this month.

Sheriff King is now swearing in members of the Sheriff’s Office, who will have to be sworn in again once his elected term begins on January 1, 2021.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office