St. Clair County

Library Branches Open to Public after 7-Month Closure

After being closed to the public since March 16, the St. Clair County Library System is back open for in-branch service. 

The library had been offering services online as well as curbside service, but as of today patrons can enter the buildings. Curbside service will continue, by appointment. 

There are a few restrictions and changes that library users will need to keep in mind. Hours will be limited to Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

There will not be an opportunity to linger at the library. Much of the seating has been removed and visits are limited to 30 minutes. The number of patrons in the buildings will be limited and precautions like masks, social distancing, and the use of plexiglass shields are required. Gathering and meeting spaces are closed until further notice. 

Computers and WIFI are available, but only in 30-minute increments. The Local History and Special Collections will be available by appointment. At this time, book donations are not being accepted. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Two Charged Following Drug Raid

(Port Huron)  Two Port Huron men are facing charges following a drug raid on October 1st.

According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  The investigation ended with the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of 13th Street shortly before 11:30 on October 1st.  Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized about $2500 worth of crack cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspects were arraigned before 72nd District Court Judge Mona Armstrong on Sunday.  Vincent Lumetto, age 61, is charged with controlled substance less than 25 grams and maintaining a drug house, while 29 year old Deangelo Lee is charged with controlled substance second or subsequent offense.  Bond for both was set at $10,000 cash/surety.

Both men face a probable cause hearing before Judge Armstrong on October 13th at 9:00 a.m.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Priority Appointments Available at Secretary of State

Priority driver’s license and state ID appointments will be available from today until November 2nd for Michigan residents who need a first-time, replacement, or corrected driver’s license or state ID.

Appointments will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and they can be booked online at Mcigigan.gov/SOS or by calling 1-888-SOS-MICH.

“These appointments will ensure customers get the new or replacement driver’s license or state ID they may need as soon as possible,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Prioritizing these appointments is another way we are ensuring continued service to Michigan residents during this pandemic.”

In addition to the priority appointment timeslot, residents also can complete these first-time, replacement or correction transactions, and other limited types of transactions, using the next-day and advance appointment categories available through the online appointment system.

Each individual must make a separate appointment to ensure enough time is allotted for service. Appointments aren’t transferable to another customer, and duplicate appointments will be canceled.

McLaren Port Huron August Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Kurt Brinker has been named the Employee of the Month for August. Brinker has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 15 years, and is the physical therapist lead for inpatient care.

Brinker was nominated by his peers because he exemplifies the hospital values and always does what’s best for patients and coworkers. Brinker cares about his patients. You can always find him with a patient laughing, encouraging them and reassuring them they are safe and doing great. When a patient has a need, Brinker is proactive and personally talks with Care Management staff so patients have what they need to be safe when they are discharged.

He is always positive and freindly. You can count on him to get any job done in a timely manner. He is an excellent employee, and even better person who deserves this recognition.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

United Way Grant Helps Childcare Providers

Ten childcare providers will receive funds from the United Way of St. Clair County to help with cleaning and sanitization supplies. These grants will relieve the burden on childcare providers to secure supplies and maintain the increased levels of sanitization required for safe operations during the pandemic.

In collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, the funds will be distributed to St. Clair County RESA and go from there to the childcare providers. This is a great example of collaboration between funding sources and community partners.

Grants are still available through the United Way of St. Clair County’s Emergency Services Fund – COVID-19 Relief for any businesses experiencing unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the United Way’s website for more information <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Suspect Shot After Breaking Into Clyde Twp. Barn

Cylde Twp, MI —  A man who was caught breaking in to a pole barn in Clyde Township was shot after allegedly driving his vehicle at the owner of the property.

Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 6000 block of Lapeer Road Monday afternoon shortly after 3:30.  Dispatch told deputies that there was a breaking and entering in progress.  While they were enroute, they were told that shots had been fired at the scene of the break-in and the suspect had fled the location in his vehicle.

A deputy went to the property, while other deputies searched the area for the suspect, who was driving a black Dodge Avenger.  The deputy located the property owner, a 50 year old man from Port Huron, in front of the barn.  When asked to explain what had happened, the man said he had made a report to Michigan State Police on Sunday about the barn being broken into.  He said he came back earlier Monday and discovered more of his property sitting outside the pole barn.  He decided to wait to see if the suspect would return.  When the suspect, a 23 year old man from Port Huron Township, came back to the property, the man, who was armed with a pistol, called dispatch and decided to try to stop suspect from leaving.  The property owner said the suspect jumped into his car and drove at him. The man said he shot his pistol at the vehicle in self-defense.  It was later discovered that the suspect had been shot in the face.

The suspect vehicle was located a short time later.  It had driven through a barrier for the Wadhams to Avoca Bike Trail, went off the trail and was located behind a residence on Bartlett Road that belonged to a relative.  The suspect then took off in a vehicle that was parked in the yard.

Deputies and members of the Port Huron Police Major Crimes Unit went to the suspect’s residence, where they located bloody clothing.  While at the residence, they were told the suspect was being driven to McLaren Port Huron Hospital.  Deputies and members of the Major Crimes Unit located the suspect in the emergency room at the hospital.

The investigation has been turned over to the Major Crimes Unit.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office