St. Clair County

Memorial Day Moment of Silence at Noon

Port Huron, MI — Memorial Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay respect to the members of our military who lost their lives in service to our country. Even though we can’t gather in large groups or pay tribute with our traditional parades and ceremonies this year, we can all take a moment to stop and reflect on what Memorial Day means to us and our country.

At WGRT, we have two military moms on staff, so it’s natural for us to recognize the significance of this holiday for many families. The act of enlisting in the military, leaving ones family to serve our country, and the discipline required for training and deployments demand a great deal of sacrifice from service members and their families. The uncertainty of military life and the weight of responsibility borne by our service members is tremendous, and the reality that some will give their lives in service is sobering.

This Memorial Day, the staff at WGRT joins in our local moment of remembrance for military members that have fallen in service to our country. We will observe a moment of silence on our station at 12 noon today, and we ask you to join us in reflecting, honoring, and appreciating what those brave men and women sacrificed for our freedom.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Area COVID-19 Update for May 22, 2020

St. Clair County, MI — Lambton County, Ontario

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 22nd at  9 AM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 53,510 confirmed cases; 5,129 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 422 confirmed cases; 33 deaths
  • Ontario: 24,187  confirmed cases;  1,993 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 243 confirmed cases; 19 deaths

Confirmed Cases in St. Clair County rose by 28 last week, and the county suffered five additional deaths. There are currently 80 active cases of COVID-19 reported in St. Clair County, and 3% of all hospital beds are being used for COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, said that community transmission of COVID-19 in St. Clair County is currently at a stable level. As we begin the reopening of businesses next week, she is encouraged by the effort being made by local businesses and community leaders to make workplaces as safe as possible for both employees and customers. These efforts reduce the risk for transmission of COVID-19, but they do not eliminate the possibility of contracting the virus.  The best way to protect yourself and others continues to be through social distancing, proper hygiene, and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces.

The St. Clair County Health Department created a new digital dashboard (available <HERE>) for more detailed reports of COVID-19 cases, that dashboard breaks down data into several segments such as confirmed and probable cases, hospitalizations, and recovered cases.

Cases in Sarnia rose by 30 since last week, and the county suffered 2 additional deaths. There are currently 3 outbreaks reported in long term care facilities in Lambton County, and 62% of the deaths reported in Ontario were of residents in long-term care facilities.

The Ontario government is quickly moving forward with innovative research to prevent, detect, and treat COVID-19. These projects, part of the government’s $20 million Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund, focus on areas of research such as vaccine development, diagnostics, drug trials and development, and social sciences. Additionally, Ontario is leading the country with 22 clinical trials investigating COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

 

*** It is important to note that WGRT is continuing to report confirmed cases from each area, not total cases which are a combination of confirmed and probable cases. We have chosen to approach the data this way to simplify our reports and to create uniformity in the numbers we are reporting for each region, St.Clair County, Lambton County, Michigan, and Ontario.

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Beaches Open for Memorial Day With Restrictions

Port Huron — Lakeside and Lighthouse beaches will be open this weekend, and patrons can enjoy them with a few restrictions. Park amenities such as grills, picnic tables, benches, splash pads, pavilions, playground equipment, and restrooms will be closed, but porta-potties will be available.

Port Huron Parks and Rec Director Nancy Winzer said in a press release, “We strive to provide a safe environment to our residents so we can continue to keep the parks and beaches open. We are hoping to have amenities available again as soon as the spread of COVID-19 is no longer an issue.”

Lakeside beach is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM – 7 PM. 

Lighthouse beach is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM.

City of Port Huron residents as well as Fort Gratiot and Port Huron Township residents can park at both beaches free of charge. St. Clair County residents from other areas can purchase day parking passes for $5 at both parking booths. Non-county residents can purchase day passes for $10 at Lighthouse beach and $20 at Lakeside beach.

Blue Water Summer – Not Cancelled

Port Huron, MI — It’s important to remember that everything passes. Everything has its season. All things come, and all things go. In March of 2020, we never thought we’d see the sun again, but warmer days are ahead listeners.

One of the best things about living in the Blue Water Area is the nonstop gorgeous waterfront that gives our region its name. That waterfront is also home to a string of quaint downtowns from Lexington to Algonac that serve as vacation destinations for people from all over Michigan and beyond. The best part for us natives: we don’t have to travel far to experience a summer full of sandy beaches, quiet evening strolls along a boardwalk, and a plethora of small businesses that provide tasty food, eclectic entertainment, and unique shopping experiences.

As we lament the cancellation of some of our favorite summer festivals and big events, let’s not forget that we can still have a Blue Water Summer. Maybe 2020 is the year that we truly discover the stay-cation. Here’s to a summer filled with learning to kayak the Black River, hiking in county parks, and appreciating our area’s history, beauty, and many fabulous local amenities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lauwers Says Governor’s Plan Leaves Out Too Many Michigan Workers

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Dan Lauwers on Monday said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to allow more businesses in two northern regions of the state to reopen is a positive step, but it still unfairly restricts millions of Michigan families.

“Along with my Republican colleagues in the Legislature, I have been calling on the governor for weeks to adopt a more sensible approach to reopening Michigan’s economy,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Today it appears the governor has finally decided to abandon her irresponsible, one-size-fits-all tactic in favor of a regional plan.

“While the governor should be commended for this improved strategy, her delayed response has come at a great price as businesses are closing and unemployment is skyrocketing. In addition, there are still too many Michigan businesses and individuals being punished by too broad of an approach.”

On Monday, Whitmer announced partial reopening plans for businesses in the Upper Peninsula and 17 counties in Northern Michigan. Under the plan, retail stores and offices, restaurants and bars could reopen starting on Friday with capacity limits and safety requirements.

“Instead of a regional approach, the governor should institute a county-by-county approach to reopening the economy safely,” Lauwers said. “There are many counties, like Sanilac and Huron, far better off than some of the counties in Region 6 that are allowed to open. Unfortunately, St. Clair County has been lumped in with Wayne and Oakland counties, which will long affect the reopening of Region 1. It’s time to look at each individual county on its own merit.”

Submitted by the office of Senator Dan Lauwers

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Reopening for Some Services

Port Huron Twp. — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s office will re-open to the public on Tuesday, May 26th. However, services will be limited.

People who need to be fingerprinted must make an appointment  by calling (810) 987-1700.  While visiting the Sheriff’s Office to be fingerprinted,  you must bring and wear a protective face mask.

Purchase permits for private sales of handguns will also be provided by appointment only.

Gun registration will remain the same.  Just drop off the registration in the box outside the front door of the Sheriff’s Office, or mail it in.

“We are pleased to be able to get back to some services for our citizens, even though it is on a limited basis,” said Sheriff Donnellon.  “We know that those we serve will use common sense and keep themselves and our employee’s safe as we start getting back to normal operations.”

The Sheriff’s Office lobby will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 1170 Michigan Road in Port Huron Township.