Choze Powell

Port Huron, MI – Curtis Jevens has been named the Employee of the Month for March. Jevens has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 15 years as a physical therapist.

Jevens was nominated by his peers because he embodies the hospital values. He treats all his patients with respect and compassion, listening to their concerns and trying to alleviate them. He always provides a high level of care, creating a “WOW” experience for patients. Jevens also takes pride and a sense of ownership in his work, coming in early or staying late to meet the needs of his patients. He performs his job duties with responsibility, compassion, respect and professionalism every day. His coworkers consider themselves fortunate to work with him, and say he is a valuable asset to McLaren Port Huron.

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.

Port Huron, MI — Matthew Ruiz, current assistant director of the Blue Water Middle College Academy, is preparing to become its next director. Ruiz is stepping into the role in May after the retirement of Pete Spencer.

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a public charter school that collaborates with select St. Clair County high schools and St. Clair County Community College to help students get a head start on college.

Ruiz has been working with students in the Middle College since 2011 after a prior career in the St. Clair County District Court as an assistant prosecutor and a clerk for Judge Peter Deegan.

Ruiz said, “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization. I look forward to continuing to help families realize the dream of sending their child to college. I’m especially grateful to Pete for his guidance. The middle college is strong today because of his work over the past decade.”

Pete Spencer has been leading Blue Water Middle College since its inception and was instrumental in establishing the charter school in the community. He served in his role as director for 10 years.

Ruiz plans to work closely with the staff, the middle college Board of Trustees, and the school’s students and families. He also plans to lead a community outreach program and build partnerships with local organizations to grow enrollment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

In a press conference this morning, Governor Whitmer  reminded Michiganders that there are several public health rules in effect that need to be followed to slow the spread of COVID-19, and she encouraged a voluntary break from some activities for the next two weeks.

She acknowledged that the current surge of COVID-19 cases in Michigan is a “compliance, variant, and mobility issue”, and “getting vaccinated is the quickest way to get back to normal.”

She spoke about the current public health mandates from MDHHS including the mask mandate, limits on indoor gatherings, and mandatory testing for sports teams. She pleaded with Michiganders to take these mandates seriously and to take it even further by voluntarily refraining from indoor dining and gatherings for the next two weeks.

She also urged all high schools to voluntarily move to virtual classes only for the next two weeks and to shut down their sports practices and competitions for two weeks as well.

Dr. Khaldun spoke about indoor dining as the most dangerous thing that individuals can engage in right now. She encouraged people to support their restaurants by dining outdoors or using carry out and delivery services.

Port Huron Schools announced on April 7th that the district is transitioning to fully remote school today and plan to return to face-to-face on Wednesday, April 21st at the earliest. St. Clair TEC is transitioning to remote learning on April 12th. As of that announcement, sports were still planning to meet, so parents should stay tuned in case that changes.

Vaccine clinics are increasing in St. Clair County with a walk-in clinic scheduled for today between 1-6 PM at the Knight Club in Marysville (info on that clinic is available <HERE>), and several other clinics scheduled for next week, including one for Port Huron Businesses and their employees which can be registered for <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering a “walk-in” opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, April 9 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at the Knight Club, 1195 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

Please note the following:

• If you already have an appointment, keep that time. This does not apply to you.
• Do not come to the clinic if sick or not feeling well; or in isolation or quarantine.
• Open only to those who live and/or work in St. Clair County.
• The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine will be administered.
• Open to age 18 and over only.
• 1,200 doses available/first come first served.
• Forms will be handed out in the parking lot and will need to be completed before entering.
• Masking is required.
• No out of pocket costs, however bring your insurance cards. Some administrative fees can be recouped, but you will never receive a bill.
• Lines will be socially distanced, however, there may be a wait time depending on volume.
• If the parking lot is full, please come back later. Or pre-register for a future appointment at www.scchealth.co

“We received more J&J vaccine allocation this week, opened up an additional clinic and could not fill the appointments like we had anticipated.” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department. “We are trying this different approach and if successful, may do this again in the future. Our main goal is getting as many people in our community vaccinated and this is one way to do that.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email questions regarding COVID-19 to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department