Choze Powell

St. Clair Women’s League Holding Spring Flower Sale

St. Clair, MI — Spring is in the air, and the St. Clair Women’s League is kicking it off with their annual Spring Flower Sale. The sale features hanging baskets, porch pots, and flats of assorted flowers.

All orders have to be submitted by April 3rd, and customers can choose a pickup date of May 15th or May 22nd. Flowers will be available for pickup on those dates at the St. Clair Middle School on Yankee Road in St. Clair.

Download the order form <HERE> and orders can be mailed to the St. Clair Women’s League at P.O. Box 243, St. Clair, MI 48079

The St. Clair Women’s League has been serving the community for over 40 years, and 100% of the profits from the flower sales with go to local causes and charities.

Visit the St. Clair Women’s League Facebook page <HERE> to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Grants Available for Ontario Small Businesses

Sarnia, Ontario — Applications for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant are being accepted until March 31st, and more than $1 billion has been provided to businesses in Ontario so far.

Recipients of the grant receive between $10,000 – $20,000 to use however they would like to offset losses caused by COVID restrictions and decline in business.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade said, “Our government is providing small businesses with the flexible financial support they need to address their needs and manage through this pandemic. The Ontario Small Business Support Grant and other supports are helping thousands of small businesses get through these trying times, to make sure that they are still around to contribute to our strong economic recovery.”

Main Street businesses with 2 – 19 employees can also apply for the Main Street Relief Grant which provides up to $1,000 towards the purchase of Personal protective equipment. The government of Ontario is also providing tax rebates to help with property tax and energy costs.

Visit ontario.ca/smallbusiness to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Waterfront Residents Should Prepare Now for Spring Rain

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is anticipating warmer temps next week, and Spring Fever will likely set in as the remaining snow melts. With already high water levels in the area, residents of waterfront communities should begin preparing now for spring rain and potential flooding.

The City of Port Huron has begun distributing mailers to property owners in flood prone areas, and they are working on plans for sandbag distribution and sandbag filling stations. They hope to have these established the week of March 8th.

Mark White, Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of  Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said, “We’ve been following the St. Clair River ice jam since it started back in the beginning of February and the impact on homes along the river especially in East China Township, a few homes in Cottrellville, Marine City, and Algonac.”

White noted that property owners along the St. Clair River most heavily impacted are those who are at a lower elevation than other surrounding properties. Individual homes may have mitigation efforts in place, but it really takes a collaborative effort from neighbors and adjoining properties to minimize the negative effects.

White expressed concern for many families, especially those in the Pointe Drive area of East China Township who have been repeatedly affected by flooding. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management established a self-reporting damage assessment tool for residents which enables them to submit damage reports and photos. “If you have damage, log into this tool. It provides a lot of data for us and gives us an idea of what kind of damage has been done,” said White.

Report St. Clair County flood damage <HERE>.

Keep up with the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

How to Get a Vaccine Appointment in Michigan

Port Huron, MI — As we anticipate more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available in the near future, many people will join the ranks of those currently seeking vaccine appointments. Here are some tips for increasing the success of obtaining a vaccine appointment in Michigan.

A Wall Street Journal video recently featured Kris Stevens, an IT professional who helps senior citizens secure vaccine appointments in New Jersey. Kris recommends using a laptop or desktop computer for vaccine hunting because you can lose valuable time on a mobile device. He also recommends bookmarking websites to the providers who distribute vaccines in your area, setting up autofill in your web browser to expedite form filling, and using browser extensions like Page Refresh and Visual Ping to stay on top of newly added appointments and changes to websites.

View the video featuring Kris’s advice <HERE>.

When you’re ready to get on the vaccine rolls, Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, recommends that individuals register with any or all of the providers they choose, but they should keep in mind that if they receive a two-dose vaccine, they will have to get their second dose at the same place they received their first.

For local residents who want to stay on top of vaccine availability, here is a list of links to the providers in our community.

St. Clair County Health Department

Visit the Health Department’s website HERE: Preregistration system for people who live or work in St. Clair County. A pre-registration tutorial video is available to help navigate the system. This is pre-registration ONLY. You will be notified when vaccines are available so you can make an actual appointment.

Meijer Pharmacy

Visit Meijer’s Website HERE

You can also text COVID to 75049 to register and receive updates directly to your phone. This is registration for vaccine appointments ONLY. Meijer will notify you when vaccinations are available, and then you can schedule an appointment.

Rite Aid Pharmacy

Visit Rite Aid’s website HERE

The above link takes you to a questionnaire that determines if you are eligible for the vaccine at this time. You cannot get on the waiting list if your group is not eligible. Appointments can NOT be made by calling the store.

If you are eligible and receive an appointment, Rite Aid will auto schedule your second dose to ensure it’s available for you.

Walgreens Pharmacy

Visit Walgreens’ website HERE

The link allows you to check the availability of vaccine appointments online for your zip code.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacies do not have vaccines available in the state of Michigan at this time, but check their website <HERE> in the future.

Help for Senior Citizens Who Need Assistance:

  • St. Clair County Council on Aging will assist those who need help. Call 1-800-297-0099 or (810) 987-8811
  • Dial 211

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings March 3rd – Support the Red Cross

Buffalo Wild Wings is teaming up with the Red Cross of Michigan to support the organization’s mission to save lives and help communities. On March 3rd , 10% of the sales at Buffalo Wild Wings locations throughout Michigan will be donated to the Red Cross.

Chief Executive Officer, Mary Lynn Foster said, in a press release, “Through the trials of the last year, our local Red Cross volunteers and blood donors stepped up to care for their neighbors. From emergencies like family home fires to critical blood shortages, our local heroes were there to help. For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.”

From July 2019 through June 2020, the Red Cross helped more than 1,200 families experiencing local disasters and distributed almost 200,000 pints of blood from generous donors.

The local Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Ft. Gratiot will be participating in this promotion along with the other 51 locations throughout Michigan. In Ft. Gratiot, the restaurant is offering carry out along with dine in services at 25% capacity and limiting parties to 6 or less per table.

Sheri Gress one of the Managers of the Ft. Gratiot location said, “We are looking forward to welcoming in guests to enjoy our amazing food and meet our wonderful staff, all while supporting the Red Cross.”

Reporting for WGRT  – Jessie Wiegand

 

Dave McElroy Begins Role as GM for Blue Water Transit

Dave McElroy started his position as General Manager for Blue Water Area Transit Center (BWATC) on March 1st. McElroy took over for Jim Wilson who recently retired.

McElroy said, “I’m honored to be chosen by the Board of Commissioners as the new  General Manager of BWATC. I plan to continue the tradition of providing St.  Clair County with the exceptional transit service as established by both my  distinguished predecessor, Jim Wilson, and the professional and dedicated  staff of BWATC.”

McElroy is a Port Huron native and has been involved with BWATC for more than 12 years, serving most recently as the Commission’s Assistant General Manager and Finance Director. He has also been an active member of the community serving on boards for both the YMCA of the Blue Water Area and the area’s Regional Trails.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand