George James

Back to School Plans Released by Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools’ “Return to School Advisory Committee” has released three plans. The use of each plan depends on which economic reopening phase the region is in, as determined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Right now, the region is in Phase Four. If that remains, school buildings will be open and students will have face-to-face instruction with maximum precautions taken. Those precautions include spacing, restrictions on visitors to the school, and face coverings required for all staff and for students in grades 6-12. Specials and electives will be offered.

If the region moves into Phase Five, precautionary safety practices will be used, but face coverings will not be required.

If the region slips back into Phase Three, buildings will be closed and virtual instruction will be implemented. The meal distribution program will be restarted while extracurriculars and athletics will be suspended.

In all three phases, each student will receive a Chromebook and all students will use the Learning Management System to access course material. Families may choose free online instruction no matter what Plan is in effect for grades pre-K through grade 12. The first day of school is scheduled for August 24th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Commission on Aging Teams Up with Hunter Hospitality House

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Commission on Aging has announced a partnership with Hunter Hospitality House. The Council voted to provide funds for the non-profit to provide free lodging, transportation, and amenities to seniors who may need to stay away from home while receiving medical care for themselves or loved ones.

The Commission on Aging is tasked with recommending appropriate spending of the Senior Citizen’s Millage. The vote was unanimous to provide up to $3,150 dollars to Hunter Hospitality House. The Port Huron non-profit has bed and breakfast style homes near both McLaren Port Huron Hospital and Lake Huron Medical Center. The allocation equates to 75 days of lodging, according to Executive Director Tracy Willard.

The Commission collaborates with eleven different agencies with 25 different programs. Hunter Hospitality House is now one of the providers. The Commission provides St. Clair County seniors 60 years of age and older with programs and services that promote their well-being and quality of life.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Huron Lightship Damaged by High Water

Port Huron, MI — A Port Huron landmark, the Huron Lightship, is closed to visitors until repairs can be made to the vessel. The boat, which operates as a museum, is permanently placed in Pine Grove Park on the shore of the St. Clair River. Water breached the break wall last summer, but the weekend’s storm brought more water to surround the boat and cause erosion that actually pushed up the 300-ton ship. A gas line was broken along with damage to the electrical line.

Andrew Kercher, Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums explained in a Facebook Live video that the boat is not designed to float or move as it is permanently placed in the ground, not water, so any movement can cause substantial damage to structures like utility lines and decking.

The Museum is working with the City of Port Huron and its insurance company to make plans to remediate the damage to the site, which has been in place since 1972 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hit with closures and lost revenue from COVID-19 shutdowns, damage to a revenue-earning site is certainly unwelcome for the non-profit. The fix for the water breach will likely require more advanced engineering than sandbags.

A video explaining the damage can be found on Port Huron Museums’ Facebook page, along with a link for making donations.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Urgent Warning from FDA For Some Hand Sanitizers

The federal Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent warning to both consumers and health care providers, particularly those who work with children, about methanol detected in some brands of hand sanitizer. Ethyl alcohol is listed as the active ingredient, but tests are finding methanol in some products. Hand sanitizer has been a vital weapon against COVID-19 as it can kill the virus on contact, but methanol can have dangerous reactions, especially in children.

Most of the hand sanitizer on the list of contaminated products is manufactured in Mexico. According to the FDA, “Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects. FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is ongoing. The agency will provide additional information as it becomes available.” 

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness, and seizures. Anyone experiencing symptoms needs medical help immediately.

The complete list of contaminated products can be found at fda.gov.  Hand sanitizer is recommended when soap and water are not available. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nutcracker and Festival of Trees Cancelled

Port Huron, MI — It’s only July, but community Christmas events are already feeling the effects of COVID-19. Both the Festival of Trees and the Nutcracker Ballet have been cancelled for this year. The events are staples in the Port Huron area during the Christmas season and the planning for both begins much earlier in the year.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the McLaren Port Huron Hospital Foundation and has featured a black-tie preview party and a weekend of community activities.

Sara J. Tait, Director of the McLaren Port Huron Foundation said, “We have had to make some very difficult decisions about proceeding with large-scale events for the remainder of the year.” Tait also said, “We are discussing various ways we might be able to extend family-oriented activities that are still designed to kick-off the holiday season.  More information will be shared when details are finalized.”

The Nutcracker Ballet, often held the same weekend as the Festival of Trees, has also been shelved for the year for the same reasons: to protect the cast, crew, and audience from the COVID-19 virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland