George James

Boaters Reminded to Stop Spread of Invasive Species

Port Huron, MI — This week is “Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week” for all the Great Lakes states and bordering Canadian Provinces. According to Kevin Walters, aquatic biologist at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, “Millions of dollars are spent each year in Michigan to control the impacts of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, sea lamprey and Eurasian watermilfoil. It only takes a few minutes to do a walk-around of your watercraft and trailer and drain water to make sure everything is clear of material that doesn’t belong.”

Part of the awareness campaign is to remind boaters to clean, drain, and dry watercraft and trailers to prevent the spread of animal and plant species that can cause harm to the Great lakes.

Boaters are asked to make sure all watercraft and trailers are free of aquatic organisms and plants before transporting or launching. They also need to remove drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells before moving watercraft. Anglers should release fish only into the same water body where they were caught, and avoid releasing unused bait into the water. Boaters can be fined for failing to adhere to the rules.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force Created

Port Huron, MI — A bipartisan task force has been created to address the safety of residents in Michigan nursing homes. There has been outrage over the movement of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes and the fact that over one third of reported COVID-19 deaths in Michigan have been from nursing homes. The statistics are closer to 50% in St. Clair County. The State Senate passed a bill last week restricting the practice. 

The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will analyze data and prepare an action plan by August 13th, according to a statement from the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

The task force will be made up of state officials, representation from the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, bipartisan representatives from each house of state government, and 13 appointed stakeholders. 

Paula D. Cunningham, State Director of AARP Michigan, said “The impact of COVID-19 on nursing home residents has been especially tragic. I am optimistic this bi-partisan Taskforce will identify best practices to ensure that nursing home residents and staff are better served and protected going forward.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI Passion Celebrating First Year and Crowdfunding with patronicity.com

Port Huron, MI — MI Passion Boutique in Downtown Port Huron is having a grand re-opening and one-year anniversary celebration tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th. Starting at noon, the first 40 patrons will get gift bags. There is a ribbon cutting at 12:15.

MI Passion has had quite a year, but it is still hanging on and looking forward to a bright future. After opening last summer, MI Passion quickly outgrew its small storefront. The store relocated into an expanded space down the street at 229 Huron Avenue in late January. Just a few weeks later, everything shut down for the pandemic.

Anita Varty, owner of MI Passion, said she kept the business afloat through online sales and Facebook live presentations where she featured her merchandise. Varty said that she was unable to get any of the government relief aid available, but she was able to make the cut for an innovative crowdfunding initiative, one of just a handful in the area.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is partnering with patronicity.com and matching grants to give a boost to local businesses that are important to communities. MI Passion is hoping to raise $4000 to help with their economic recovery.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland