George James

Vaccines Required at Some Colleges

Many colleges and universities are requiring students to have proof of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is raising concerns, colleges are putting masks back on and reinstating restrictions and social distancing.

St. Clair County Community College is currently at an “Orange Level”, meaning that there is substantial transmission risk. At this time, in-person classes and activities are continuing as planned and face masks are required for unvaccinated students. There is no requirement, only an encouragement, to get the vaccine.

Other schools are taking a harder line. Michigan State University is requiring all students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 31st. All individuals are required to wear a mask. Those who get a religious or medical exemption will be tested weekly.

The University of Michigan not only requires vaccination but has a Responsiblue App with which all who enter campus track symptoms, report test results, and show compliance to the requirements. Weekly testing is required for those who do not report their vaccination status.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mansfield and Gratiot Parks to Get New Playgrounds

The parks are hopping this summer in the city of Port Huron. The new playscape at Palmer Park is incredibly popular, and there are more improvements in store for other parks in time for next summer’s adventures.

Nancy Winzer, Director of Port Huron Recreation Department, told us that two new structures are coming to Mansfield and Gratiot parks, as well as the addition of a toddler area and new swings at Palmer Park.

Winzer said that Gratiot Park has the oldest equipment in the city, and it is soon to be replaced. The design has been coordinated with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and will be accessible and fun for kids of all abilities.

Mansfield Park is getting renovated as part of Rock the Block, in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. The park will have a dinosaur theme and a new pavilion. Private donors and Habitat for Humanity are partnering with the City to enhance the neighborhood.

There are some material delays, but Winzer hopes to have the installation done by next spring. The total cost for the Mansfield and Gratiot improvements is over $400,000 with funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the City of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Coast Guards Warn Ahead of Float Down

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have issued a joint statement regarding the Port Huron Float Down. The message is clear: don’t do it.

The unsanctioned event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, August 15th. The Float Down has a long history of being organized by no one but enjoyed by thousands who put their floatation devices in the river around Lighthouse Beach and float the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles, all the way to Marysville.

The Coast Guards warn that cold water, fast currents, and alcohol can be a deadly combination that puts a strain on law enforcement. There is also the concern of large crowds amidst a lingering pandemic.

If you disregard the advice to stay off the water this Sunday, the Coast Guards advise that life jackets are worn at all times. It’s also a good idea to float in something where you are not submerged in the water the whole time. Hypothermia can happen quickly in the cold river water.

Also, bring your ID, in case you get blown over to Canada, like 1500 Float Down participants did in 2016. The U.S./Canada border is closed until at least August 21st.

A link to the full statement can be found at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/08/joint-statement-from-canadian–us-coast-guard-leadership-regarding-the-port-huron-float-down-2021.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Asks for Help in Strengthening Food Supply Chain, Food Benefits

In a letter, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked for help from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in dealing with disruptions to the food supply chain.

Whitmer said, “As we combat COVID-19 and continue to jumpstart our economy, it is important that we examine and eliminate vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic up and down the food supply chain.”

Whitmer wants Michigan’s struggling dairy farmers to get paid faster in the wake of serious supply chain disruptions and volatile milk prices. 

Whitmer also asked for investment in vertical farming from the $4 billion in the American Rescue plan allocated for food supply chain initiatives. She promoted the advantages of vertical farming, including higher productivity, shorter growing time, less water use, and better control over foodborne illness. Whitmer also highlighted the benefit of having food grown closer to where it is eaten. 

Whitmer is requesting an update to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the cost of a standard healthy diet. Nearly 1.3 million Michigan residents receive federally directed food benefits, which Whitmer considers insufficient to maintain a healthy diet.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

West Nile Virus Detected in Michigan

The first cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in a horse, birds, and mosquitos in Michigan. The mosquito-borne illness is serious, but it can be prevented with precautions.

West Nile is transmitted between birds and mosquitos, but mosquitos can spread it to humans and animals. A 28-year-old quarter horse in Midland had to be euthanized in mid-June after getting infected and suffering neurological symptoms.

State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, said, “With the discovery of WNV in a Michigan horse, this signals that the virus is circulating again in the state. Its presence underscores the need to take all the necessary steps to protect animals from this disease.”

There are highly effective vaccines for horses that prevent West Nile. Animals should be kept in barns under fans during peak mosquito activity time: dusk to dawn. Limiting standing water and using animal-approved repellants is also helpful. Symptoms of West Nile include fever, lack of appetite, weakness, stumbling, tremors, and droopy lip or head tilt. Suspected cases of West Nile should be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Safe Digging Day Reminds to Call 811 Before Starting Projects

It’s August 11th, or “8-1-1”. The date serves as Safe Digging Day, a handy reminder of the Miss Dig 811 number that Michigan residents should always call before digging in the ground. Hitting a gas line while planting a tree could really ruin a seemingly simple home improvement project.

Bruce Campbell, CEO of MISS DIG 811, said, “Not only is contacting MISS DIG 811 free and easy, it’s also a legal requirement for anyone performing excavation work. Whether it’s a large professional excavation site, or a simple backyard project, calling 811 or utilizing missdig811.org will allow the utility providers in the area the opportunity to come out and mark the location of their underground lines”.

Miss Dig recommends that calls be made at least three days before digging will occur. It is totally free and a simple call alerts local utilities to mark the ground where utility lines are buried. 

Calling 811 can prevent unintentional hitting of gas, power, or water lines that can cause serious problems. Projects as small as putting in a new mailbox or as big as digging a foundation all require calling 811.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland