George James

Antiviral Covid Pills Being Sent to Pharmacies

As covid infections continue to surge in Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it is starting to receive shipments of the new oral medications to combat the virus.

The drugs Paxlovid and Molnupiravir have been given emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration.

The drugs can be prescribed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant. The medications are intended for use in outpatient settings for mild to moderate symptoms of infection with covid-19.

The medicine needs to be administered within five days of onset of symptoms for effectiveness. The treatment has helped to reduce symptoms and lessen the risk of hospitalization or emergency care for those who are experiencing mild or moderate symptoms.

Michigan has a limited supply of the medication, which has been sent to some Meijer pharmacies and other health centers. Monoclonal antibody therapy is still a recommended option for those with symptoms and priority eligibility criteria have been established for both treatments.

Eligibility criteria and prescribing requirements for the antivirals.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Presents MLK Day Celebration “Where Are We Now?” Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed in Port Huron with a celebration hosted by St. Clair County Community College. The “Where Are We Now?” event will be held on Monday, January 17th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre on the main campus.

Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated with songs, dance, and videos. There will also be a selection of Dr. King’s own words shared with the audience.

There will be panel discussions about health care disparities and racism and investing in small businesses. There will also be a discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in education, along with other topics.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Jessica Brown, who leads SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The annual event is free but reservations are required by emailing SC4. It will be live-streamed also.

Admission is free and can be reserved by emailing dei@sc4.edu. Seating is limited. Masks required inside campus buildings. The event also will be livestreamed at sc4.edu/dei-live for those unable to attend in person.

For questions, call SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (810) 989-5564.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New License Plate Features Kirtland’s Warbler

Michigan auto-owners have a new way to support local wildlife conservation efforts. There is a new license plate option that features the Kirtland’s Warbler, a bird that was once in danger of extinction but has now been removed from the endangered species list.

Bird lovers helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the availability of the nesting habitat for the little yellow and gray songbird. The Kirtland’s warbler only nests on the ground in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. They winter in the Caribbean.

Once down to just an estimated 400 birds, the count is now at about 4500, with ongoing habitat protection and careful management of the delicate nesting areas.

Those who purchase the special designation on their license plate will be supporting the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust. The license plate program has generated over $3.9 million since starting in 2006 with the Loon icon.

The license plate will cost $35 with $25 of the price going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Seeks Public Input on Algonac State Park

If Algonac State Park is your go-to camping spot, you might want to get involved in making the 1,550-acre scenic St. Clair County park even better. Algonac State Park is the topic of an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is gathering public feedback on a new management plan for the popular state park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20th, from 6-7 p.m.

Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “Public input is a critical part of the planning process. We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

The DNR reports that the meeting will feature a review of the draft management plan, proposed improvements, and planning process, and will give the public an opportunity to share feedback and questions.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterward. There will also be an opportunity for additional public input after the meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Rep. Phil Green Announces Candidacy for New 67th District

The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Committee has completed their work and Michigan’s politicians are quickly aligning themselves with the new districts.

State Representative Phil Green, a Republican from Tuscola County, currently represents the 84th district. Green has announced his candidacy for the newly created 67th District.

The new district includes portions of Tuscola, Lapeer, and Genesee Counties, including the city of Lapeer.

Representative Green said, “I would be an honor to represent the people of the new 67th district. As a region, many of the same issues that I have fought to resolve over the past three years are the same issues the new district also faces.”

Green continued, saying, “I look forward to continue to advocate great jobs, increasing the availability of training in the skilled trades, access to high speed internet for our rural residents, and effective health care including mental health services.” 

Green worked as a youth pastor and chaplain for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office before being elected to the Michigan House in 2018.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland