Look Out for Harmful Algal Blooms in the Water
Harmful algal blooms are kind of a big deal. They are naturally present in local waters but can cause serious harm to people and pets if ingested, thanks to cyanobacteria.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said, “Before going in the water, we recommend Michiganders look for visible algal blooms or scums on any lake, and that people and pets stay out of water in areas that look affected.”
Harmful algal blooms look like scums or mats, spilled paint or pea soup, or colored streaks on the water’s surface.
Symptoms of harmful algal bloom exposure in humans include rashes, runny eyes or nose, asthma-like symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems. Serious reactions require immediate medical attention. Dogs are especially susceptible to harm from exposure.
Algal blooms happen when the water nutrient level is too high. Prevention includes maintaining natural shorelines, keeping fertilizers away from the water, and keeping pet waste and detergents with phosphates out of the water.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Sex Offender Registration Act Ruled Unconstitutional
After nine years of litigation, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act is unconstitutional ex post facto punishment. What does that mean?
According to a press release from the State Appellate Defender Office, it means that many of the Act’s requirements cannot be imposed against those whose offenses requiring registration came before the enactment of the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act.
Referencing the case People v Paul Betts, State Appellate Defender Jessica Zimbelman said, “The Court correctly recognized the extreme and unconstitutional burden placed on nearly 40,000 Michiganders by requiring registration with no determination as to who actually poses a risk to the public.”
The decision was based on the court’s view that being on the Sex Offender Registry restricts where registrants can live, work, and loiter and is comparable to shaming. The court also felt that the registry resembles parole, given the “significant amount of supervision by the state” and it imposes onerous burdens, all without any evidence of reducing crime.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
“Buy Michigan” Week Brings Attention to Local Economies
It’s “Buy Michigan” Week. The week, July 28th through August 4th, is designated as a time to focus on supporting and growing the Michigan economy by purchasing locally produced or sold goods.
The pandemic hit small businesses hard, and many are struggling to recover. The effort is underway by the Governor’s office to get people to buy local to continue to build up the economy.
William J. Hallan, President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association said, “Small businesses like local retailers are the backbone of Michigan’s vibrant economy. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we encourage all Michiganders to keep their money in the Mitten by shopping local, and we thank the Administration for reminding residents of the importance of supporting the local retailers and businesses who make Michigan’s downtowns great places to shop and visit.”
State government has allocated much of the federal Covid relief money toward small business recovery, with 23 programs on the books right now, and 25,000 companies receiving some type of support.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Sanilac County 4-H Fair Coming Up: August 8-14
For those who missed the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair, or those who want more county fair action, the 2021 Sanilac County 4-H Fair is coming up. The annual fair will be held at the Sanilac County Fairgrounds in Sandusky from August 8th to 14th.
Fair admission costs $15 per person per day and includes all carnival rides and grandstand admission. A Mega Pass costs $55 and can be used all day every day from August 10th through 14th. That’s a lot of carnival rides. The Mega Passes need to be purchased prior to the fair, by August 8th, and can be purchased from the Sanilac County 4H Fair Baord Office.
The Grandstand events include the Flying Star Rodeo on both Monday and Tuesday nights. Wednesday night features the USA Bump-N-Run and Thursday is the USA Figure 8 Race. Friday is the night for Tractor and Pickup Pulls. Saturday brings the crowd favorite, the Demolition Derby. All Grandstand events start at 7:00 p.m.
Of course, the main attractions at the Fair are the 4-H projects that the youth and their families have worked so hard on all year long. More information can be found at sanilaccounty4hfair.org.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
MDARD Warns Against Unlicensed Mosquito Control Applicators
The mosquito population is incredibly healthy this year and that is bad news for people who want to be outdoors pretty much any time of day, but especially dusk and nighttime. Spraying yards and public spaces with pesticides is becoming popular. With all consumer trends, scam warnings are quick to be issued once criminals see an opportunity.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDARD, has issued a warning and published an official list of approved companies that are licensed, insured, and authorized to apply pesticides registered by MDARD.
A legitimate mosquito control company will provide the name of the applicator that performed the service, the time and date of the application, a description of the target pest to be controlled, a list of pesticides applied, any warnings or restrictions, and detailed information about the risks and benefits.
Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager said, “Licensed mosquito control companies and their certified applicators have demonstrated they have the knowledge to use pesticides safely and effectively. Utilizing properly licensed and certified applicators protects public health while these professionals work to keep mosquitoes in check around your home.”
https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-2390_98204_107610—,00.html
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland