George James

Annual Christmas Bird Count Needs Volunteers

The Christmas Bird Count is getting underway nationwide and it is not too late for interested volunteers to get involved. The annual event has been going on since Christmas Day of the year 1900 when conservationists thought counting living birds might be more sustainable than counting killed birds, as was the tradition of the time.

The 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count is held from December 14th to January 5th.

To get involved in the bird count, go to the Audubon Society’s website to find a “counting circle” near you. The count is coordinated with all members of the circle. If no circle exists in your neighborhood, you can start one. There are specific rules to follow.

All of the results of the Christmas Bird Counts since 1900 are available online. Last year’s Port Huron count found 71 different species.

The Christmas Bird Count is more than just a fun activity for people who care about the environment. The findings are used in real scientific research.

https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Education Trust Reduces Rates to Help Families Save for College

The Michigan Education Trust is lowering rates on its college savings plan. The Trust has a record surplus that will be used to reduce pricing.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who also serves on the MET Board of Directors said, “We are constantly striving to deliver to parents, grandparents and others a safe, secure and flexible way to make sure their loved ones meet their higher education goals. While the new price structure will make it easier for those with young children to save, MET will continue to provide families with older children advantages as they work and plan to help them pursue their dreams.” 

The Michigan Education Trust lets families pay today’s prices for future tuition costs. MET funds can be used at universities, colleges and technical schools. The money can also be transferred to private universities and is refundable if the child does not end up attending college.

Anyone can contribute to a MET plan for a beneficiary. Contributions are tax-deductible on Michigan tax returns and are tax-exempt if used for college or other post-secondary education.

MET will offer a $150 match on the first 200 contracts purchased for new beneficiaries in December. Eligibility and rules are posted at SETwithMET.com along with pricing details. Families who make a MET purchase by December 31 will qualify for a deduction on their 2021 Michigan tax returns.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Reminds to Keep Snow Out of Roads When Clearing Driveways

Winter weather is here and with it comes a few reminders from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Snow that is cleared from driveways can not obstruct the vision of drivers. It also should not be pushed into the road.

The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits “the obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush.” MDOT says that this includes the end of driveways where drivers could have a hard time seeing past the mountains of snow.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Piling snow at the end of a driveway may be convenient, but makes it difficult for drivers to make sure it’s safe to pull out onto the highway, and tough for drivers to see other vehicles waiting to pull out.”

Ajegba said, “Our crews work to keep the shoulders clear and knock down snowbanks at intersections for motorist safety, and residents and business owners need to do the same at their driveways.”

Pushing snow across a roadway also causes problems as it leaves a trail that can end up being slippery for drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Needs Help with Monoclonal Antibody Clinic

The St. Clair County Health Department is putting out a call for volunteers to staff its Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center.

Medical staff that are trained and experienced with intravenous infusion are needed as well as medical support staff. The support staff will assist with patient monitoring and vitals.

The dramatic uptick in Covid Cases in the area has caused the treatment center to be activated in the county. Volunteer medical staff are needed on Tuesdays and Fridays in December from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The monoclonal antibody infusion therapy is considered to be highly effective as it reduces viral loads and can consequently lessen symptom severity. The lessened symptoms can prevent hospitalizations by 70%, according to a memo published by the health department.

Patients are referred to the clinic by their health care provider and are generally considered to be at high risk of requiring hospitalization if symptoms progress.

Volunteers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be provided with personal protection equipment and on-site training.

Visit mivolunteerregistry.org or email: dlois@stclaircounty.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Increase Patrols on I-94 This Week

There are more police on I-94 this week and they are keeping an eye on commercial vehicles. The Michigan State Police announced the “Eyes on 94” operation that will be increasing enforcement on the Interstate 94 highway throughout this week. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio State law enforcement agencies.

The focus will be on violations made by commercial vehicles that could contribute to crashes, like distracted driving, following too close, improper passing, speeding, and improper lane use.

Captain Richard Arnold of the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division said, “This enforcement effort is a great example of the commitment by the MSP, Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police, and the Ohio Highway Patrol to reach our common goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes.”

Arnold said that the operation is increasing awareness by being highly visible this week. The State Police said that I-94 is prone to weather-related crashes at this time of year, especially involving interstate commercial vehicle drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Flying into the U.S.? Covid Testing Required within One Day of Travel

Anyone flying into the United States needs to take a Covid test. The new rule went into effect Monday. It applies even to Americans flying home from abroad.

The testing needs to be done no more than one day before air travel into the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. The discovery of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has prompted the new testing requirement.

The only way to get out of the testing is to have documentation proving that you were infected with Covid within the last 90 days and to be cleared for travel by a public health official or licensed healthcare provider.

The testing applies to anyone age two and older who is flying into the U.S., whether vaccinated or not. The rule does not apply to land crossings, just air travel.

Rapid tests are acceptable, as are home tests, but only if done under the supervision of a telehealth official. If travelers test positive, they will not be allowed to fly and will have to isolate in whatever country they are in. Those who refuse testing may not be allowed to board flights into the U.S.

For more information, go to the News section of WGRT.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland