George James

Kerhoulas Named New Superintendent for Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools has a new leader. Theo Kerhoulas was unanimously approved by the Board of Education to take over as Superintendent after the resignation of Jamie Cain, who took a position with the St. Clair County RESA.

Kerhoulas is not new to the district professionally or personally. He has been an administrator since 2014 and is a parent of students in the district. Kerhoulas held the position of Executive Director of Operations and Innovation for Port Huron Schools since 2014. He previously worked as a high school principal in the Cros-Lex district.

On accepting the Superintendent position, Kerhoulas said, “Jamie Cain leaves large shoes to fill but a strong team in place. It is great to know – both professionally and as a friend – that he is just down the road and always there to support our team and Port Huron Schools.”

After a rough year of back and forth in-person and online school and a current state-wide teacher shortage, Kerhoulas has his work cut out for him.  He said, “We must acknowledge that the pandemic has caused distress to our students, families, and staff” and that he is “personally committed to the success of every student and staff member in our organization.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Neglected Horse Rescued; Owner Prosecuted

Day Dreams Farm, a non-profit Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation facility located in Marine City, has taken in a horse that was recovered by the St. Clair County Animal Control office.

According to Animal Control, two horses were found in deplorable condition at a residence on Griffin Road in Riley Township. One horse was humanely euthanized on-site by a veterinarian. A second horse was surrendered to authorities.

The search of the property took place last month as a result of citizen complaints. The owner of the animals was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, which, according to Michigan law is a misdemeanor when one allows an animal to needlessly suffer. The owner pled guilty and  was sentenced to not possess animals for five years and to pay $800 in court fees and restitution.

Melissa Miller, Director of Animal Control said she is pleased with the ruling. She said, “That length of time for prohibition is a rarity and shows the severity of cruelty inflicted on these horses. This is a win for equine welfare and shows St. Clair County takes animal neglect seriously.”

More information about Day Dreams Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and how to donate to the non-profit, can be found on their website, daydreamsfarm.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan Launched

The Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan was kicked off last week with the focus on re-engaging the workforce and investing in small businesses.

The Plan relies on incentives to boost wages to attract those who might not be currently working. Unemployment policies are tightening up with recipients needing to do weekly job searches. Making childcare more accessible is also part of the plan.

Michigan’s plan is funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, with Michigan having about $2 billion left to spend. The massive influx of federal money has helped to move Michigan from a $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus. The race is on to allocate the funds, which Governor Whitmer calls “once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunities”.

Part of the plan is to subsidize pay to bring it up to a minimum of $15 per hour for at least three months and to continue the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs.

There is also $370 million allocated to expand access to no-cost or low-cost childcare for families that are currently not working due to lack of childcare.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Tick App Helps Track Tick Populations

Tired of ticks? It’s a banner season for ticks in Michigan with their numbers rising. Staying aware of tick hot spots and taking measures to prevent ticks from getting comfortable on people or pets is easy with the launch of The Tick App.

The App was developed by Jean Chao, who researches ticks and tick-borne illnesses in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, along with scientists at the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University.

The Tick App is both educational for the user and useful for researchers who are tracking ticks. Tick discoveries can be reported through the app and fears about infection can be calmed or precautions can be taken.

Tsao reports in MSU Today that not all ticks carry Lyme disease or other pathogens and removing a tick before it’s been on people’s or pets’ bodies within 12 hours can reduce the likelihood of infection. Lyme Disease is a serious illness.

The best way to avoid ticks is to use an effective repellent and to stick to trails that are out of tick habitats. If you do come across a tick on your skin, save it and freeze it so it can be examined by a doctor to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office Created

After vetoing repeated attempts by the legislature to incentivize internet providers to reach underserved communities with high-speed internet, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an Executive Order to establish the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office.

The Office will be coordinating and advancing the state’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to every home and business that needs it. A $2.5 billion potential economic benefit is estimated to be lost each year due to the “digital divide”.

Whitmer said, “A fully connected Michigan is essential for our state to reach its economic potential in the 21st-century global economy.”  

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office will be housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Development.  LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin said, “Expanding high-speed internet access and affordability will help ensure that Michigan remains a world leader in innovation. We need to make major investments to support digital inclusion and this office will be focused on leveraging every dollar available through the American Recovery Plan and other federal programs.”  

Efforts will be focused on bringing internet service to underserved communities throughout Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland