George James

Michiganders Urged to Catch Up on Routine immunizations

Immunization Awareness Month is winding down, but it’s never too late to get caught up on routine vaccines. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is concerned that individuals got behind on their routine checkups and vaccinations due to the pandemic.

The return to school and the workplace makes it more important than ever to get back on track with routine vaccinations, according to MDHHS.

Michigan’s vaccination rate declined during the pandemic. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry, or MCIR, reported that only 54.7% of Michigan children aged between 19 and 35 months were fully immunized with recommended vaccinations.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS said, “Vaccinating on time and following CDC’s recommended schedule is the best protection against serious diseases including COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A, cancers caused by HPV and measles. We have the power to protect not only ourselves, but our entire community when we vaccinate on time.”

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout a child’s life. Adults 19 and older can take the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines they may need.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New “Notify Me” Feature Helps Campers Find Sites at State Parks

Going camping is a great way to get away from it all and unplug. Finding a campsite, on the other hand, relies heavily on technology, and being tech-savvy is often the only way to get a prime spot on a summer weekend.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has embraced technology and is now offering the “Notify Me” option for campers looking for a site at a state campground.

The new “Notify Me” feature is for use when campgrounds are full and there is no availability during the desired timeframe in the selected location. It allows prospective campers to choose a campground and dates and choose to get notified when a spot opens up.

Once the “Notify Me” option is chosen, users will receive alerts when sites become available and will be able to then make a reservation at the newly open campsite. The program helps the DNR and also makes for happy campers who get their desired campsite. 

The service is available for campsites, overnight lodging facilities, and shelters at state park campgrounds.

A link to the reservation website:

https://midnrreservations.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Nutrition Services to Continue with New School Year at PHS

Last week, Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to all families and staff in the district, explaining policies and procedures for the upcoming school year. School starts on September 7th.

Kerhoulas made special note of the way in which the district addressed nutrition over the last school year and how it will feed children in the district this year. He shared that the district served 1.8 million meals to students and families during the ongoing pandemic.

Breakfast and lunch are available to all students in the district, with no proof of income needed. All students in every school, from preschool to high school can eat up to two meals a day at school.

Those families who choose virtual school for their children can pick up five-day meal packs at Port Huron Northern High School or Port Huron High School on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except for the first week of school on which distribution will be on Tuesday.

The Food and Nutrition Department Staff will be recognized for their tireless work in feeding students during the Crosstown Showdown on October 8th.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Court Rules Against Lawyers Who Challenged November Election

Both Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel were quick to comment on the historic ruling made by U.S. District Judge Linda Parker in the case of a group of attorneys accusing the Governor, Secretary of State, and others of participating in voter fraud. The attorneys were sanctioned and the judge referred to the action as abusive litigation.

Referring to the accusations of election fraud as the “Big Lie”, Governor Whitmer said, “Today’s ruling sends a clear message: those who seek to overturn an American election and poison the well of American democracy will face consequences.” 

Attorney General Nessel relished the victory, saying, “I’m pleased to see that the Court has ensured there is accountability for the attorneys who perpetuated meritless arguments in court. It has remained abundantly clear from the outset that this lawsuit aimed to do nothing more than undermine our democratic process.”

The 110-page opinion is posted on the Attorney General’s website and a link can be found below. The attorneys in the suit face fines, court-ordered training, and possible disbarment.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/172_opinion__order_King_733786_7.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PHS Addresses Parent Concerns

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to all families in the district to answer questions about upcoming procedures as the pandemic lingers on, and to address issues that have been of concern to parents.

Kerhoulas stated in the letter that the district will follow all orders from local, state, and federal authorities and that at this time masks must be worn on buses, and are encouraged, but not required, in classrooms.

Sick or exposed unvaccinated students and employees will have to stay home, and close contacts can plan on quarantining unless they can prove vaccination or a documented diagnosis in the past 90 days.

The district is not requiring vaccinations for staff. Ventilation systems have all been upgraded to meet CDC recommendations.

Addressing parent concerns about teaching critical race theory, Kerhoulas said that it is not part of the curriculum. In the letter, he said, “We support our professional teaching staff and trust them to answer student questions and guide meaningful, appropriate discussions in our classrooms.”

A link to the full letter.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bills Address Drunk Driving Records and Blood Alcohol Levels

Two House Bills were signed into law this week pertaining to driving under the influence of alcohol. House Bills 4219 and 4220 allow for expungement of certain convictions for a first violation of operating while intoxicated.

The expungement bills are intended to allow those with one conviction to apply for jobs with a clean record. To gain the clean slate, those with a conviction will need to petition the court five years after probation ends.

Safe & Just Michigan Executive Director John S. Cooper said, “Drunk driving is a serious problem in Michigan, but permanently limiting a person’s ability to work and drive based on a one-time, decades-old mistake does not make sense. People who can show that their DUI conviction was a one-time mistake should have an opportunity to make a fresh start.”  

House Bills 4308 and 4309 maintain the legal blood alcohol limit to .08. The limit was set to rise to .10 in October of this year.

State Representative Graham Filler said, “Michigan is the only state in the country not to have a firm .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration limit for operating a motor vehicle. Eliminating the sunset is not only the right thing to do, but it ensures the safety of those traveling on our roads.” 

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland