George James

DNR Looking for Summer Wildlife Conservationists

Looking for a job in wildlife conservation? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources might have the perfect opportunity. Now is the time to look past the snow and look ahead to summer to start applying for a seasonal job with the DNR.

DNR summer jobs are not just for college students. Jennifer Schafer, DNR Wildlife Division human resources liaison said, “These positions are a great opportunity for college students, those looking to re-enter the workforce and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors.”

The DNR is looking for help with assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include cutting clearings and adjusting water levels; mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance; and handling tasks related to wildlife surveys, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance. Workers have the potential to gain skills to pursue a career in wildlife conservation or to just spend a fun summer outdoors.

There are currently positions open at the St. Clair Flats location, as well as throughout the state. The pay range is from $11.50 to $17.93 per hour. A link to the complete job listing:

DNR – (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MPSC Reports Successful Energy Waste Reduction Programs

The Michigan Public Service Commission has released preliminary numbers from the 2019 Energy Waste Reduction efforts. It is estimated that 1.5 million megawatt hours of electricity and more than 5 million cubic feet of natural gas were saved with the effort.

Saving energy comes at a cost to the electric companies with nearly $250.7 million estimated to be spent on waste reduction projects. Gas companies spent nearly $96 million.

Since 2008, utility companies are required to implement customer programs that lower energy use and reduce the future cost of service. Energy Waste Reduction programs are meant to “reduce the energy burden, improve health outcomes and strengthen the economic security of low-income customers and communities”, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Examples of Waste Reduction programs target residential lighting; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); weatherization; energy education; appliance recycling; and pilot programs.

A link to the full report:

2019 Energy Waste Reduction Report to the Legislature (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ice Continues to Menace Riverfront Property Along the St. Clair River

This has been a stressful winter for many St. Clair County residents living along the southern stretch of the St. Clair River. High water, strong winds, and a whole lot of ice are causing major flooding issues on waterfront property.

The St. County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has had their hands full in 2020 and now in 2021, and they are issuing daily reports on the state of the flooding situation. A report early this week indicated that waters had risen sharply in the stretch from St. Clair to Lake Huron.

An international ice-cutting effort was underway with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Hollyhock and Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Griffin on the job. The cutters work to try to keep the water flowing and reduce flooding. The situation is under constant monitoring by county, state, federal, and international partners.

Citizens with damage from the ice and flooding are asked to use online self-reporting options. Links to Be Ready St. Clair County can be found below. As of early this week, 22 reports of damage have been made.

https://www.facebook.com/BeReadyStClairCounty

https://www.bereadystclaircounty.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

TEC Center Virtual Open House Set for February 25th

The St. Clair County TEC Center is having a virtual Open House on Thursday, February 25th from 6-8 p.m. this year. The annual event where students get to see examples of hands-on training in various technical fields has been forced to go online.

The virtual event is aimed at tenth-graders and their families, as the program runs throughout eleventh and twelfth grades. TEC programs are available to all students in public schools in St. Clair County. High school counselors will have more information.

TEC programs include automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, engineering & robotics, health careers, and several others.

The virtual open house will allow students and families to take a virtual tour, visit classrooms, explore TEC programs, and talk with teachers. They will also learn how to earn elective credit, academic credit, and college credit, along with learning how to make a TEC education into a fulfilling career.

Opportunities for an in-person “shadow” visit are available to interested students. A link to registration to the TEC Virtual Open House:

Register for the TEC Virtual Open House.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Animal Owners Reminded to Make Sure Pets are Warm

With a polar vortex settling in, some animal owners need a reminder that they have the responsibility to keep their animals warm. If they can’t stay inside a home or barn during winter cold snaps, dogs, cats, and livestock will need a safe outdoor shelter.

Melissa A. Miller, Director of St. Clair County Animal Control, said that outside dogs must have a 4-sided shelter with a floor and roof and straw bedding when temps are under 32 degrees. Livestock must have a three-sided shelter or windbreak providing equivalent protection. 

For those who neglect their pets, they could be facing a misdemeanor charge and a penalty of $500 or 90 days in jail, or community service.

According to Miller, her office does see dogs in unsafe conditions, particularly those that are used as protection dogs, and those that are permanently chained up. She said, “If you see something, say something.” Calling Animal Control could save an animal’s life.

Miller said that cat shelters for feral cats can be made with Styrofoam coolers and straw. Free straw can be picked up at the Animal Control office at 3378 Griswold in Port Huron.

The St. Clair County Animal Control Office has a great video about how to properly insulate a dog house with straw.

https://www.facebook.com/adoptsccac/videos/435006647619252

Got the Vaccine? Still Need to “Mask Up”

Despite vaccination for COVID-19 starting to pick up, mask-wearing is not going away any time soon. In fact, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is ramping up its efforts to make sure people not only continue wearing masks but wear them correctly.

For those who thought they could ditch the mask once they got the vaccine, they will need to think again. Those who receive the vaccine are asked to continue to wear their masks to prevent spreading the virus.

According to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS, “We are making great progress towards our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders as quickly as possible, but it is important people remain vigilant in preventing spread of COVID-19 even after receiving a vaccine.”

Michiganders are asked to make sure their mask fits properly to keep their own respiratory droplets in and others out. More layers mean more protection. According to MDHHS, one mask blocks 40% of particles; a cloth mask worn over a medical mask blocks 85% of particles and two medical masks or a medical mask properly fitted can block 95% of particles.

Reporting for WGRT –  Jennie McClelland