George James

Michigan Joins Coalition Questions FDA’s Opioid Response

The opioid crisis is raging throughout the nation and while steps are being taken to address it, many are losing patience. Michigan is part of a coalition of 48 states that have taken action to hold the federal Food and Drug Administration accountable for their efforts in combating opioid addiction.

The coalition is looking for a progress report from the FDA clarifying how they are using their authority given under the SUPPORT Act to prevent and treat the crisis. The SUPPORT Act has provisions that include safer packaging and disposal features for opioids, new regulations on non-addictive alternatives to opioids, and prescribing guidelines.

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “The opioid epidemic has been devastating for states in terms of lives lost and the strain it has imposed on both our health care system and economy. Patients suffering from chronic pain or addiction are particularly vulnerable, and if we are going to protect these patients and combat this epidemic, we must start by holding the FDA accountable for their role in this crisis.”

A link to the letter:

FDA Letter – NAAG.pdf (ca.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Department of Education Trying Drum Up Interest in Teaching

The Michigan Department of Education is offering grants as a part of their effort to head off a statewide teacher shortage and diversify the educator workforce. The program is called the “Future Michigan Proud Educator Initiative”.

The program offers a competitive grant for school districts to assist them in developing opportunities for students interested in becoming teachers. Currently, the “Proud Educator” program recognizes and honors current Michigan teachers. The new effort is aimed at planting the seeds of interest in career teaching through targeted curriculum.

The grant program is aimed at students in all grades, but has expanded opportunities for middle school and high school students. The Michigan Department of Education will offer flexible models for implementation, content standards and curriculum, and professional development for winning districts.

State Superintendent Michael Rice said, “We need to encourage our young people to consider developing and using their talents as proud Michigan educators.”

The salary range for a public-school teacher in Michigan is around $30,000 – $67,000 depending on degree earned, district, and seniority.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public Meeting for Upcoming M-29 Construction Planned

The Michigan Department of Transportation is inviting the public to attend a virtual public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to M-29 in St. Clair County. The meeting is planned for January 21st at 5:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.

MDOT is in the design phase of reworking M-29 from Church Road to Palms Road, with resurfacing to improve the pavement condition, roadway drainage improvements, widening to accommodate a center left-turn lane through the project limits, and maintenance to the Swan Creek bridge.

MDOT is also proposing a “road diet” for a four mile stretch of the road that runs through the community of Fair Haven. The “road diet” would convert around 1500 feet of a four-lane section to one lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane. MDOT says that the proposition offers better safety by calming traffic.

The work is expected to be completed in 2025 and also includes safety improvements with signal upgrades, sidewalk ramp improvements compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and continuous sidewalks through Fairhaven.

Click here to join the Microsoft Teams virtual public meeting

          How to attend a live event in Microsoft Teams

To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316.

Conference ID: 623 646 983#

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Scholarships Available for 2021-22 

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College has opened up the application period for a multitude of scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year. The links to the scholarships can all be found in one place on the college’s website.

Scholarship eligibility varies, but there are scholarships specifically for first year students or second year students, those in the nursing program, those in engineering, criminal justice and many others. Some require proof of financial hardship; others do not. Some are targeted toward graduates of specific high schools, including Blue Water Middle College. There is even a scholarship offered by the Port Huron Garden Club for students intending to major in horticulture or a similar field.

The cost per credit hour at SC4, including the technology fee, is around $168 for residents of the “college district”, which includes school districts completely within the county, and $289 for those outside of the district, plus additional fees that vary by course, according to the latest data on the college’s website.

A link to the SC4 scholarship page: https://sc4.edu/scholarships-available-for-sc4-students/.

The deadline for application is March 14th, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Knowlton Ice Museum Now Officially Owned by Community Foundation

Port Huron, MI — The Knowlton Ice Museum in Downtown Port Huron has officially entered a new phase. It’s operations and ownership have been handed over to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, along with an ample endowment. The Community Foundation currently owns a growing portfolio of properties in the region.

Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation, said, “We’re really excited about the Knowlton Museum being neighbors with the future ‘Wrigley Center’ development in downtown Port Huron and the opportunities that may present. We look forward to exploring options to allow families and tourists to interact with the collection in new and exciting ways. But for the time being the regular seasonal schedule will continue.”

The collection was curated by Mickey and Agnes Knowlton, the founders of Party Time Ice. It is thought to be the largest known collection of ice harvesting and processing historical items, with many items dating back to the days when ice was harvested off of the St. Clair River.

Winter hours at the Museum are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Food Security Council Addresses Food Insecurity

The Michigan Food Security Council has made recommendations to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to maintain food security during the ongoing pandemic. The Council’s goal is to help struggling Michiganders, both those who face food insecurity on a regular basis and those who are experiencing it for the first time, to be able to feed nutritious food to their families.

The recommendations include addressing food needs by pursuing existing federal food program services and seeking flexible service options such as home delivery and incentives for retailers to accept food assistance benefits. Over 1.2 million Michigan residents get food benefits. Collaboration with partners to improve the infrastructure for food and nutrition programs is also proposed, along with helping communities to develop local community response programs. 

Michigan’s food supply has remained sufficient throughout the pandemic, but the Council recommended developing strategies to address panic buying, prioritizing food workers for PPE, and engaging restaurants to deliver prepared meals to vulnerable populations. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland