George James

Third COVID-19 Shot Available for High-Risk Individuals

A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine could be coming soon to vulnerable individuals. The Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved an additional dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines for people aged 12 and older who have compromised immune systems.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to move as quickly as possible to get the doses administered. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are the priority for the third shot.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS continues to say that the vaccine is the only way out of the pandemic. She said, “I am pleased that our federal partners have taken action to recommend an additional vaccine dose for those with compromised immune systems.”

There is a sufficient vaccine supply in Michigan right now for both first, second, and third shots. MDHHS encourages anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Health care providers make the call as to whom is eligible for a third shot. It could include transplant recipients, those living with HIV, and those in cancer treatment or on high-dose corticosteroids. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Boat the Blue Brings Art, Boating History, and Fun to Downtown Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The Boat the Blue Antique and Classic Boat Show is just a few weeks away, held on September 10th and 11th in Downtown Port Huron.  Port Huron is preparing for the event in a lot of ways, one being the artwork that is displayed in the windows of downtown businesses.

Cynthia Cutright of the Downtown Development Authority said that the art is an extension of the Boat the Blue Art Contest for youth and a contest amongst businesses. Local artist Faith Serio freehand painted each of the pieces, which can be found at Casey’s, Moe’s Deli, Sperry’s and MiMutual.

Boat the Blue Organizer Mark Walker said that boating history and heritage are unique to the area and the boat show is a way to remember, celebrate, and appreciate the history.

The family-friendly boat show offers free boat rides to the public, which started in Port Huron and is now being modeled throughout the country. On September 10th, there will be a music and painting show with the group, “Empty Canvas”.

Walker said, “There are no more generous people in the world than right here in our communities.” He praised the hard-working committee that is working to make the show the best it can be.

http://boattheblue.org/2021-event-schedule

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Superintendent: Teach Students About Race and Racism

Michigan’s State Superintendent is not outright endorsing critical race theory instruction, but he is saying that students need to learn about race and racism as part of their education.

Critical Race Theory is a buzzword that generates strong feelings on both sides of the debate. It is an academic concept that is over forty years old. Its premise is that racism is systemic and inherent to American legal systems and government policies. It also states that race is a social creation.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said, “To choose to ignore race and racism in our teaching is to efface or erase history, implicitly or explicitly, and to shortchange our children, who deserve to learn the full breadth and complexity of our extraordinary history.”

Both requiring and banning Critical Race Theory have been legislative objectives for Michigan lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle. As someone directly involved in education, Rice chimed in with his opinion when meeting with the State Board of Education.

Rice said, “Race and racism may be inconvenient for some, uncomfortable for others, and searing for still others, but, because they are inextricably a part of our history, they must be taught.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vaccines Required at Some Colleges

Many colleges and universities are requiring students to have proof of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is raising concerns, colleges are putting masks back on and reinstating restrictions and social distancing.

St. Clair County Community College is currently at an “Orange Level”, meaning that there is substantial transmission risk. At this time, in-person classes and activities are continuing as planned and face masks are required for unvaccinated students. There is no requirement, only an encouragement, to get the vaccine.

Other schools are taking a harder line. Michigan State University is requiring all students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 31st. All individuals are required to wear a mask. Those who get a religious or medical exemption will be tested weekly.

The University of Michigan not only requires vaccination but has a Responsiblue App with which all who enter campus track symptoms, report test results, and show compliance to the requirements. Weekly testing is required for those who do not report their vaccination status.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mansfield and Gratiot Parks to Get New Playgrounds

The parks are hopping this summer in the city of Port Huron. The new playscape at Palmer Park is incredibly popular, and there are more improvements in store for other parks in time for next summer’s adventures.

Nancy Winzer, Director of Port Huron Recreation Department, told us that two new structures are coming to Mansfield and Gratiot parks, as well as the addition of a toddler area and new swings at Palmer Park.

Winzer said that Gratiot Park has the oldest equipment in the city, and it is soon to be replaced. The design has been coordinated with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and will be accessible and fun for kids of all abilities.

Mansfield Park is getting renovated as part of Rock the Block, in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. The park will have a dinosaur theme and a new pavilion. Private donors and Habitat for Humanity are partnering with the City to enhance the neighborhood.

There are some material delays, but Winzer hopes to have the installation done by next spring. The total cost for the Mansfield and Gratiot improvements is over $400,000 with funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the City of Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Coast Guards Warn Ahead of Float Down

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards have issued a joint statement regarding the Port Huron Float Down. The message is clear: don’t do it.

The unsanctioned event is scheduled to take place this Sunday, August 15th. The Float Down has a long history of being organized by no one but enjoyed by thousands who put their floatation devices in the river around Lighthouse Beach and float the St. Clair River for 7.5 miles, all the way to Marysville.

The Coast Guards warn that cold water, fast currents, and alcohol can be a deadly combination that puts a strain on law enforcement. There is also the concern of large crowds amidst a lingering pandemic.

If you disregard the advice to stay off the water this Sunday, the Coast Guards advise that life jackets are worn at all times. It’s also a good idea to float in something where you are not submerged in the water the whole time. Hypothermia can happen quickly in the cold river water.

Also, bring your ID, in case you get blown over to Canada, like 1500 Float Down participants did in 2016. The U.S./Canada border is closed until at least August 21st.

A link to the full statement can be found at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/08/joint-statement-from-canadian–us-coast-guard-leadership-regarding-the-port-huron-float-down-2021.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland