George James

Nessel Declines Nursing Home Investigation; Blames Politics

Nursing home patients and staff have borne a heavy burden during the pandemic with one-third of COVID deaths in Michigan occurring in nursing home patients. Despite pleas from lawmakers to look into nursing home deaths in Michigan and what could have prevented them, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel passed on the request for a formal inquiry, alluding to the request being politically motivated.

Nessel explained her decision saying, “Though I will not hesitate to act when justified, I also will not abuse the investigatory powers of this Department to launch a political attack on any state official, regardless of party or beliefs.”

The transfer of recovering COVID patients to nursing homes while emergency recovery facilities remained empty has been a mystery, according to Republicans in the legislature, and they want an explanation. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has said that proper protocol was followed and maintains that any scrutiny is politically motivated.

In a letter to Nessel, lawmakers asked about Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s processes and policies for nursing homes, the accuracy of reporting data, compliance with CDC guidelines, and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Nessel said none warranted an investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Schools Ask Parents to Remain Vigilant as COVID Cases Rise

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools marked the one-year anniversary of learning in the midst of COVID with a letter to families and the community.

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Jamie Cain thanked families for their flexibility and understanding and said that all district staff who chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine have now received their second dose of the shot, making them fully vaccinated.

While there is hope for better days ahead, Cain cautioned that with rising case numbers in the county, parents, students, staff, and the community can not let their guard down.

In the letter, Cain said, “I want our community to know the factors that we are evaluating to make decisions for each building.” Cain said the factors are student and staff attendance, the actual transmission of COVID-19 during the school day, and the ability to safely staff buildings.

Cain asked for continued vigilance from families including keeping kids home when sick, following face mask and handwashing protocols, following quarantine mandates, and also keeping up on schoolwork even when quarantined. He also encouraged families to take time to listen to how kids are feeling about the situation.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Spring Fever Prompts Pesticide Warning from MDARD

There is a fever going viral right now, and it’s not the one you think it is. It’s SPRING FEVER. Michiganders know that green grass and sunny days will be here soon. With outdoor living on the minds of many, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wants to get the word out regarding safe pesticide use.

Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager said, “When used correctly, pesticides are an effective tool to help control, destroy, and repel destructive pests such as insects, weeds, rodents, germs, and plant disease. If applying pesticides, always read and follow the label directions and use the recommended personal protective equipment.”

MDARD also warns against hiring just anybody to spray your property. MDARD grants the licenses to those firms that meet the required financial and experience requirements and pass the MDARD exams.

Verhougstraete warned, “Be aware of online advertisements and social media posts promoting the sale of unregistered pesticides, particularly those that claim to be 100% safe or all natural. Unregistered pesticides are not proven to be safe or effective and are unlikely to meet MDARD’s or the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PH and PHN Tie for First Place in Blue Water Quiz Bowl League

The Blue Water High School Quiz Bowl season just wrapped up with both high school teams from Port Huron Schools tying for first place in the final league standings. The League Tournament was held last Thursday at Armada High School and ended with an exciting championship match in a meeting of the minds of both Port Huron Northern and Port Huron High Schools.

Port Huron High School held the lead throughout the regular season with six season points, but Port Huron Northern won the tourney earning six tournament points. Both teams ended the season with eleven league points and tied for first place, with both taking home league trophies.

Kelly Harrington, coach for the Port Huron High team said that she is proud of the knowledge her team has, “but most importantly of the way they conducted themselves.” She said she was “proud to watch them show what it means to be from Port Huron High School.”

Michelle Dunham, the Port Huron Northern coach said she was very proud of her students and their success in both the league standings and the league tournament. Dunham notes, “They were committed to practicing and playing this season, even when it was unsure how the season might progress due to COVID.  Our team was small, but their diverse knowledge led to great success.”

The Port Huron High team is making plans to compete in the online state finals in the spring.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Fix-a-Leak Week” Focuses on Residential Water Waste Prevention

One leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Disadvantaged communities often have homes with more leaky faucets and therefore have higher water bills and could have lower water quality. To reduce water waste and promote environmental sustainability, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, EGLE,  has declared this “Fix-A-Leak Week.”

EGLE’s Clean Water Public Advocate, Ninah Sasy, said, “Water leaks in the home can significantly increase consumer water bills and contribute to water quality concerns. Investments in water conservation efforts in the home and our water distribution systems are key to reducing energy consumption and cost while ensuring environmental sustainability.”

The Water Week Pilot program has gotten underway, starting in Benton Harbor and Highland Park, and will eventually expand to other areas of need. According to EGLE, the program offers free in-home plumbing repairs and new water-saving fixtures. Michigan residents will be able to receive a discount on Kohler WaterSense products during the week.

A link to more information and tips on water conservation in your home:

Michigan.gov/FixaLeakWeek

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Keeps Blue Water Bridge Rates the Same; Canadian Side Increases Toll

Port Huron, MI — The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that toll rates, paid in Canadian currency, will remain the same, while the Federal Bridge Corporation, which operates the Canadian side of the bridge is raising rates. The Bridge has remained closed to non-essential travel for nearly a year.

The toll rates are adjusted on April 1st and October 1st of each year in accordance with the Blue Water Bridge parity rate adjustment policy that was effective April 1st 2016. There are no changes to the bridge fare for those paying with Canadian money, heading into Canada from the U.S.

With the current average daily exchange rate, the toll rates remain at $4 Canadian per trip for passenger vehicles, with extra axles costing another $4. Trucks and buses cost $4.25 per axle.

The rates for those paying with U.S. dollars heading into Canada are $3 for passenger vehicles and another $3 for each extra axle and $3.25 for each axle on trucks and buses.

For truckers and essential travelers heading into the U.S. from Canada, the rates are set to increase on April 1st to $5 Canadian or $3.75 U.S. per axle, as decided by the Federal Bridge Corporation, on the Canadian side.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland