George James

Be Careful When Cleaning Up After Mice: Hantavirus Detected in Michigan

Health officials are raising awareness of a virus spread by mice. The Sin Nombre hantavirus has been confirmed in an infection in a woman from Washtenaw County. The virus comes from rodents and causes serious pulmonary illness. The infected woman is believed to have contracted the virus when cleaning an empty house that had mice in it.

Most cases of the hantavirus are associated with people who have come in contact with rodents through domestic, occupational, or recreational activities.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that the virus is rare but severe and sometimes fatal. The respiratory disease can occur one to five weeks after a person has exposure to infected rodents or their droppings. Suspected cases should be reported to local health departments. 

According to MDHHS, the highest risk of infection comes from entering or cleaning rodent-infected structures. Common household cleaners can kill the virus. Ventilation helps decrease the risk of exposure. Wearing gloves when cleaning also reduces the risk.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ryleigh Fuller and Elizabeth Kilyk Win National Technical Honor Society Scholarships

Two students from Port Huron Schools have received scholarships and recognition from the National Technical Honor Society. Ryleigh Fuller and Elizabeth Kilyk are winners of the 2021 Jon H. Poteat Scholarships.

The $1000 scholarships are given out to 250 students nationwide to advance education in career and technical education. The highly competitive scholarship is given to students who exemplify the seven character attributes of the National Technical Honor Society: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.

Fuller is a 2021 graduate of Port Huron High School and studied computer programming at the St. Clair County TEC Center. Fuller has earned eight industry certifications and plans to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

Kilyk is a 2021 graduate of Port Huron Northern High School who studied digital Media Technology at the TEC Center and competed in SkillsUSA.  Kilyk plans to attend St. Clair County Community College and the College of Creative Studies in Detroit.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Invasion in Area

The cicada invasion has gotten a lot of press, but for Blue Water Area residents, it’s the gypsy moth caterpillars that are causing a lot of trouble. The little caterpillars are everywhere in some neighborhoods and there is concern over the damage they might cause to trees.

Gypsy moths are not native to the area, but they have been around since the late 1800s, so they are nothing new. This year does seem to have higher numbers than usual, as have the past two years, according to the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Not only are the little caterpillars and their webs annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to trees with their voracious appetites for leaves. The best way to get rid of them is to take down their nests in the fall. 

Adding to their vexing nature, gypsy moth caterpillar hairs contain histamine, which can cause a rash if touched, or even if blowing in the wind and making contact with skin, according to the National Poison Control Center. 

There are insecticides that can be applied to trees to kill the caterpillars. A chemical-free way to trap the invasive pests is to put bands of burlap around tree trunks and collect and kill the caterpillars that show up on it each day. 

More information is at:

https://www.misin.msu.edu/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kerhoulas Named New Superintendent for Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools has a new leader. Theo Kerhoulas was unanimously approved by the Board of Education to take over as Superintendent after the resignation of Jamie Cain, who took a position with the St. Clair County RESA.

Kerhoulas is not new to the district professionally or personally. He has been an administrator since 2014 and is a parent of students in the district. Kerhoulas held the position of Executive Director of Operations and Innovation for Port Huron Schools since 2014. He previously worked as a high school principal in the Cros-Lex district.

On accepting the Superintendent position, Kerhoulas said, “Jamie Cain leaves large shoes to fill but a strong team in place. It is great to know – both professionally and as a friend – that he is just down the road and always there to support our team and Port Huron Schools.”

After a rough year of back and forth in-person and online school and a current state-wide teacher shortage, Kerhoulas has his work cut out for him.  He said, “We must acknowledge that the pandemic has caused distress to our students, families, and staff” and that he is “personally committed to the success of every student and staff member in our organization.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Neglected Horse Rescued; Owner Prosecuted

Day Dreams Farm, a non-profit Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation facility located in Marine City, has taken in a horse that was recovered by the St. Clair County Animal Control office.

According to Animal Control, two horses were found in deplorable condition at a residence on Griffin Road in Riley Township. One horse was humanely euthanized on-site by a veterinarian. A second horse was surrendered to authorities.

The search of the property took place last month as a result of citizen complaints. The owner of the animals was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, which, according to Michigan law is a misdemeanor when one allows an animal to needlessly suffer. The owner pled guilty and  was sentenced to not possess animals for five years and to pay $800 in court fees and restitution.

Melissa Miller, Director of Animal Control said she is pleased with the ruling. She said, “That length of time for prohibition is a rarity and shows the severity of cruelty inflicted on these horses. This is a win for equine welfare and shows St. Clair County takes animal neglect seriously.”

More information about Day Dreams Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, and how to donate to the non-profit, can be found on their website, daydreamsfarm.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan Launched

The Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan was kicked off last week with the focus on re-engaging the workforce and investing in small businesses.

The Plan relies on incentives to boost wages to attract those who might not be currently working. Unemployment policies are tightening up with recipients needing to do weekly job searches. Making childcare more accessible is also part of the plan.

Michigan’s plan is funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, with Michigan having about $2 billion left to spend. The massive influx of federal money has helped to move Michigan from a $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus. The race is on to allocate the funds, which Governor Whitmer calls “once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunities”.

Part of the plan is to subsidize pay to bring it up to a minimum of $15 per hour for at least three months and to continue the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs.

There is also $370 million allocated to expand access to no-cost or low-cost childcare for families that are currently not working due to lack of childcare.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland