George James

More Rapid-Response Tests Coming to Michigan

Michigan is part of an interstate compact to get rapid-response COVID-19 antigen tests in the hands of states that are trying to safely reopen their economies while still struggling with infections.

An antigen test reveals if a person is currently infected with the virus. The tests are in short supply and the federal government does not currently have a coordinated system of distributing tests. Six states, led by both Democratic and Republican governors, have entered into an agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation to ramp up test production and distribution. The Foundation’s goal is to facilitate 30 million tests per week, nationwide. 

The interstate compact would get a half million tests to Michigan to assist with expanding long-term testing in places like schools, workplaces, and nursing homes.

In announcing the compact, Governor Gretchen Whitmer pointed to widespread testing as “one of the most crucial tools we have to stop the spread of this virus and save lives”. She implored the federal government to follow the lead of the states.

Additional states, as well as local governments may join into the compact into the near future.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be on the Lookout for Asian Longhorn Beetles

On your next walk or hike in the woods, you can help Michigan’s environment and economy by checking the trees for signs of invasive beetles.

 Any invasive pests should be reported to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, but of particular concern is the Asian longhorned beetle. The beetle has not yet been spotted in Michigan, but if it makes its way here, it could cause trouble for the state’s environment and economy. 

August is “Tree Check Month”, as designated by the United States Department of Agriculture.Over $750 million dollars have been spent nationwide to eradicate the beetle since its arrival in 1996. It is believed to have arrived in wooden packing materials from Asia. 

Tell-tale signs of an Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation are perfectly round holes in trees, about the diameter of a pencil, wood shavings on the ground, and dead branches falling from otherwise healthy-looking trees.

According to MDARD, “Every known infestation of Asian longhorned beetle in the U.S. was discovered and reported by a member of the public who knew what to look for and how to report it.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Asked to Enforce COVID Laws

An Executive Directive was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer earlier this week that directed state departments and heads of autonomous agencies to do a better job of enforcing COVID-19 laws. Those laws include capacity limitations and safety protocols. It was also announced that the State Police will be enforcing COVID laws just like any other laws.

Cases of COVID-19 have risen from 15 per million to 50 per million from mid-June to late July. Whitmer fears that Michigan could move back into Phase Three if the infection rate continues on the upward trajectory. She is relying on enforcement of the prevention practices to slow the spread of the highly contagious virus. Nursing homes, meat processing plants, and agricultural housing are singled out in the directive as requiring an increase in compliance enforcement.

Departments are asked to consider revoking licenses where violations are found. According to the press release from the Governor’s office, the Michigan State Police will be enforcing the laws, such as executive orders and DHHS epidemic orders, in the same manner as any other violation of law, applying their discretion as appropriate. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Carriage Rides Offered at Goodells Park

Just when you may have been running out of socially distant ways to enjoy the summer, the St. Clair County Farm Museum has announced carriage rides on the grounds of the Goodells County Park.

Kim Shultz, owner of Majestic Heart Carriage Rides, said that she and her husband came up with the idea while biking around the park. They were looking for a way to keep their business going along with supporting the Farm Museum, and the collaboration was born.

The carriage rides are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-5:00 p.m. starting this weekend and running through September 27. The cost is $30 per carriage ride, and can accommodate up to six people. The rides are approximately twenty minutes long with plenty of photo ops. Part of the fee will be donated to the St. Clair County Farm Museum, on the grounds of the Goodells Park. The Museum will be open for tours during that time also.

Shultz said that hand sanitizer is provided and the carriage is disinfected between rides. Rides can be scheduled by calling 810-310-0827 after 2:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Hunter Hospitality House Reaching Out to Community

Port Huron, MI — Hunter Hospitality House is reaching out to the community for help with their endowment fund. The fund helps keep their houses up and running, which provides free lodging to medical patients and their loved ones. They have houses near both hospitals in Port Huron.

After being closed for several weeks due to the pandemic, the non-profit was able to open on June 1st and has since served fifteen guests. According to Executive Director Tracy Willard, “Keeping young parents near their hospitalized babies, cancer patients near their treatment centers, surgical patients near the hospital the night before and then their spouses near them while they’re in the hospital, and families near their hospitalized loved ones…it’s nice to be able to help people again! Restricting the homes to one family at a time gives our guests a lot of peace of mind, too, during the pandemic.”

To keep the endowment going, a raffle is being held, with prizes like a $5000 vacation, jewelry, a technology package, a catered dinner, and a weekend getaway. The tickets cost $100 and only 300 will be sold. The winners are to be drawn August 31st.

 Tickets can be purchased at hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Puppy Scams on the Rise

With people staying home more than usual, the idea of having a cute, cuddly puppy has become popular. But those looking to add a furry member to the family are warned to be on the lookout for puppy scams.

Who would dare? According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United States, plenty of scammers are out there ready to prey on unsuspecting families, and reports of puppy scams are increasing. 

Consumers are sometimes unwittingly supporting criminal and cruel illegal operations. Puppy mill operators can hide behind social distancing and complete all transactions online and deliver the animal offsite.

Molly Tamulevich, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, said, “Taking advantage of Michiganders by exploiting our love of animals is as cruel to the people as it is to the dogs.”

Americans spend over $1 billion per year buying puppies. Nessel’s office suggests that consumers research the breed and the breeder, as well as the specific advertised puppy. Do not buy sight-unseen. Buyers should use a credit card and retain all documents and communication from the breeder, or better yet, go puppy shopping at your local shelter.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland