George James

Finch “Irruption” Brings Rarely Seen Birds to the Area

Local bird watchers may have noticed different kinds of birds in greater numbers at bird feeders this year. 2020 marks the biggest “irruption”, or rapid population growth, of northern finches in recent history.

The National Audubon Society reports that this year is a “superflight” year in which every species of finch is moving southward in search of food. The boreal forests, which are in the northernmost parts of the world, do not have enough food, so these birds who are not often seen in the Blue Water Area, as well as much of the United States, are making a rare winter appearance this year.

Forest feast and famine cycles are natural, but COVID-19 plays a role in the irruption as well. The virus prevented spring treatment for invasive “budworms” in Quebec, which hurt the trees of the forest but contributed to a baby boom for finches, as there was a huge food supply.

When backyard bird watchers in the Blue Water Area see new and unusual birds this winter, they are seeing the results of a rare and complex ecological “perfect storm”.

More information about the “finch irruption” is available at:

https://www.audubon.org/news/this-winter-marks-incredible-superflight-hungry-winter-finches

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI COVID Alert App is Up and Running

The MI COVID Alert app has reached nearly a half million downloads. The app is used to alert users of possible exposure to the highly contagious virus.

Oxford University studies have shown that when just 15% of the population uses exposure notification apps, infections and deaths can be potentially reduced. Michigan is at about 9% of the population having downloaded the app.

The app uses tracking data to give a push notification to let users know they may have been exposed and the number of days since the possible exposure took place. No personal information is shared with other users.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the app uses randomly generated phone codes and low-energy Bluetooth technology to gauge proximity between phones without tracking exact location.

Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS, said, “If we hit even a million downloads by January 2021, we’ll be safer until a vaccine is available to the broader population.”

The app is called MI COVID Alert and is available in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sherman Woods Hosts Red Kettle for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army got some help from the Sherman Woods Neighborhood Association for the 5th year in a row this December. The lakeside neighborhood in Port Huron’s North End is known as a destination for viewing Christmas lights, and also for philanthropy.

Taking advantage of the consistent traffic during the holiday season, the neighborhood volunteered to host a Salvation Army Red Kettle to collect donations for the local charity. The response this year was “phenomenal”, according to Fred Kemp of the neighborhood association.

Kemp said that people showed up with donations prepared ahead of time and were as generous this year as in previous years. He said it was heartwarming to see not only the response from the visitors to the neighborhood but also from the residents of Sherman Woods. Kemp said that he continues to be amazed by everyone’s generosity.

The whole neighborhood participates in the over-the-top winter wonderland, with homemade light balls hanging from the trees giving a magical glow to the whole area. Kemp said that neighbors work together to make it happen, with all the lights being handmade, with no commercial help.

While you can still take a drive through Sherman Woods to see the lights, you will need to go to salvationarmy.org if you want to donate to the Salvation Army’s year-round efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Money on the Way for Struggling Individuals and Businesses

Another round of government assistance is on the way for struggling Michigan families, and it is coming from a few different places. The Michigan Legislature, the U.S. Congress, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have finalized plans for government assistance.

MDHHS is extending food assistance benefits for December. Additional money will be loaded on to bridge cards for about half of Michigan’s 1.2 million recipients, bringing all users up to the maximum monthly amount, with the final amount depending on family size. The money is expected to be loaded onto the cards by December 30th.

The state legislature passed a stimulus bill which includes $55 million to help small businesses. It includes $3.5 million for grants to music and entertainment venues, which have been largely shuttered since March. $45 million is allocated for direct payments to laid off workers, with a direct focus on restaurant and hospitality workers.

The U.S. Congress passed a $900 billion stimulus package which includes a $600 direct payment to most Americans and increased unemployment benefits. Both the state and federal bills fund vaccine distribution as well. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

High School Sports to Wrap Up Fall Season; Winter Season Starts Mid-January

High School sports are scheduled to continue, but with some new protocols. With the “pause” in high school athletics mandated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, fall sports were left in limbo.

According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, a plan is now in place to finish out the seasons for those teams that made it to the state finals.

The latest statement from the Michigan High School Athletic Association says, “With high schools now reopened, the MDHHS has announced a pilot testing program that will allow the three unfinished fall sport tournaments to resume under these new testing requirements.” The test requirements include antigen testing to try to ensure safe completion of football, volleyball, and swimming and diving finals.

Winter sports like wrestling and basketball are not to have any practices until after the current order expires January 15th. When they finally get started, spectators will be prohibited.

Spring sports are expected to start as scheduled. Updated schedules and latest information can be found at mhsaa.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yale Public Schools Staff Deliver Holiday Greetings to their Students

Yale, MI — Last week, Yale Public Schools staff boarded buses and took a ride through the district to give holiday greetings to their students. Farrell Emmett Elementary Principal Bob Watson said his staff thought they were giving a gift to the students, but after seeing how cherished the visits were, they realized they received the gift themselves.

Watson said that his teachers and staff were missing their students terribly, as the district is currently doing all virtual instruction. They wanted to do something special for the families. With Superintendent Kenneth Nicholl’s blessing and the collaboration of staff districtwide, the idea took off.

Watson said that Santa drove one of the buses and it was amazing to see the students’ reactions when their teachers got off the bus with him.

Yale’s Director of Transportation Jeri Fishel said the bus drivers were missing their kids so badly, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to get back on the roads. Both Watson and Fishel said that the teamwork to make this logistical feat happen was amazing. They were able to let the families know what time the buses would be rolling up and organize the teachers and routes accordingly.

Watson and Fishel said that parents called in thanking for the visit and said that their children really appreciated the connection with their teachers and bus drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland