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Local News

U-M, MSU Requiring Covid Booster Shot for Returning Students

Going back to college campuses after winter break could mean also getting a third COVID shot. Some colleges and universities are requiring the shot in an effort to stem the predicted spread of the highly contagious omicron variant of the COVID virus.

Both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are requiring students to get the booster as soon as possible.

The omicron variant has been detected in the U of M community. All faculty, staff, and students on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses of U of M have until February 4th to get the shot. Testing and masking protocols have been tightened up as well as the university tries to keep in-person classes going for the next semester.

Michigan State University is also requiring the booster shot and is continuing to allow for exemptions for religious or medical reasons while maintaining masking requirements and other safety protocols.

St. Clair County Community College requires students to be fully vaccinated but has not issued a booster shot requirement.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Businesses Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

On Monday, December 20, 2021, the Port Huron Police Department conducted a compliance  check operation focusing on underage sales of alcohol to minors. 

During the operation police sent underage decoys into 31 Port Huron stores licensed by the  Michigan Liquor Control Commission to sell alcohol. Of the 31 businesses checked, 28 were  found to be in compliance by refusing to sell alcohol to the underage decoys. 

Three businesses were not in compliance and were cited for selling alcohol to a minor: 

  1. Speedway, 2611 Ravenswood Road, Port Huron 
  2. Electric Ave Sprit Shop, 3407 Electric Ave, Port Huron 
  3. Family Dollar, 2700 Pine Grove Ave, Port Huron  

The Port Huron Police Department would like to thank all of the stores that were found to be  in compliance and encourage all licensed establishments to check identifications to prevent  the use of alcohol by underage minors. 

Submitted by the Port Huron Police Department

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Awards

VNA & Blue Water Hospices celebrated their employees and volunteers who are making a difference for the patients and staff they work with.

WGRT congratulates the following award winners and thanks them for their dedication to the people they work with.

 

Volunteer of the Year Award

Tom Paull was named 2021 Volunteer of the Year. A volunteer since 2019, Tom is a Companion Volunteer. He sits with patients and families – listening, talking… being a kind presence in the Blue Water Hospice Home. Several staff echoed the sentiment that Tom “is invaluable to the Hospice Home…what he does is appreciated more than he knows.” They are extremely happy that he chooses VNA & Blue Water Hospice to share his talents and volunteer.

 

Bess MacCulloch Award

Larissa John, CNA was named 2021 Bess MacCulloch Service Award winner. This award is given to someone in the Health Services, Home Health Care, or Private Duty services who exemplifies the mission of the agency. They provide excellent care to clients in addition to their community service.

Larissa has been with VNA since 2016. She wears several hats at the agency – she is a CNA in the Hospice Division at Blue Water Hospice Home as well as doing intake for the overall agency. She was nominated by a co-worker who stated “Larissa is the most kindhearted and caring person I know. She is great with patients and their families, picks up extra shifts, stays late, and comes in early, if needed. She is funny, compassionate, and wonderful to work with.”

 

Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award

Lucie Gillespie, RN was named 2021 Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award winner. This award is given to an employee of the Hospice division who provides extraordinary care to patients and families dealing with terminal illness.

Lucie has been with the agency since 2015 caring for patients in residence at the Blue Water Hospice Home. The co-worker who nominated her said she “demonstrates compassion to each patient and family she comes into contact with. She often sits with patients at the end of life when no family is able to be present, so they are not alone. She even sang to a patient in German… her favorite Christmas Carol, giving the patient peace in their final days. Lucie attention to detail and critical thinking skills allow her to anticipate what a patient or family may need during this intimate journey in one’s life. She cares for patients as if they were her own family.”

Kindness Award

Haley Walsh, LPN was named 2021 Kindness Award winner. This award is given to an employee for their dedication to other team members, upholding the agency’s charter exhibited by patterns of kindness through friendliness, generosity, consideration, and above all…integrity.

Haley has been with VNA & Blue Water Hospice since 2016. Nominated by several co-workers, they had wonderful things to say about Haley. “She is very attentive to the needs…sitting, listening, and explaining situations to a patient’s family, or just holding the hand of anyone in need. She conveys peace around the Blue Water Hospice Home.” Another nominator shared “Haley provides top quality care. On more than one occasion she has helped cover months of night shifts. She seeks out ways to grow and is working toward completing her RN degree.”

 

Leader of the Year Award

Jennica Kelly, RN, BSN was named 2021 Leader of the Year. To be named Leader of the Year an individual must demonstrate compassion, outstanding leadership, hold themselves and others accountable, while functioning with the utmost humility.

Jennica has been with VNA & Blue Water Hospice since 2016 and is currently the agency’s Quality Coordinator. The co-workers that nominated her said she “took on many challenges during 2021. She rose up to the challenge to take on responsibilities that were not her own, assisted in the CHAP survey preparations, all while doing her own work. Jennica is truly dedicated to the agency and is always willing to help others. She is a great leader who doesn’t realize she is leading…but has a great impact on others.”

 

New Law Continues Funding for 911 Service, Increases Surcharge

House Bill 5026 was passed and signed by the Governor last week. The bill amends and streamlines the Emergency 9-1-1 Enabling Act. 

The legislation, introduced by State Representative Julie Calley, a Portland Republican, funds the 9-1-1 system until the end of 2027. It also increases the prepaid wireless 9-1-1 surcharge. The surcharge will go from 5% to 6%.

Calley said, “Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government. If we fail to take action, we’d be shirking our responsibility and letting down every single Michigander who relies on 911 to be at the ready when an emergency occurs.”

Calley explained the rate increase, saying, “The software and technology we have today to support the trained experts on the line is truly incredible – but it’s not free. It’s absolutely essential to make sure this fund is sustainable long into the future.” 

According to fiscal analysis, the surcharge increase would result in increased revenue to counties and the Department of State Police.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Unruly Passengers Could Lose PreCheck Status

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have joined to increase the consequence for airline passengers who get out of line on airplanes.

The FAA is now sharing information with the TSA about unruly airline passengers who were fined for their behavior. This allows the TSA to determine if those passengers should lose eligibility for TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck is a service available for low-risk travelers that involves an application and approval process with the TSA. Once a traveler is approved, they are able to move through the airport security screening process more quickly because they don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, and other items normally produced at checkpoints.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, “TSA has zero tolerance for the unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft. We have tremendous respect for airport staff, gate agents and flight crews that get people safely to their destinations. This partnership with FAA will help ensure the safety and security of all passengers and hold those who violate federal regulations accountable for their actions.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Firefighters, Survivors Benefit from New Laws

Two bills have been signed into law to support First Responders and their children in Michigan.

House Bill 4172 was signed into law last week to allow for current and former firefighters to be covered for certain cancers under the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. This includes full-time, part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “We owe our state’s firefighters endless thanks for their selfless acts of service.” 

Republican Jeff Yaroch of Richmond sponsored the bill. Yaroch said, “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us – that’s why it’s important we ensure they’re taken care of when their work leads to injury and illness.”

Yaroch said he appreciates the bipartisan support for taking care of firefighters.

House Bill 4247 was also signed into law to streamline the Survivor Tuition Grant tuition assistance programs for children of fallen officers. The law removes the need to prove financial need.

Sponsor Matt Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, said, “With this action, we’re honoring the memories of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by honoring their commitments to their families after they pass.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland