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Local News

States Ask Feds for Help to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

Keeping invasive Asian Carp fish out of the Great Lakes is a critical and difficult task. A coalition of governors has asked the federal government to fund the effort in the 2022 Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

Asian carp can wreak havoc on the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois is considered the most critical “pinch point” where the invasive species can be stopped from entering Lake Michigan.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and we are taking action to put Michigan first and protect the Great Lakes.”

Dan Eichinger of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said, “Guarding the Great Lakes against the ravages of invasive carp is one of the most urgent tasks for those charged with protecting and managing Michigan’s natural resources.”

Eichinger explained, “The Brandon Road Lock and Dam marks a key pinch point for keeping these harmful species out of the lakes. This proposed funding will help secure a better future for the Great Lakes and for all those who cherish and depend upon them.”  

The Brandon Road project has a $29 million price tag and will take several years to complete.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Deadline for HealthCare.gov Insurance Signup is December 15th

Need health insurance? Time is running out to purchase coverage from the health insurance marketplace. The deadline for signing up for a plan is December 15th to have coverage lined up for January 1st of 2022. Waiting until after the deadline will push coverage to starting February 1st.

Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, said, ”We know that comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes for individuals and families, so it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to get low- or no-cost coverage.”

There are 174 approved health plans from ten insurers on the Health Insurance Marketplace, healthcare.gov. Off-market plans are also available, bringing it up to 256 possibilities for coverage.

If cost is a concern, there are a number of subsidies from the American Rescue Plan. Customers had their premiums reduced by about 45% in 2021. According to the state insurance office, 80% of customers pay less than $10 a month.

Free local enrollment help is available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596.

Michiganders can visit HealthCare.gov/Lower-Costs to estimate whether they may qualify for subsidies and other savings. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake huron Medical Center’s December Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its December 2021 Employee of the Month, Mary Beth Elles, RN. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of  staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area. 

Mary Beth works as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and has been an employee at  LHMC since June 2013. She was nominated by a patient who commented, “Mary Beth and her  team were amazing and “rock stars” – they made a very scary situation positive and memorable 

for me. She kept me calm and smiling through a severe situation which lead to a life-saving  procedure early in the morning. Because she knew I was nervous, she let me call my husband  and talk to him before the procedure. I will always remember all the amazing nurses and doctors.  Lake Huron employees are angels.”  

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a  special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Mary Beth, as we  celebrate their accomplishments. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit  www.mylakehuron.com.  

Free Mental Health Line to Help with “Winter Blues”

The winter blues are common, but the past two years have been particularly stressful, and more people are in need of mental health care than ever before.

Mental health care for those experiencing seasonal depression or who just need someone to talk to is available through the StayWell program administered through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 888-535-6136.

Dr. Debra Pinals of MDHHS said, “People are struggling with the exhaustion of how long we have been dealing with this pandemic, and they’re worried about what will happen in the future. We generally see an uptick in depression and grief during the winter months, and COVID-19 certainly isn’t helping.”

MDHHS offers the following tips for those suffering from winter blues:

Stay active, even if it is doing small things each day.

Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.

Keep a schedule and try to get fresh air every day.

Try to find a small pleasure for yourself within each day.

Avoid using too much alcohol and avoid drugs.

Create a buddy system to have someone you can call when you feel down.

Set boundaries on how you want to spend your time in a way that works for you. Be respectful of others who may want things from you, but remember to take care of yourself.

Seek professional help if you need it.

 For a free, confidential conversation with a trained Stay Well crisis counselor, dial 888-535-6136 and press “8” at the prompt. The phone line is open 24/7 for any Michigan resident.

Visit Michigan.gov/StayWell to locate the nearest community mental health services program office, register for a virtual support group or access helpful brochures and recorded webinars.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Copy-Cat School Threats Taken Seriously

Anyone who makes a threat against a school, even if “just joking”, is going to get into big trouble. That’s the message from every school district, including Port Huron Schools, in the wake of the tragic school shooting at Oxford High School and the rash of copycat threats throughout the region.

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to families last week explaining what will happen to those who make threats. Kerhoulas said that students who make threats “have and will be arrested” and urged parents to talk with their kids about how serious a threat is. School expulsion and charges from law enforcement are the consequences of threatening the safety of a school.

Port Huron Schools is working with local agencies to keep schools safe and to provide mental health help for kids who are experiencing anxiety.

Social media use has been proven to drive up anxiety for students. In MSU Today, Zakia Alavi, a child development expert said that parents should limit exposure to tv and social media coverage of tragic events so as not to “re-traumatize”.

Any suspicious behavior or perceived threats should be immediately reported to authorities, instead of reposting on social media. Tips can always be given at michigan.gov/ok2say.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Visit Santa on the Farm

The Smiths Creek Equestrian Center is hosting free pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 19, 2021 along with other fun, family farm centered activities.

The event will have the feel of an old fashioned country Christmas, and families can visit from noon until 4 PM.

For $3 kids can create a craft, and for $5 each they can take a pony ride or a hay ride out to visit the farm’s petting zoo.

The Smiths Creek Equestrian Center is located at 709 Sturdevant Road in Smiths Creek. They are known for providing horseback riding lessons and hosting a 4-H club along with boarding and training horses.

You can learn more about the Smiths Creek Equestrian Center, find them on Facebook <HERE>.  To learn more about Santa on the Farm, visit our events page <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand