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Local News

Military Street Bridge Operating on Restricted Open Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The Military Street Bridge in Downtown Port Huron is currently following the Code of Federal Regulation to reduce potential shut-downs due to damage, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The Military Street Bridge opens and closes as needed to allow tall boats to navigate the Black River, which leads to the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. Currently, it is following the Federal Code by only opening if five or more boats are waiting to cross, as well as on the hour and half-hour.

The bascule bridge is currently undergoing repairs to its hydraulic system and the change is meant to reduce wear and tear on the structure. Emergency openings for Coast Guard traffic are an exception to the Federal Regulation.

Temporary repairs have been made to allow the bridge to open and close. Otherwise, it would remain in the open position to allow for boat traffic, but causing a vehicle traffic detour on the business loop. The permanent repairs are waiting until parts come in. The repairs are expected to be completed following Labor Day weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Health Department Updates Mask Recommendations

 On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendation for mask wearing. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others, the CDC recommends everyone – including fully vaccinated individuals – wear a mask indoors in public if in an area of substantial or high transmission. In addition, given new evidence, the CDC is also recommending indoor face masks for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, indicating that children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies. Indoor masking for all in K-12 schools aims to reduce transmission of COVID-19, prevent student and employee absenteeism due to illness, and promote a healthy, in-person learning environment.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and St. Clair County Health Department fully support and endorse the new CDC recommendations.

St. Clair County is now classified at the substantial community transmission level with a case rate of 54.67 per 100,000 persons (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07) and a test positivity rate of 5.68% (Time frame: Aug 01-Aug 07). We anticipate these numbers to increase in the coming weeks. Neighboring counties have also met the moderate or substantial transmission threshold and are trending upwards as well.

St. Clair County Health Department recommends face mask wearing for all individuals – fully vaccinated and unvaccinated – while indoors in public. Given the community transmission status change, the health department also encourages schools and businesses to consider the latest public health recommendations when determining risk mitigation strategies for employees and clients within buildings.

A layered protection strategy should be followed to ensure a healthy environment, allowing all St. Clair County residents the best chance to remain healthy and physically present at work and in the classroom setting. Such strategy should include the following risk mitigation measures:

  • Receive the COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible
  • Wear your face mask while indoors
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from others
  • Enhance ventilation systems within buildings
  • Stay home when sick and get tested for COVID-19
  • Adhere to isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or quarantine if considered a close contact

“The Delta variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and increases the risk of illness and outbreaks. That is why a layered protection strategy is once again needed to help stop the spread of the virus. Vaccination remains the best tool in our toolbox to prevent COVID-19 infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, adding back in another tool, like wearing your face mask while indoors, will help ensure everyone is doing their part to protect our community against the Delta variant,” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer.

To date, 51.0% of St. Clair County residents 12+ years and older have received at least one dose of vaccine.  The health department offers COVID-19 vaccines at both their main office and Teen Health locations.

“We understand the frustration brought on by the length of the pandemic and with the changing recommendations. It has been an exceptionally difficult period. However, as more is learned about the virus and the new variants, we must change our recommendations accordingly. Please know that we recognize the potential impact our guidance can have on the community and weigh those decisions carefully” said Mercatante.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Lightship To Get Much-Needed Repairs

Port Huron, MI — The Huron Lightship needs some serious repair after last summer’s damage. City Manager James Freed has recommended that the City of Port Huron award a contract to Martin Construction to repair the structure.

A rare meteotsunami caused water levels in the St. Clair River to quickly raise and then recede, resulting in significant damage to the Huron Lightship. The boat, which had been permanently grounded at Pine Grove Park for decades, actually floated up and destroyed much of the mechanical structures.

Some work has already been done to repair the Lightship, which is a working Museum, under the management of Port Huron Museums. It is not currently open to visitors due to the damage.

The final restoration involves replacing the damaged walkway to the Lightship and backfilling around the ship to maintain stability. After soliciting bids from several contractors, Martin Construction was the only contractor willing to take on the project. The cost is $62,400 for the complete project.

According to Freed, the backfilling needs to take place quickly to ensure the stability of the vessel.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Schools Develops Committee to Address Pandemic Recovery

A group of education stakeholders met on August 4th to develop a strategic plan for students in the Port Huron schools. The group’s members are from a variety of sectors, including students, and they will focus on helping students recover from the effects the pandemic had on education.

Theo Kerhoulas, Port Huron Schools Superintendent, said “The purpose of the committee is to review feedback and identify major areas for planning consideration as we create the best learning environment for our students and families, while supporting our community needs in the significant recovery from the pandemic. These stakeholders will advise my team in development, implementation and communication of the recovery plan for Port Huron Schools.”

The stakeholders include teachers, parents, community representatives, and school administrators and board of education members. The recovery plan will involve determining where things stand presently and developing a strategy to address wellness, academics, school climate, and family and community engagement in the future.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Kids Likely to Have to Mask Up in School 

Don’t throw those masks away just yet. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidance for Back-to-School as the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is sweeping the nation. 

The MDHHS guidance is based on updated Centers for Disease Control recommendations. The focus is on keeping school buildings open and keeping kids in school as much as possible. Risk level assessment and layering of prevention measures are part of the strategy. 

The strategies include vaccinating as many people as are eligible for the vaccine. Right now, that is people aged twelve and older. Consistent and correct mask use is also part of the current strategy. The CDC recommends that all students and staff continue to mask up. 

Physical distancing, screening and testing, hand-washing, improved ventilation, and contact tracing are all part of the layering approach. 

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “We continue to urge all eligible residents to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as it is our best defense against the virus and the way we are going to end this pandemic.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Armada

Armada, MI — On, August 5, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that moved through the area on July 24 and 25.

“These communities were hit hard by the late July storms and tornados and our recovery efforts will continue to get people the help they need, where they need it, as soon as possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “A state declaration ensures state assistance gets to  areas affected by the severe weather as soon as possible, and we will keep monitoring the situation to help communities recover and rebuild.”

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has provided in conjunction with local agencies.

On July 24, a tornado touched down in Armada Township, just outside of Armada Village. The storm moved through the village, and significantly impacted properties both in the village and the township.

“The immediate response efforts in Armada were an amazing example of a community coming together during a crisis,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “As we transition to our rebuilding efforts, this designation from the state will provide much needed resources for residents and local businesses. I want to thank the Governor for her declaration and commitment to support this community.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office