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Students and Parents Urged to Be Cautious When Taking out Student Loans

College is expensive and most students are forced to take out student loans. The Michigan Department of Treasury is alerting parents and students to seek the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to borrowing money for school. Americans owe about $1.7 trillion in student loans.

Robin Lott, director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning for the Treasury, said, “More and more, students and families have to cover a considerable amount of their higher education costs. When student borrowers become financially empowered, they can better understand how to manage and leverage the financial aid they receive.”

The Treasury’s MI Student Aid Team has some tips for making the best of the student loan process. They say to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to maximize options.

Not every student understands that loans need to be repaid, with interest. Loans are not “free money”. Students and parents should check the amount of interest being offered before accepting it. Shop around and only accept the amount you need.

Finally, students should make an account with studentaid.gov to keep track of their loans.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Unlock Michigan’s Petition Approved

The Michigan House of Representatives voted on July 21, 2021 to approve the petition led by Unlock Michigan to repeal the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945 (EPGA).

The Michigan Senate approved the petition last week, so under the state constitution, the citizen initiative will become law and be immune to the governor’s veto.

The Unlock Michigan petition received over 460,000 signatures, and it has been making its way through the certification process for over 6 months. The petition requires approval by the Michigan legislature for any emergency orders issued by the Governor after 28 days.

State Representative Andrew Beeler of Port Huron, said, “Acting through the citizens’ initiative process, the people and Legislature are working together to overcome an overreaching executive branch which refuses to allow the constitutional processes of our government to proceed during a time of emergency.”

According to their website, Unlock Michigan describes themselves as “a coalition of concerned Michiganders who believe that Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s crushing lockdown of life and business across Michigan is a dangerous threat to [their] livelihoods and constitutional liberties.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

To Flush or Not to Flush

Confusion about what kind of wet wipes can be flushed down the toilet is still causing problems for wastewater infrastructure in many communities, and Congresswoman Lisa McClain hopes to reduce it by creating a national labeling standard for non-flushable wet wipes.

McClain said, “Too often, false marketing leads people to flush wipes that are not safe for our plumbing infrastructure. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which is key to maintaining and protecting our sewage systems.”

Some wet wipes are safe for flushing, but their appearance is so similar to other wet-wipes, that it’s difficult to tell the difference. Wipes need to be free of plastic fibers and completely break down after flushing in order to be compatible with sewer systems.

Many wipes are marketed as flushable, but in reality there are disclaimers on the packaging with ambiguous messaging such as “safe for well-maintained sewer and septics” or warnings about using in basement pump systems or flushing more than one wipe at a time.

Make-up remover wipes, baby wipes, surface-cleaning wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products do not break down in sewer systems and can wreak havoc on both municipal and septic systems.

The new WIPPES Act would require that non-flushable wipes come with a “Do not flush” warning on their packaging, and it provides for consumer education on the new labeling and the adverse effects flushing the wrong products has on sewer systems.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Delta Variant Identified in St. Clair County

Two individuals with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of COVID-19 has been identified in St. Clair County as of  7/22/2021.  

When a positive result is found, a small percentage of these samples are sent on for genetic sequencing to  identify any variant strains. Therefore, it is very likely there are more unidentified cases of the Delta variant  in St. Clair County. 

Case #1: Individual in their 30’s; not vaccinated 

Case #2: Individual in their 40’s; not vaccinated  

“The Delta variant is more contagious and by the time it has been identified, an infected individual(s) may  have already exposed many more people”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St.  Clair County Health Department. Mercatante continued, “Less than 50% of our residents are fully vaccinated,  making our population especially vulnerable to this variant. This will likely result in a surge/increase in serious  cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. We strongly encourage those who have not been vaccinated yet to do  so now. Additionally, cooperate (answer your phone, text, etc) with public health staff during contact tracing  efforts so we can help control further spread.” 

The St. Clair County Health Department is urging individuals to continue to take precautions against COVID 19, especially as new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 to become more prevalent.  Recommendations include: 

∙ Get fully vaccinated  

∙ Wear a mask around others if not vaccinated; especially in crowded indoor or outdoor areas ∙ Stay six feet apart from others if not vaccinated 

∙ Wash hands often 

∙ Stay home when you feel ill. Get tested if you have symptoms 

∙ Ventilate indoor spaces 

Vaccines are available at the St. Clair County Health Department and many other locations throughout the  community. Schedule an appointment at www.scchealth.co or call (810) 987-5300; Email questions to the  COVID-19 hotline covid19@stclaircounty.org or call (810) 966-4163. 

Further updates will be shared on www.scchealth.co and social media @scchdmi. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Holland Road Beach Closed for E. coli

At the present time, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Road Beach in Port Huron. Water samples will be collected at the beach until E. coli test results are within the acceptable water quality range.

The SCCHD Environmental Health Division conducts environmental monitoring at eight public beaches in St. Clair County for the presence of E. coli bacteria from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Water samples must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters for the water to be considered safe for swimming. E. coli bacteria is a common microbe found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. There are a variety of sources that contribute bacteria and other pathogens to surface water, including septic systems, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, storm (rain) runoff, wild and domestic animal waste, and agriculture runoff. Elevated E.coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in storm runoff or stirred up from waves. If there has been a recent heavy rainfall or high winds, or if the water appears cloudy or turbid, individuals should choose not to swim that day.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are shared on the SCCHD’s 24-hour Water Quality Hotline at 877-504-SWIM, “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page, and Michigan BeachGuard website at www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

What is the Social District in Port Huron?

Port Huron, MI — With Boat Week festivities starting today, many people may be wondering exactly what the rules are for the Downtown Port Huron Social District.

A social district is a designated area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased from participating restaurants and then carried around inside its boundaries. It is not an opportunity to bring your own alcoholic beverages into the city for drinking.

Social District drinks are in specially marked cups and can be purchased at Casey’s, City Flats/City Floats, Lynch’s Irish Tavern, Martina’s Grill, Raven Cafe, Wings, Etc., and Vintage Tavern.

After you purchase a beverage from a participating restaurant, you must stay on main street sidewalks while enjoying it. The Social District runs from Glenwood to Union Street down Huron and Military. Check with business owners before bringing your drink into their stores; many allow it, but it’s best to ask!

The Social District operates 7 days a week and closes at midnight each night, and local and state laws still apply to serving minors, public intoxication, and impaired driving, so stay safe and be responsible if you choose to take advantage of this downtown perk.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand