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Local News

Whitmer on FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun issued the following statements after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. To date, over 5.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan and 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines. From January to July of 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for a staggering 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 96% of deaths.

“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is an exciting milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s office

Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Unveiled Saturday

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial located at the International Flag Plaza near the Blue Water Bridge will be unveiled this weekend in a dedication ceremony. The ceremony on Saturday, August 28th at 10:30 AM is open to the public and does not require registration.

The Tuskegee Airmen of WWII were initially trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, and the 332nd Fighter Group also received Combat Crew Training at Selfridge and Oscoda Army Airfields. This special group of African American airmen fought for their beliefs in a segregated army, and their dedication and example paved the way for the integration of the military.

The group Diving With a Purpose discovered wreckage in Lake Huron and the St. Clair River of accidents involving Tuskegee Airmen. Five airmen perished in accidents in the Port Huron Area, and the new memorial commemorates the men and celebrates their military careers.

Exhibits will be on display throughout the weekend at the Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center, and the memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of these brave airmen.

Learn more about the Memorial Dedication events <HERE>.

 

 

Resources Ready for Veterans and Refugees Amidst Chaos in Afghanistan

The situation in Afghanistan is changing rapidly. The state of Michigan is preparing for the possibility of providing a home for those who have to leave Afghanistan and make a new home somewhere else.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a press release last week, “Michigan’s greatest strength is—and always has been—our people. We have a rich history of multiculturalism—from the Dutch who settled in the West, to the Finns who mined the North, to the Middle-Easterners who made Dearborn a flourishing center for Arab culture, and countless others who make us who we are. People from around the world have come to Michigan over centuries for good-paying jobs, a high-quality education for their kids, and the right to live and worship freely. “

Whitmer is waiting to hear more from the U.S. State Department, but Michigan’s departments and agencies are gearing up to provide support to those Afghans who may be calling Michigan home.

Whitmer also reached out to Michigan’s veterans who may be struggling with the images of chaos in the land in which so many sacrifices were made. Whitmer said, “You answered the call to serve your country and now we have a duty to serve you.” 

A link to resources for veterans:

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (1-800-MICH-VET) 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Richmond to Dedicate New Football Field to Late Coach John Kocher

Before the first kick-off of the season on Thursday night, Richmond Community Schools will be dedicating their football field to the late Coach John Kocher and rededicating Ben Boldt Stadium. The Richmond community has a tradition of cheering their football teams on to victory, but they proved their support when they passed a $37.1 million bond proposal two years ago that included a state-of-the-art synthetic turf football field.

Chris Rinehart, Athletic Director for Richmond Community Schools, said he got goosebumps just thinking about how incredible the new football field is. Rinehart said every piece of the field is fantastic, from the color scheme to the feel of the turf, and the whole community is using it.

Rinehart said that the dedication of the field to Coach Kocher is important to the community because Coach Kocher, who battled cancer until his passing in March, enjoyed being a part of the success of students. He was passionate about kids and football.  The dedication was proposed by community members Nick Matthes and Pat Akerley and the whole community embraced the idea.

Referring to Coach Kocher, Rinehart said, “Knowing what he meant to this community, and what he did in Richmond, we are all proud to be a part of it.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Crosstown Showdown October 8th

Fall is just around the corner, and preparations are being made for this year’s Crosstown Showdown between the Port Huron High and Port Huron Northern football teams.

The event was cancelled last year, so organizers are looking forward to this fundraiser for the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund. Funds are raised through sponsorships and ticket sales for a catered end zone tailgate reception held during the game.

Members of the Endowment Fund Committee hope to increase the fund from its current balance of $404,859.31 to $1 million dollars.

PHS Endowment Fund Advisory Chairperson Kim  Dooley said, “The annual principal of the fund stays invested, while the interest supports Pre-K through 12th grade related classroom grants and college access initiatives for Port Huron teachers and students.”

Each year, a group is honored at the pregame celebration, and this year, the focus will be on Port Huron Schools Food & Nutrition Department and their staff and volunteers who have served over 1.8 million meals to the community since March of 2020.

Sponsorships and tickets for the Crosstown Showdown can be purchased <HERE> or in person at football games at Memorial Stadium, the PHS Administrative Building, or by contacting Sue Schmid at the St. Clair County Community Foundation at (810) 984-4761 or by email to sschmid@stclairfoundation.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Quarantine Order in Effect Until Further Notice

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, issued a Public Health Order effective August 20th until further notice. The Order reaffirms that a close contact of person infected with COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days.

Anyone who is notified by the the St. Clair County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or their local school district that they are a close contact of an infected person must quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated or have had a documented case of COVID-19 in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered.

Dr. Mercatante said, “Quarantine of a healthy individual who is identified as a close contact is necessary to control community transmission of COVID-19. We understand how difficult the last 18 months have been on everyone, however it is our duty to protect the health of our community and work to control the spread of this virus.”

The Order states that businesses, schools, and other facilities must continue to keep records for contact tracing purposes and provide them to the health department if needed. They are also subject to serious civil or criminal penalties if they permit an employee, student, or patron to act contrary to the Order.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand