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Local News

MDHHS Recommends “Layering” Mitigation Strategies for Schools

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued its recommendations for preventing COVID-19 transmission when kids and teachers go back to school in the fall.

MDHHS recommends “layering” strategies to reduce transmission. Those “layers” include promoting vaccination, wearing well-fitting masks, and social distancing, along with screening, testing, and contact tracing.

Maintaining healthy environments with regular cleaning and better ventilation are also recommended. Hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes remain part of the plan to stay healthy.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said, “I am pleased with the progress of our vaccination efforts in Michigan, with 56% of Michiganders age 12 and older having received at least their first dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.”

Khaldun went on to say, “These vaccines are the reason transmission of the virus in Michigan is at the lowest point in a year. However, as the school environment brings together large groups of individuals who may not yet be vaccinated, MDHHS is issuing this guidance to help protect Michiganders of all ages.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

 Photo credit:  Emily Goudy, Photos by Emily

Beeler Introduces Plan to Prohibit Critical Race Theory

On June 23, 2021, State Rep. Andrew Beeler introduced a plan to prevent a state or local K-12 curriculum from including race or gender stereotyping.

“Students go to school to learn, and our curriculum should not be teaching students to stereotype each other based on race or gender or to view themselves or their country poorly as a result,” said Beeler, of Port Huron. “My plan will promote respect among Michigan students and patriotism for the United States and the opportunity it provides to all, regardless of one’s background.”

Beeler’s House Bill 5097 would prohibit the state Board of Education and local school boards from explicitly or implicitly including a set of statements, beliefs or ideas related to race and gender stereotyping in core academic curriculum for public elementary, middle and secondary schools. Content to be excluded from curriculum would include, among others, the ideas that:

  • Individuals of a particular racial group, ethnic group or gender possess a collective quality or hold collective beliefs;
  • Individuals act in certain ways, including racism and sexism, because of their skin color or gender;
  • Cultural norms and practices of one group should be eliminated to conform to those of another group;
  • Individuals bear collective guilt for historical wrongs committed by others of a shared racial group or gender; and
  • Actions of individuals serve as an indictment of others in a racial group or gender.

HB 5097 has been referred to the Committee on Education for review.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Water Shut Offs and Penalties Reinstated

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron is back to their normal procedures for delinquent water bills, so residents with past due bills will begin receiving past due penalties and possible shut off notices.

Bills reflecting these changes will begin arriving in July, and past due balances must be paid to avoid penalties and shut off of water service.

A six month repayment plan is available through the City of Port Huron for those who need assistance paying their bill and want to avoid disruption of water service to their homes.

Blue Water Community Action Agency offers emergency assistance to those who qualify for their services. Those interested can call their office at 810-982-8541 or fill out the online form on their website here: https://www.bwcaa.org/get-help

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Burrell Appointed BWMCA Trustee

Blue Water Middle College Academy (BWMCA) welcomed Tyrone Burrell to its Board of Trustees. Burrell was recently appointed to replace Kenneth Cummings who has served BWMCA since 2011.

Burrell is respected in the community for his work as the Executive Director of SONS Outreach, an organization he founded that focuses on mentoring and developing at-risk youth in the Blue Water Area.

Matthew Ruiz, Blue Water Middle College Director, said, “Tyrone brings decades of experience to our board. His unique background and perspective will help the middle college expand its reach to the area’s at-risk, disadvantaged, and first-generation college students and improve their access to quality postsecondary education opportunities.”

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a charter school that partners with participating high schools in the area to enable students to attend college at St. Clair County Community College starting in their 11th grade year. Participating students have the opportunity to graduate high school with both a high school diploma and an associate degree if they complete the program.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Flood Guidance Issued by MDHHS

With rain in the forecast, and historic flooding having taken place in some areas of the state over the weekend, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing guidance for those experiencing flood events.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and other injuries.”

During a flood, people should stay out of the waters. Floodwater could be fast-moving and can carry debris. There is also the danger of electrocution from power lines in the water.

Driving in floodwaters is a bad idea. Vehicles can be swept away. If drivers are stranded, they should wait for help instead of trying to walk or drive through the water.

MDHHS warns that flood water can harbor bacteria and pollutants, so avoid contact and wash up if you have been in floodwaters. Those who use wells for drinking water should get their water tested after a flood.

More information at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339–562670–,00.html

The Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Courts Rule in Favor of City in Chicory Building Lawsuit

The question of who will pay for the cleanup of Port Huron’s Chicory Building, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018, has been answered by the courts.

The historic building near the Black River was once a chicory production facility, dating back to the early 1900s. The building burned in a massive fire on June 22, 2018, and an oil leak was discovered a week later. The City of Port Huron cleaned up the oil leak and hauled away a large amount of asbestos at an expense of nearly $474,000.

The City took the owners of the property, Harshad C. Mehta and Shilpa H. Mehta, to court to recoup the costs. The lawsuit was brought before Judge Michael West in October of 2018, who ruled in favor of the city, awarding a judgment of full reimbursement for the cleanup plus interest.

The owners appealed the decision and it was finally decided last week, with the Court of Appeals denying the appeal and upholding Judge West’s decision.

City Manager James Freed celebrated the decision, saying, in an email to City Council, “We are grateful to the Courts for standing by our community as well. This decision provides excellent case law for municipalities across our state going forward.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland