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Local News

MIOSHA Refers to CDC Guidelines Regarding New COVID Rules

With June 22nd being the start of a new era of post-COVID behavior, employers and their employees may be wondering what exactly the updated rules mean.

The message from the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration, MIOSHA, is that it’s up to the employer to use their “best judgement” to determine whether temperature checks, facial covering, and social distancing will continue.

MIOSHA is referring to CDC recommendations when it comes to school and healthcare settings and recommending that in general unvaccinated people still wear masks. Childcare providers are asked to provide non-medical grade masks to unvaccinated employees.

Referring to the repealed restrictions, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan said, “These updates recognize the great progress we have made in Michigan to contain COVID-19 and the power of vaccinations. We will continue to provide critical workplace protections more focused on areas of increased COVID-19 risk. In non-health care settings, it’s important that all employers recognize that they have a general duty to provide a safe workplace.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Hearing and Vision Screening at Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering free hearing and vision screening for any child entering preschool or kindergarten in the Fall.

All children must have a hearing and vision screening before entering kindergarten. Hearing and vision screenings can identify problems that could interfere with your child’s development and hinder their success in school.

Early diagnosis of a hearing or vision problem can help prevent permanent issues down the road.

Appointments are available at the main location on 28th Street in Port Huron, and walk-ins will also be accepted.

Screenings are available in June and July, Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 4 PM. Screenings are not available during lunch hour from noon- 1 PM, or on July 7th.

In August, screenings are available on Mondays from 10:30 AM – 6 PM (not available from 2 – 3 PM) and on Tuesdays – Fridays from 8:30 AM – 4 PM (not available from 12 – 1 PM).

For more information, call the Health Department at
(810) 987-5300.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Family Night Planned for July 22nd

Port Huron, MI — Operation Transformation invites families to enjoy one of the area’s favorite parts of Boat Week: OT’s Family Night. The event is planned for Thursday, July 22nd from 5 – 9 PM.

This evening of fun for families takes place on the lawn just northeast of the 10th Street Bridge, and it features activities specifically geared toward children.

This year’s event will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, carnival games, and giveaways.

Operation Transformation works with sponsors to provide the event for free to the community. This year’s sponsors are the James C. Acheson Foundation, Community First Health Centers, Kiwanis Club of Port Huron, Power 88.3/Hope FM, and Pollock Randall Funeral Home.

OT is also looking for volunteers, and interested people can contact Renee Hernandez at 810-966-8660.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Future in Question for State’s Lottery

Buying lottery tickets as a way to “support the schools” might not be a valid rationalization if a U.S. Department of Justice ruling sticks. The ruling is being challenged by a coalition of Attorneys General, including Michigan’s, to try to keep lotteries going in order to fund schools and other state-run programs.

There is debate over a ruling pertaining to the federal Wire Act and the possible end of legal state-run lotteries. The interpretation of the Act is in question.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Billions of dollars are generated through government-operated lotteries annually across this country for critical governmental services including schools, senior citizens programs, first responders, and infrastructure programs. This interpretation threatens this funding source. I am joined by my colleagues today to urge the Department of Justice to adopt the reading of the Wire Act set forth by the First Circuit.” 

More than $80 billion were raised in gross revenues among 47 state lotteries in 2017. Michigan uses lottery money for public education, college scholarships, environmental protection, senior citizens, first responders, and infrastructure projects, among others.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vigilance Against Scams Needed When Investing in Crypto

Investing in cryptocurrency is growing in popularity. As opportunities to make money grow, the potential for scamming or for misunderstanding the complicated world of digital currency is also on the rise.

The Michigan Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have issued a joint consumer alert regarding cryptocurrency. The value of the total cryptocurrency market is $2 trillion worldwide.

The state agencies suggest that potential investors research before using a company. Add the word “scam” or “complaint” to your search and see what comes up. Be very cautious when giving personal credit card or bank information or when using Venmo or other payment apps. Also, celebrity endorsements do not mean that a company is legit. It could still be a scam.

Anita Fox of DIFS said, “It pays to do your homework with reputable sources before initiating a transfer or giving out any personal information, and remember that if an offer seems too good to be true – it could be a scam.”   

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Boating Safety App is Helpful Tool

With so many options for enjoying our lakes and rivers, water safety should be a priority in the Blue Water Area. The U.S. Coast Guard has an easy to use safety tool that may help in case of an emergency on the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety App includes features to keep boater’s safe, help them report problems, and file float plans with the Coast Guard. Available through the App Store and Google Play Store, the free app is helpful for boaters of all types.

One feature allows water-goers to file a float plan that documents their planned trip with the Coast Guard. Before leaving the shore, boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders can file the float plan on the app. If something happens and they do not arrive at their destination, the float plan could be a valuable asset for locating them.

The app also allows the user to report suspicious activity and hazards they notice on the water and contact the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance.

Learn more about the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety app <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand