Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Got the Vaccine? Still Need to “Mask Up”

Despite vaccination for COVID-19 starting to pick up, mask-wearing is not going away any time soon. In fact, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is ramping up its efforts to make sure people not only continue wearing masks but wear them correctly.

For those who thought they could ditch the mask once they got the vaccine, they will need to think again. Those who receive the vaccine are asked to continue to wear their masks to prevent spreading the virus.

According to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS, “We are making great progress towards our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders as quickly as possible, but it is important people remain vigilant in preventing spread of COVID-19 even after receiving a vaccine.”

Michiganders are asked to make sure their mask fits properly to keep their own respiratory droplets in and others out. More layers mean more protection. According to MDHHS, one mask blocks 40% of particles; a cloth mask worn over a medical mask blocks 85% of particles and two medical masks or a medical mask properly fitted can block 95% of particles.

Reporting for WGRT –  Jennie McClelland

Vaccine Clinic Cancelled Today – Rescheduled for Thursday

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is cancelling its COVID-19 vaccination clinic for today, Tuesday, February 16 at the Blue Water Convention Center (BWCC). St. Clair County has closed all non-essential operations due to the winter storm and dangerous conditions.

Today’s clinic is rescheduled and will be combined with another clinic currently scheduled on Thursday, February 18, from 10:00am -7:00pm at the BWCC.  Individuals who had an appointment today, should plan for the same appointment time on Thursday.

If you are unable to attend the rescheduled clinic occurring on Thursday, please do the following:

  • Email covid19@stclaircounty.org
  • On Wednesday, 2/17, call the SCCHD (810) 987-5300 or (810) 966-4163 during regular business hours.

Submitted by the St Clair County Health Department

Closings for Tuesday, February 16, 2021

St. Clair County

  • All AREA Schools are closed

Blue Water Transit – CLOSED – No bus service

Community Enterprises of St. Clair

Council on Aging St Clair County – No home delivered meals or congregate meals, all 4 senior centers are also closed, no transportation.

People’s Clinic for Better Health

PKSA Karate – There will be NO in person or zoom classes tonight.

SC4 – St. Clair County Community College – Evening classes are CANCELLED

St. Clair County Offices – all offices including libraries, administration, courts, and the health department

St. Clair Community Mental Health – All programs are closed. Employees do not need to report to work.

Sir Speedy Printing – Closed today – Reopening Wednesday, Feb 17th at 8:30 am.

Yale – No Bingo

Sanilac County

  • ALL Area Schools are CLOSED

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day Raffle Supports United Way

The United Way of St. Clair County is conducting its annual St. Patrick’s Day raffle, and prizes include array of gift baskets including themes like Explore St. Clair, Coffee Lover’s, Summertime, and School Spirit.

Gift baskets are full of surprises like gift cards to local restaurants, lottery tickets, overnight stays, and golf adventures. The Summertime Sizzlin’ basket includes a brand new Royal Gourmet Grill with Offset Smoker.

Tickets are available for $2 each both online <HERE> and at the United Way of St. Clair County’s office at 1723 Military Street in Port Huron. The drawing for prizes takes place on March 17th at 9:30 AM live on the United Way’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Funds raised will support the many services and organizations the United Way of St. Clair County works with in our community.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

No Penalty or Interest for Failure to Make Tax Payments on Unemployment Checks

There is good news for those who collected unemployment benefits in 2020: no penalty or interest related to underpaid estimated tax payments will be levied, effective immediately. 

Taxpayers, even if unemployed, are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe more than $500 in state taxes. Penalties for failure to do so are waived for 2020 unemployment benefits only.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “This is the right thing to do. COVID has disrupted our lives in numerous ways – and many Michiganders are depending on unemployment benefits to get them by during this extraordinary time. Having to pay penalties and interest on unemployment benefits is the last thing individuals should be worried about when they go to pay their taxes.”

No action is needed to get the waiver. It is automatically granted to unemployment beneficiaries. Unemployment money is taxable income and will need to be claimed on 2020 tax filings. Unemployment recipients should have received a 1099-G. Taxes are now being processed at both the federal and state levels.

More information about tax filing can be found at www.michigan.gov/incometax.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland