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Local News

Be Careful When Cleaning Up After Mice: Hantavirus Detected in Michigan

Health officials are raising awareness of a virus spread by mice. The Sin Nombre hantavirus has been confirmed in an infection in a woman from Washtenaw County. The virus comes from rodents and causes serious pulmonary illness. The infected woman is believed to have contracted the virus when cleaning an empty house that had mice in it.

Most cases of the hantavirus are associated with people who have come in contact with rodents through domestic, occupational, or recreational activities.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that the virus is rare but severe and sometimes fatal. The respiratory disease can occur one to five weeks after a person has exposure to infected rodents or their droppings. Suspected cases should be reported to local health departments. 

According to MDHHS, the highest risk of infection comes from entering or cleaning rodent-infected structures. Common household cleaners can kill the virus. Ventilation helps decrease the risk of exposure. Wearing gloves when cleaning also reduces the risk.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ryleigh Fuller and Elizabeth Kilyk Win National Technical Honor Society Scholarships

Two students from Port Huron Schools have received scholarships and recognition from the National Technical Honor Society. Ryleigh Fuller and Elizabeth Kilyk are winners of the 2021 Jon H. Poteat Scholarships.

The $1000 scholarships are given out to 250 students nationwide to advance education in career and technical education. The highly competitive scholarship is given to students who exemplify the seven character attributes of the National Technical Honor Society: skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.

Fuller is a 2021 graduate of Port Huron High School and studied computer programming at the St. Clair County TEC Center. Fuller has earned eight industry certifications and plans to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

Kilyk is a 2021 graduate of Port Huron Northern High School who studied digital Media Technology at the TEC Center and competed in SkillsUSA.  Kilyk plans to attend St. Clair County Community College and the College of Creative Studies in Detroit.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Invasion in Area

The cicada invasion has gotten a lot of press, but for Blue Water Area residents, it’s the gypsy moth caterpillars that are causing a lot of trouble. The little caterpillars are everywhere in some neighborhoods and there is concern over the damage they might cause to trees.

Gypsy moths are not native to the area, but they have been around since the late 1800s, so they are nothing new. This year does seem to have higher numbers than usual, as have the past two years, according to the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Not only are the little caterpillars and their webs annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to trees with their voracious appetites for leaves. The best way to get rid of them is to take down their nests in the fall. 

Adding to their vexing nature, gypsy moth caterpillar hairs contain histamine, which can cause a rash if touched, or even if blowing in the wind and making contact with skin, according to the National Poison Control Center. 

There are insecticides that can be applied to trees to kill the caterpillars. A chemical-free way to trap the invasive pests is to put bands of burlap around tree trunks and collect and kill the caterpillars that show up on it each day. 

More information is at:

https://www.misin.msu.edu/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kerhoulas Named New Superintendent for Port Huron Schools

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools has a new leader. Theo Kerhoulas was unanimously approved by the Board of Education to take over as Superintendent after the resignation of Jamie Cain, who took a position with the St. Clair County RESA.

Kerhoulas is not new to the district professionally or personally. He has been an administrator since 2014 and is a parent of students in the district. Kerhoulas held the position of Executive Director of Operations and Innovation for Port Huron Schools since 2014. He previously worked as a high school principal in the Cros-Lex district.

On accepting the Superintendent position, Kerhoulas said, “Jamie Cain leaves large shoes to fill but a strong team in place. It is great to know – both professionally and as a friend – that he is just down the road and always there to support our team and Port Huron Schools.”

After a rough year of back and forth in-person and online school and a current state-wide teacher shortage, Kerhoulas has his work cut out for him.  He said, “We must acknowledge that the pandemic has caused distress to our students, families, and staff” and that he is “personally committed to the success of every student and staff member in our organization.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rocket Mortgage Classic Will Help Detroiters Access Technology

There is a lot of excitement for a live event at this year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. The event is June 28th – July 4th, and boasts an impressive lineup of world class golfers along with a campaign to raise over a million dollars for charity.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic is the first PGA TOUR event to be held in the city of Detroit, and the event raised more than 1.2 million dollars for charity in 2019. All net proceeds from this year’s event will support their Changing the Course initiative which is committed to ensure every Detroit resident has access to the internet, technology, and digital literacy training they deserve within 5 years.

At a press conference Monday, officials from the Rocket Mortgage Classic announced a citywide campaign to streamline access to the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The “EBB 313” compliments the Changing the Course initiative, and it will help provide discounts on internet access and technology subsidies for eligible resident of Detroit.

Jay Farner, CEO of Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Companies, and Chairman of the 313 Fund, said, “The Rocket Mortgage Classic is all about building an exciting event in our home city that simultaneously creates opportunity for Detroit residents.”

Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, said they will work with other local nonprofits and governmental agencies throughout Detroit to connect residents with the program. “We’re natural conveners, this kind of engagement is in our DNA. This is what we were built to do,” Dr. Hudson said of the United Way.

Bryson DeChambeau, defending champion of the Rocket Mortgage Classic and Rocket Mortgage Ambassador, said, “One of the things that impressed me the most about the Rocket family is their dedication to helping change lives in the 313 area.” He went on to say, “My family always told me to give back and do as much as you can no matter what position you’re in.”

For more information visit pgatour.com or get your tickets for the event <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Blue Water Chamber Quarterly Talk Rep Andrew Beeler

Beeler Updates Chamber of Commerce on Last Quarter in Office

Last week, Andrew Beeler, Michigan State Representative of the 83rd District, joined local leaders and business owners for a Capitol Quarterly Talk sponsored by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beeler shared that the House is in its busy season as they try to move forward on the 2022 budget and other policy issues before summer recess. His main focus right now is ensuring that the taxpayers in his district have a strong voice in Lansing, especially since the legislature seeks to allocate funds with a record surplus.

Since taking office, a couple of areas Beeler has been focusing are health care and veterans. His HB 4345 was passed in March, and it prohibits insurance companies from penalizing Michigan consumers if they decide to purchase cheaper prescriptions from an out-of-network provider.

Regarding veterans, Beeler is working on legislation that would translate military education and skills to certificates which would enable veterans to receive tangible value in the civilian world for things they achieved during active duty. Beeler believes this adds to the benefits the state of Michigan has to offer those completing their service and deciding where to live.

Representative Beeler serves all of Sanilac County, and Burtchville Township, Fort Gratiot Township and the city of Port Huron in St. Clair County. He can be reached by phone at 517-373-0835 or by email at: AndrewBeeler@house.mi.gov.

The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities throughout the year for its members to connect with their elected officials. The next event is on June 18th via Zoom with Senator Gary Peters. Visit BlueWaterChamber.com to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand