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Local News

Limits on Gatherings Loosened Up Starting Friday

Starting Friday, restaurants can increase their capacity from 25% to 50% with safety protocols still in place. Indoor residential gatherings with up to 15 people from three households are allowed, and indoor entertainment facilities can operate at 50% capacity to have up to 300 people if following safety protocols.

The ruling also allows for small groups such as city councils and boards to meet in person with a 25-person limit. Governor Gretchen Whitmer had been petitioned by a coalition of State Senators last week asking for “common sense” guidelines that would permit business to be done in municipalities.

 The updated orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are based on three metrics: hospital capacity, overall case rates, and COVID-19 test positivity rates.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health was cautiously optimistic, even as more contagious virus variants on the rise. She said, “I am glad we continue to make progress, but that progress is fragile.” She urged continued vigilance and encouraged Michiganders to get the vaccine.

The vaccine rollout process is picking up, with the White House saying there will be vaccines for every American who wants it by the end of May.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4  Scholarship Deadline March 14th; Virtual Open House March 15th

Port Huron, MI — St. Clair County Community College is hosting a Virtual Open House to get future students acclimated to all that the college has to offer. The online event will be held on Monday, March 15th from 7-8 p.m.

The Virtual Open House will be featuring information about available programs, transfer programs and will walk students through the enrollment process at SC4.

SC4 participates in the “Michigan Transfer Agreement” making it easy for many students to transfer to a university to get a Bachelor Degree. There are also options for one-year certificates and two-year Associate degrees.

Besides the Virtual Open House, there is a link on the SC4 website with a virtual tour of the campus. The seven-minute video highlights the academic, athletic, and student support services that the college offers, along with information about housing, cultural events, and more.

It is also time for prospective students to get their scholarship applications turned in. The deadline is Sunday, March 14th. The application is online with many available options.

Email recruitment@sc4.edu to RSVP and receive a Zoom link to the virtual open house.

https://sc4.edu/admissions/virtual-tour-of-sc4s-campus/

Explore available scholarship opportunities and apply today at https://sc4.academicworks.com/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grants Available for Ontario Small Businesses

Sarnia, Ontario — Applications for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant are being accepted until March 31st, and more than $1 billion has been provided to businesses in Ontario so far.

Recipients of the grant receive between $10,000 – $20,000 to use however they would like to offset losses caused by COVID restrictions and decline in business.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade said, “Our government is providing small businesses with the flexible financial support they need to address their needs and manage through this pandemic. The Ontario Small Business Support Grant and other supports are helping thousands of small businesses get through these trying times, to make sure that they are still around to contribute to our strong economic recovery.”

Main Street businesses with 2 – 19 employees can also apply for the Main Street Relief Grant which provides up to $1,000 towards the purchase of Personal protective equipment. The government of Ontario is also providing tax rebates to help with property tax and energy costs.

Visit ontario.ca/smallbusiness to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

OT Operation Transformation

Operation Transformation Gears Up for Continued Outreach with March 18th Open House

Port Huron, MI — Operation Transformation has worked hard during the pandemic to continue its support of local community outreach endeavors. They are planning a one-day fundraising Open House on March 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their headquarters at 1904 Poplar Street in Port Huron, to give OT a needed boost in donations.

Brenda Seppo, Executive Assistant at OT said, “Finances are always lower in winter and with lack of in-person opportunities for people to give, we are hoping to catch up on the budget needs.”

The non-profit has a huge list of projects that they worked on in 2020 from jail outreach to collecting over 900 cell phones to buy prepaid phone cards for military personnel. Traditions like the Community Good Friday Service and Family Night during Boat Week are the work of OT.

Seppo said that OT has relied heavily on online meetings and community services to maintain their outreach, and has actually been able to reach more people than pre-Covid. They have focused on encouragement and hope to help people navigate the changes due to the pandemic.

New projects for 2021 include a Mentoring Program for those released from prison and jail and a new initiative to recruit more foster care parents and respite workers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Waterfront Residents Should Prepare Now for Spring Rain

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is anticipating warmer temps next week, and Spring Fever will likely set in as the remaining snow melts. With already high water levels in the area, residents of waterfront communities should begin preparing now for spring rain and potential flooding.

The City of Port Huron has begun distributing mailers to property owners in flood prone areas, and they are working on plans for sandbag distribution and sandbag filling stations. They hope to have these established the week of March 8th.

Mark White, Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of  Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said, “We’ve been following the St. Clair River ice jam since it started back in the beginning of February and the impact on homes along the river especially in East China Township, a few homes in Cottrellville, Marine City, and Algonac.”

White noted that property owners along the St. Clair River most heavily impacted are those who are at a lower elevation than other surrounding properties. Individual homes may have mitigation efforts in place, but it really takes a collaborative effort from neighbors and adjoining properties to minimize the negative effects.

White expressed concern for many families, especially those in the Pointe Drive area of East China Township who have been repeatedly affected by flooding. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management established a self-reporting damage assessment tool for residents which enables them to submit damage reports and photos. “If you have damage, log into this tool. It provides a lot of data for us and gives us an idea of what kind of damage has been done,” said White.

Report St. Clair County flood damage <HERE>.

Keep up with the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

How to Get a Vaccine Appointment in Michigan

Port Huron, MI — As we anticipate more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available in the near future, many people will join the ranks of those currently seeking vaccine appointments. Here are some tips for increasing the success of obtaining a vaccine appointment in Michigan.

A Wall Street Journal video recently featured Kris Stevens, an IT professional who helps senior citizens secure vaccine appointments in New Jersey. Kris recommends using a laptop or desktop computer for vaccine hunting because you can lose valuable time on a mobile device. He also recommends bookmarking websites to the providers who distribute vaccines in your area, setting up autofill in your web browser to expedite form filling, and using browser extensions like Page Refresh and Visual Ping to stay on top of newly added appointments and changes to websites.

View the video featuring Kris’s advice <HERE>.

When you’re ready to get on the vaccine rolls, Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, recommends that individuals register with any or all of the providers they choose, but they should keep in mind that if they receive a two-dose vaccine, they will have to get their second dose at the same place they received their first.

For local residents who want to stay on top of vaccine availability, here is a list of links to the providers in our community.

St. Clair County Health Department

Visit the Health Department’s website HERE: Preregistration system for people who live or work in St. Clair County. A pre-registration tutorial video is available to help navigate the system. This is pre-registration ONLY. You will be notified when vaccines are available so you can make an actual appointment.

Meijer Pharmacy

Visit Meijer’s Website HERE

You can also text COVID to 75049 to register and receive updates directly to your phone. This is registration for vaccine appointments ONLY. Meijer will notify you when vaccinations are available, and then you can schedule an appointment.

Rite Aid Pharmacy

Visit Rite Aid’s website HERE

The above link takes you to a questionnaire that determines if you are eligible for the vaccine at this time. You cannot get on the waiting list if your group is not eligible. Appointments can NOT be made by calling the store.

If you are eligible and receive an appointment, Rite Aid will auto schedule your second dose to ensure it’s available for you.

Walgreens Pharmacy

Visit Walgreens’ website HERE

The link allows you to check the availability of vaccine appointments online for your zip code.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacies do not have vaccines available in the state of Michigan at this time, but check their website <HERE> in the future.

Help for Senior Citizens Who Need Assistance:

  • St. Clair County Council on Aging will assist those who need help. Call 1-800-297-0099 or (810) 987-8811
  • Dial 211

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand