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Local News

Whitmer Dropping All COVID Restrictions June 22

As of June 22, 2021, all capacity limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings and face mask requirements will end. Governor Whitmer announced today that she is accelerating the end of most COVID-19 epidemic orders.

In response to an increase in vaccinations and plummeting COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks, Whitmer said these changes are coming ahead of schedule.

Michigan is currently experiencing a case rate of 24.3 cases per million people and has a 1.9% positivity rate over the last seven days. Along with the decrease in cases, nearly 5 million Michiganders aged 16 and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or 60% of those eligible.

St. Clair County currently has 3,081 active cases of COVID-19.

“Today is a day that we have all been looking forward to, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and put this pandemic behind us,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the medical experts and health professionals who stood on the front lines to keep us all safe. And we are incredibly thankful to all of the essential workers who kept our state moving.”

Some epidemic orders pertaining to vulnerable populations in corrections and long-term care facilities and agriculture workers will remain in effect, and public health measures will continue for reporting requirements and testing to identify any instances of increased community spread.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Recovery High School Opening Fall 2021

Port Huron, MI — A new charter school is coming to the Port Huron area which will focus on youth who are recovering from substance use disorders. The Recovery High School Program at the St. Clair County Intervention Academy will offer a holistic education for 7th – 12th grade students, and enrollment is now open for the fall of 2021.

John Romine, Chairman of the Board for the Romine Group, believes the need for a school that supports youth in recovery is critical. Enrollment is voluntary, and students have to consent to join the program.

“They have to want it themselves, they have to say yes, I want to be in recovery. I no longer want to struggle with the addiction,” said Romine.

In response to statistics showing that youth were being admitted to the hospital for overdoses and concern from community service organizations that youth substance abuse was a pressing issue in the community, Romine began gathering support to create a recovery school over two years ago.

The Recovery High School Program will operate under the umbrella of the St. Clair County Intervention Academy and will be directed by Scott Steenbergh. Steenburgh has a background in social work and 12 years experience as a licensed and certified addictions counselor .

“The school provides a therapeutic community; mentors and peers that are helping kids get through things on a day-to-day basis.” said Steenbergh.

Students will be offered an initial assessment, given a specialized treatment plan which will include individual and group therapy, peer recovery support, and an individualized online curriculum with teacher support.

Tuition is free for families, and all students will be equipped with the technology required to be successful in the program.

For more information, connect with Scott Steenbergh at (586) 215-6534 or ScottSteenbergh@gmail.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Grand Opening of Black History Exhibit Saturday

The Port Huron Museums’ Carnegie Center is hosting the Grand opening of the “From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area” exhibit on Saturday, June 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Grand Opening coincides with Juneteenth. 

Juneteenth honors June 19th, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. 

The Grand Opening of the new “From Whence We Came” permanent exhibit includes a book signing of the first 100 copies of the book that inspired the exhibit. The books are expected to sell out, so it is recommended to get there early to get a copy. 

The permanent exhibit tells the story of Black History in the Blue Water Area and features the James Sr. & Marguerite Stanley Legacy Wall. The wall honors those who have followed the call to “love your fellow man” and have contributed positively to the Blue Water Area. 

A donation to the Museum is all that is needed to gain admission. Live entertainment is planned. 

Museum Juneteenth “From Whence We Came” Exhibit Grand Opening: https://www.facebook.com/events/507108970318317

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Summer Camp Struggling to Find Help

Lexington, MI — Summer camp programs throughout Michigan are struggling to find staff, and as a result,  some are cutting programs or putting potential campers on waiting lists.

Camp Cavell in Lexington runs a summer day camp along with an overnight camp for kids. This year, a staffing shortage has employees doing double-duty to fill critical roles, and the camp has had to limit the number of campers they can accept because they don’t have the staff needed to safely supervise more kids.

Jill Laidlaw, Executive Director of Camp Cavell, said they are getting some applications, but applicants are not returning her calls or are failing to show up for interviews. Many camp directors she connects with in her network are experiencing the same issues.

Camp Cavell currently has around 12 open positions including kitchen workers, lifeguards, male counselors, and bus drivers. She and her core staff are taking turns filling the bus driver duties so they can pick up day camp attendees each day.

“There is a lot of creative multi-tasking going on here,” said Laidlaw. She noted that Camp Cavell offers unique opportunities for its staff and is a really fun summer job. “This is a job where you get to go along and experience what the kids are doing, kind of like hanging out with your nieces and nephews all day.”

Camp counselors get to do crafts, go kayaking, and spend a lot of time participating in outdoor activities with the campers.

Summer jobs at Camp Cavell pay between $12.15 – $15 per hour and extend until August 13th.

To learn more visit CampCavell.org/employment

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Policies Enacted to Prevent Elder Abuse

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The Elder Abuse Task Force was launched in 2019, consisting of more than 55 different organizations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said, “In order to properly protect our aging population, we must be able to recognize the signs of abuse. Our Elder Abuse Task Force has a number of resources available online to help identify physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors.” 

Legislation was recently signed into law to protect seniors. House Bill 4325, introduced by Republican State Representative Matt Hall, amends the Older Michiganians Act to require Area Agencies on Aging to maintain criminal background checks on anyone who comes in contact with vulnerable seniors.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “When we work together, we can craft great legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders. House Bill 4325 codifies important protections for seniors that MDHHS implemented in October 2020.”

To report elder abuse, call 855-444-3911. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Invites Community to “Free-ish”

St. Clair County Community College invites the public to attend a webinar called “Free-ish”, held on Thursday, June 17th from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Juneteenth refers to June 19th, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

SC4’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is holding a virtual Juneteenth Celebration called “Free-ish” that will feature speakers discussing the history of Juneteenth, bridging the gap between the African and Black Community and the current state of Black America.

Guest speakers at the webinar include Alphonso Amos, Lead Organizer of Black Lives Matter Port Huron; Kevin Totty, Program Coordinator with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County; and Kevin Watkins, President of the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP. 

The panel discussion will include several local and regional leaders discussing the current state of Black America. SC4’s Jessica Brown said the webinar is open to everyone, near and far. 

SC4 “Free-ish” Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7fDNncWcSry51BK-9aVgCg

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland