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Local News

Beeler Angry Over Whitmer Veto of Broadband Internet Bill

The Michigan State Legislature is working to increase broadband internet service. The bill was vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Local State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, and fellow Republicans are not happy with the veto.

House bill 4210 amends the tax act to make exempt certain broadband equipment that delivers internet service to rural and other underserved areas. 

Whitmer vetoed it saying it was not good enough. She responded to the bill, saying, “If Michiganders are going to spend their hard-earned tax dollars to incentivize broadband development, it better be fast.”

Beeler got personal when expressing his frustration with the veto saying, “This veto is just one more bad decision that can be chalked up to Governor Whitmer’s failed, hypocritical leadership.” Beeler went on to say that Whitmer was making “the perfect the enemy of the good”. 

Beeler said, “Governor Whitmer may have no issues appearing on cable news directly from her Lansing living room, but far too many residents in other parts of the state are struggling to function during the pandemic without a dependable internet connection.”

The bill has been re-referred to the Committee on Communications and Technology. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Walk-in Vaccine Clinic Wednesday, April 21st

Marysville, MI –The St. Clair County Health Department is offering a “walk-in” opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, April 21 from 9:00am to 6:00pm at the Knight Club, 1195 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

Please note the following:

  • If you already have an appointment, keep that time.
  • Do not come to the clinic if sick or not feeling well; or are in isolation or quarantine.
  • Open only to those who live and/or work in St. Clair County.
  • Moderna and Pfizer vaccines administered.
  • Age 16 and older; parent must accompany those under 18.
  • 1700+ doses available during walk-in hours.
  • Forms will be handed out in the parking lot and will need to be completed before entering.
  • Masking is required.
  • No out of pocket costs.
  • Plan for atleast 1 hour and dress accordingly.
  • Lines will be socially distanced, however, there may be a wait time depending on volume.
  • If the parking lot is full, please come back later. Or pre-register for a future appointment at www.scchealth.co

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department stated; “We are offering another walk-in clinic using mRNA vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer. Pfizer vaccine will be prioritized for 16-17 year olds. Though St. Clair County case rates appear to be slowly starting to decline, our cases and hospitalizations still remain high. If you haven’t yet, it is imperative to do the right thing and get vaccinated.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

A Beautiful Me Celebrates 13th Birthday

Port Huron, MI — Local non-profit A Beautiful Me is a teenager. The organization that works to build confidence in women of all ages is turning 13.

To celebrate the milestone, A Beautiful Me is having a celebration on Saturday, April 24th between noon and 3:00 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will be held at their program center, The Closet by A Beautiful Me, located at 235 Huron Avenue in Downtown Port Huron.

A Beautiful Me started in 2008 in Romeo and eventually established its program center in Port Huron while continuing to provide programs in schools in the entire region as well as events like Bloom, Avante Garde Hair Show, and the Runaway Bride Fun Run.

A Beautiful Me has adapted to being unable to go into schools because of the pandemic and has given outreach opportunities to both students and volunteers through a letter-writing campaign.

The 13th birthday event will celebrate the over 10,000 girls and women who have participated in the program and look forward to a bright future. There will be activities both indoors and outdoors like balloon art, fresh popcorn, and treats, along with a raffle of a gift basket worth over $150.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Launches “The Ally Project”

Port Huron, MI — According to the dictionary, an ally is someone who supports someone else or joins in a common cause. McLaren Port Huron Hospital has initiated The Ally Project, which focuses on providing healthcare to members of the LGBTQ community.

The initiative was borne of a tragic situation with a local community member who felt desperate and nearly ended his life. Thankfully, the patient is now recovering and thriving according to his parents and credits compassionate care from McLaren Port Huron staff as the first step of his journey toward health.

The Ally Project looks to make all patients feel loved and valued and to be treated as such regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Ally Initiative is a fund associated with the McLaren Port Huron Foundation and is asking for community support through this year’s Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s “Big Give Day” on June 9th.

Funds will go toward staff education that is specific to LGBTQ patients, the hospital’s internal process improvements, and supporting healthcare providers that are allies of the LGBTQ community.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Epidemic Order Extended; Mask Requirement Added for 2-4 Year-Olds

Lansing, MI — On April 16th, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended the Epidemic Order already in place until May 24th, and a new requirement for masking children ages 2-4 while in childcare takes effect on April 26, 2021.

The order cited an increase in COVID-19 cases of nearly 400% in youth aged 10-19. According to the order,  “as of April 8, local health departments had reported 312 new and ongoing outbreaks among K-12 schools, with 48 of those outbreaks reported in the week prior. Additionally, there are 329 identified clusters among minors participating in school and club sports since January 2021.”

In response to the increase of cases among young people, MDHHS has included in the order a mask mandate for children aged 2- 4 who are in childcare settings. The order reads, “A person responsible for a child care organization or camp, or an agent of such person, must not allow gatherings unless:

  1. Face masks are worn by all staff;
  2. A good faith effort is made to ensure that children aged 2  to 4 years wear a mask when participating in gatherings;
  3. All children 5 years and older wear a mask when participating in gatherings.”

The full order is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Black River Canal Dredging and Sand Placement

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron’s contractor began dredging sand from the Black River Canal entrance at Lake Huron on Monday, April 19, 2021.

Weather permitting, sand dredged from Black River Canal will be placed in Lake Huron from
Holland Beach to the south beginning on Monday, April 26, 2021. Due to the work, Holland Beach will be closed.

The contractor will be utilizing Gratiot Avenue to Edison Blvd. and Conger Street to Holland Avenue to haul sand from the mouth of the Black River Canal to Holland Beach. There will be intermittent slowed and stop-and-go traffic in these areas. The public is encouraged to refrain from  parking on these streets during that time frame.

Submitted by the City of Port Huron Department of Public Works: 810-984-9730.