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Local News

Michigan’s Economy Not as Bad as Predicted, Thanks to Federal Money

The Michigan State Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference had a bit of good news on Monday when they reported a less disastrous economic situation than had been predicted in May.

The State Treasurer, State Budget Director, and both Senate and House Fiscal Agency Directors reached consensus on revised economic and revenue figures for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 and for the upcoming 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “The good news is that the decline in revenues have not been as severe as we forecasted in May in the early days of the pandemic; however, we are still down nearly $1 billion overall from January’s forecast.” She went on to say that federal aid helped the state.

State Representative Shane Hernandez also credited federal aid with the rosier outlook, but not as a permanent solution. Hernandez said, “Two things must happen right now: The economy must be safely and fully reopened, and we must make wise, conservative budget decisions to avoid bigger problems in the near future.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Long Term Care Providers Facing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) released national surveys which showcased the increased costs and financial hardship nursing homes and assisted living communities are facing in response to COVID-19.

More than half of nursing homes surveyed are operating at a loss, and they name PPE supplies, Staff hero pay, and additional staffing as the top three costs they have incurred due to COVID-19.

72% of nursing homes and 64% of assisted living communities surveyed said they cannot sustain another year operating at this pace.

While nursing homes report receiving federal and state funding to help offset some of the additional costs, none of the assisted living communities report receiving funding from the federal government.

NCAL established National Assisted Living Week which will be observed September 13-19, 2020. They hope to increase awareness of how assisted living centers provide unique opportunities for their residents and the community, and support the role they play in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Downtown Merchants Host End of Summer Sale

Port Huron, MI — This Friday and Saturday Downtown Port Huron merchants are holding an End of Summer Sale. Although many people may not want to say goodbye to our summer weather and prepare for the fall season, a sales event like this may soften the blow.

Participating stores are holding their sales during their regular business hours which usually end around 6 PM on Friday. Many restaurants are still open past that time, and there is outdoor seating available at many of them. The City of Port Huron has also added picnic tables to the sidewalk outside businesses that don’t have their own outdoor seating.

If you want to stick around downtown after shopping on Friday night, take a walk to McMoran Beach or the Military Street Pocket Park to enjoy some live music at Shop, Rock N’ Stroll. This collaboration between the  City of Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department and the Downtown Development Authority happen every Friday night from 6-8 through the end of September.

The End of Summer Sale continues on Saturday, so check with your favorite shops for their business hours and promotions.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

“Opioid and Other Drugs” Virtual Series Kicks off September 1

The St. Clair County Community Mental Health Authority in collaboration with Community Services Coordinating Body’s Executive Opioid Oversight Task Force is hosting the “Opioid and Other Drugs Virtual Series”.

The series starts on September 1st with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Frank McGeorge, the medical correspondent for WDIV Channel 4 News. McGeorge will be talking about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on those struggling with addictions. The loss of supports has had an impact.

Other speakers include Captain Mat King of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Social Worker Thomas Moore, Judge Linda Davis, and Phil Pavona, Vice President and founder of the Okemos/Ingham Families Against Narcotics. There are several other speakers including local health care providers and those involved in the daily struggle with addiction.

The series ends with a State of the County Panel on September 30. Sessions are available for continuing education credits. All presentations are one hour long and available for free. Registration is at scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Yard of the Year Winners Announced

The Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest winners have been selected and will be recognized during the Port Huron City Council’s regular meeting on September 14, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m. The coveted wooden yellow tulip will be awarded to the residential winners and a wall plaque will be awarded to the commercial winner.

2020 Residential Winners

Central …………..Wilbert & Alice Fuller……………………… 2116 Poplar Street
Central …………..Alan & Theresa Jowett …………………….. 708 17th Street
Central …………..John & Carol Smith …………………………. 1421 Washington Avenue
North……………..Roy & Margaret Churchill………………… 2707 Walnut Street
North……………..Karl & Brenda Miller ………………………. 2857 Monticello Drive
North……………..George & Deborah Moss………………….. 419 Lakeview Avenue
South……………..Douglas Bishop……………………………….. 1313 Wall Street
South……………..Ronald & Deborah Rolls ………………….. 709 Oak Street
South……………..Debra Singer…………………………………… 2458 Military Street

2020 Commercial Winner

Central …………..Kearns Agency ……………………………….. 1101 Pine Grove Avenue

 

McLaren Port Huron July Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Jennifer Koehn has been named the Employee of the Month for July. She has worked at McLaren Port Huron for three years in the Miriam F. Acheson Family Birth Place.

Koehn was nominated by her peers because she lives the hospital values. Her positive, sunny personality makes patients and families feel comfortable and welcome. She takes ownership of programs and processes, making sure everything is done correctly. Koehn always strives for excellence, is motivated, flexible, and adds to a positive team environment. She exhibits a calm demeanor, stays focused, and helps the entire unit succeed.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.