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Local News

Algonac-Clay Library Closed Due to Positive COVID-19 Test

The Algonac-Clay branch of the St. Clair County Library System is closing until further notice due to a positive COVID-19 test. The staff went into quarantine on Monday, 11/2/2020.

The library is following the advice of the St. Clair County Health Department and its recommendations for keeping library employees and patrons safe.

Pickup appointments will not be available while the branch is closed, and items awaiting pickup will remain in place until the library reopens. The drop box outside the branch will still be available, and all other library branches are open for service.

 

Michigan Youth Fall-A-Thon Outdoor Adventure Starts Next Week

For families who are looking to continue outdoor adventures as the weather gets colder, the Michigan Youth Fall-A-Thon might be just the thing.

The contest is sponsored by Michigan 4-H, Michigan State University Extension, Huron Pines AmeriCorps, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Participants will learn about outdoor recreation, conservation, fisheries, and wildlife.

Teams complete missions and share progress using GooseChase, a scavenger hunt app. The missions can be completed between November 6th and November 11th. Participation can be from anywhere. Just a smartphone or tablet with a camera is needed.

Participation is totally free and self-paced. Prizes will be awarded throughout the contest, with a grand prize awarded at the end. The Fall-A-Thon is geared toward families with children aged 5 to 19 years old, but teenagers can participate on their own if they wish. Registration is open now with details at https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=63C316F86F823612FD52C6CFF760D5A55A8AA30D2F05C7C4B6794AD71B0126E2

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Celebrates Home Care and Hospice Month

November is Home Care and Hospice Month, and the Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice are celebrating. They are deeply grateful for their entire team of dedicated frontline caregivers, support staff, and volunteers.

The Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality, cost-effective health care to any patient and family member with short-term, long-term, or end-of-life care. Their offices are located in the former Baker College on Lapeer Road in Port Huron which also houses Blue Water Community Action Agency.

Angela DeLaere, VNA & Blue Water Hospice President and CEO, said, “The past eight months of COVID has shown me what an amazing team we have. Everyone has stepped up in ways I could never have imagined, all while continuing to provide safe and quality care to our patients as we have always done. During these times, our team has stood strong and I am proud and thankful for their commitment.”

The VNA & Blue Water Hospice is regularly recognized for its high quality and patient satisfaction by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services and National Research Corporation and Decision Health. They are also accredited in all divisions by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partners).

Community members who would like to thank a staff member or volunteer of the VNA & Blue Water Hospice can visit www.VNABWH.org/thankyou.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Artists Against Racism Lansing Billboard Campaign

Artists Against Racism Launches Billboard Campaign in Lansing

Artists Against Racism is a Canadian Nonprofit organization whose mission is to build an understanding of all people, and speak to youth about the basic human right of equality. They reach out through various public service campaigns to promote their messages, and they have recently launched a billboard campaign in Lansing, MI.

The nonprofit was motivated to start the campaign in Lansing in response to the plot to kidnap and harm Governor Whitmer. Adams Outdoor, a billboard company in the Lansing area, donated 5 billboards throughout the city for the campaign.

“Our charity wanted to show the community of Lansing, and the Governor, that we stand with them, that love prevails over fear and hate, and that we are all one race, the human race,” says Lisa Cherniak, Executive Director. “It’s something to remember, especially in the greatly divided country of America. And each of us can take a stand, every day, against racism.”

Billboards have also been placed in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Louisville and other cities affected by controversial police killings of African Americans the past few months.

Artists Against Racism is in its 24th year and has a diverse member roster of professional actors, entertainers, and musicians.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

MDOT Warns Drivers to Watch for Pedestrians In the Dark

The Michigan Department of Transportation urges drivers to exercise extra caution especially in the first weeks after the time change. When clocks “fall back” an hour, like they do every fall, accidents tend to increase. Darkness comes early and walkers, runners, and cyclists tend to still be out.

A University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study shows that pedestrians are especially at risk of injury in that first hour of darkness after the time change. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that most pedestrian and cyclist fatalities happened in the first three hours of darkness, starting around 6:00 p.m.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba warns, “Drivers need to realize that after the time change it may be more challenging to see people walking, running, or bicycling as they will be much less noticeable. To ensure visibility, pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists are encouraged to wear brighter-colored clothing with reflective material. Drivers need to eliminate distractions, slow down, and focus fully on the task of driving.”

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Dog License Renewals Available at City and Twp. Offices

If you are a St. Clair County resident who has a dog registered with the county, you can now renew your dog license at some city and township offices. City of Marysville and Memphis treasurers can perform license renewals to any dog owner who resides in St. Clair County. The service is also available in Berlin, Casco, Clay, Columbus, Grant. Greenwood, Mussey, Riley, and Wales Townships.

To renew your dog license at a city or township office, you must take a copy of the dog’s current rabies certificate from a licensed veterinarian along with payment for the renewal.

First-time licensing of a newly acquired dog must still be done directly through St. Clair County Animal Control, either online or in-person, at the County Animal Control Office or the County Treasurer’s Office. All dogs over 4 months of age must be rabies vaccinated and licensed according to State Law.

For more information visit Animal Control’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand