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Local News

Matthew Ruiz Will Be Next Director of BWMCA

Port Huron, MI — Matthew Ruiz, current assistant director of the Blue Water Middle College Academy, is preparing to become its next director. Ruiz is stepping into the role in May after the retirement of Pete Spencer.

Blue Water Middle College Academy is a public charter school that collaborates with select St. Clair County high schools and St. Clair County Community College to help students get a head start on college.

Ruiz has been working with students in the Middle College since 2011 after a prior career in the St. Clair County District Court as an assistant prosecutor and a clerk for Judge Peter Deegan.

Ruiz said, “I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization. I look forward to continuing to help families realize the dream of sending their child to college. I’m especially grateful to Pete for his guidance. The middle college is strong today because of his work over the past decade.”

Pete Spencer has been leading Blue Water Middle College since its inception and was instrumental in establishing the charter school in the community. He served in his role as director for 10 years.

Ruiz plans to work closely with the staff, the middle college Board of Trustees, and the school’s students and families. He also plans to lead a community outreach program and build partnerships with local organizations to grow enrollment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

McClain Letter Questions Biden Administration on China

On April 7, 2021. Congresswoman Lisa McClain led a letter to the United States Ambassador to the United Nations questioning why China is on the United Nations’ Human Rights Council when they are the number one violator of human rights.

Rep. McClain penned the letter following a troubling report last week regarding China’s horrific treatment of Christians. The letter requests the Biden Administration take action against the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights violations.

“China’s treatment of the Uyghurs is atrocious and reason enough for them to not have a seat on the UN Human Rights’ Council,” said Rep. McClain. “Now, we are seeing reports that the Chinese Communist Party is sending Christians to brainwashing camps and torturing them for their beliefs. It is past time we stand up for religious freedom. The Biden Administration needs to stand up to China.”

Reps. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Ralph Norman (R-SC), William Timmons (R-SC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Greg Steube (R-FL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) Jody Hice (R-GA), Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Louis Gohmert (R-TX) joined Rep. McClain’s letter.

The letter is available to read <HERE>

Submitted by Congresswoman McClain’s Office

Ontario Locks Down Most Everything But Schools

With a COVID test positivity rate of around 6% province-wide, the provincial government of Ontario has issued an emergency stay-at-home order. It went into effect last Thursday. The order closes most “in-person” events except for school. Some schools in “hot spots” have closed.

Michigan has a positivity rate of around 15% with St. Clair County closer to 30%. Many schools have paused in-person learning.

In Ontario, the stay-at-home order is intended to “save lives, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, protect in-person learning and keep children in schools, allow more time to vaccinate Ontarians, and stop the spread of COVID-19 in communities”, according to the official Ontario.ca website.

Going to the grocery or pharmacy is allowed, as is going to the doctor, exercising outdoors, and walking pets, as well as work that cannot be done remotely.

Travel is prohibited unless absolutely necessary. Contact between households is limited. Even outdoor gatherings are limited to 5 people.

Personal care services, cinemas, and all indoor sports and fitness centers are completely closed.

The order is in effect for 28 days after which time it will be reevaluated.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Arts Committee Want to Get Kids Hooked on Music

The Blue Water Arts Committee, affiliated with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, is looking for ways to break down barriers that are keeping kids from getting involved in music.

They are offering grants to local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, service clubs, and churches that nurture musical pursuits in children in the community. Music can open doors to lifelong careers, hobbies, and connections for children and families.

The Blue Water Arts Committee wants to know how non-profits and groups can help to reach broader audiences for music, reach out to kids who want to explore music and get kids excited about music.

They also want to address the lack of access to instruments and increase the diversity of young musicians across the county, even in rural areas.

Organizations are asked to share how they reach out to children who have financial barriers to musical instruments or lessons, and how they strive to maintain a diverse group of young musicians.

Learning music at a young age is linked to greater self-confidence and concentration as well as improved communication and teamwork skills. Musical competency often carries over into schoolwork competency and it’s fun!

To learn more about the grant opportunities visit:

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/arts-committee-wants-more-kids-involved-in-music/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Calls for Voluntary 2 Week Break

In a press conference this morning, Governor Whitmer  reminded Michiganders that there are several public health rules in effect that need to be followed to slow the spread of COVID-19, and she encouraged a voluntary break from some activities for the next two weeks.

She acknowledged that the current surge of COVID-19 cases in Michigan is a “compliance, variant, and mobility issue”, and “getting vaccinated is the quickest way to get back to normal.”

She spoke about the current public health mandates from MDHHS including the mask mandate, limits on indoor gatherings, and mandatory testing for sports teams. She pleaded with Michiganders to take these mandates seriously and to take it even further by voluntarily refraining from indoor dining and gatherings for the next two weeks.

She also urged all high schools to voluntarily move to virtual classes only for the next two weeks and to shut down their sports practices and competitions for two weeks as well.

Dr. Khaldun spoke about indoor dining as the most dangerous thing that individuals can engage in right now. She encouraged people to support their restaurants by dining outdoors or using carry out and delivery services.

Port Huron Schools announced on April 7th that the district is transitioning to fully remote school today and plan to return to face-to-face on Wednesday, April 21st at the earliest. St. Clair TEC is transitioning to remote learning on April 12th. As of that announcement, sports were still planning to meet, so parents should stay tuned in case that changes.

Vaccine clinics are increasing in St. Clair County with a walk-in clinic scheduled for today between 1-6 PM at the Knight Club in Marysville (info on that clinic is available <HERE>), and several other clinics scheduled for next week, including one for Port Huron Businesses and their employees which can be registered for <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Today

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering a “walk-in” opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, April 9 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at the Knight Club, 1195 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

Please note the following:

  • If you already have an appointment, keep that time. This does not apply to you.
  • Do not come to the clinic if sick or not feeling well; or in isolation or quarantine.
  • Open only to those who live and/or work in St. Clair County.
  • The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine will be administered.
  • Open to age 18 and over only.
  • 1,200 doses available/first come first served.
  • 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, however bring your insurance cards. Some administrative fees can be recouped, but you will never receive a bill.
  • 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

“We received more J&J vaccine allocation this week, opened up an additional clinic and could not fill the appointments like we had anticipated.” said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department. “We are trying this different approach and if successful, may do this again in the future. Our main goal is getting as many people in our community vaccinated and this is one way to do that.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email questions regarding COVID-19 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