Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

New Vaccine Pre-Registration System Starts Today

The new COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system goes live today. Starting at 9:00 AM, individuals who live or work in St. Clair County can visit the health department’s website to pre-register for a vaccine appointment <HERE>.

Once a person is pre-registered, they will be contacted by email, phone or text when a vaccine appointment becomes available. The pre-registration system is a placeholder only, it does not secure an actual appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The pre-registration process involves creating a user name and password and answering a few questions in the online system. Those who need assistance with the pre-registration process should seek help from a family member or friend who can help navigate the online system. Seniors 65 and older can receive help with the pre-registration process by contacting the Council on Aging at 1-800-297-0099 or by dialing 211.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, stated “We hope the community finds this new pre-registration system helpful. We appreciate everyone’s patience with the process. As more vaccine becomes available, vaccination opportunities will as well, including even more options for our residents.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

James C. Harrison II Appointed to Michigan Council on Climate Solutions

A Port Huron resident has been named to the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. According to a press release from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, James C. Harrison, II, of Port Huron, has been appointed to the Council.

Harrison is the director of renewable energy for Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO. He also serves as the Utility Workers Union of America delegate on the BlueGreen Alliance National Steering Committee. His appointment is for a one-year term.

The Council is an advisory board that reports to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to make a plan to implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which is the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward carbon neutrality across all sectors of the economy. 

The automotive industry is a key player in combatting global climate change. Director of EGLE, Liesl Eichler Clark, said, “In Michigan, we know that climate solutions are mobility solutions and mobility solutions are climate solutions. As the state that put the world on wheels, what we do on climate matters.”

Mr. Harrison is one of fourteen appointees to the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Canadian International Travel Restrictions Tighten

Ontario continues to be in a Provincewide shutdown which includes a Stay at Home order. Residents are discouraged from travelling outside their region or province, and new rules on International travel went into effect this week.

Currently, Canada’s airline and government have suspended all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021. International commercial passenger flights coming from the United State, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America will be required to land at only four Canadian airports: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. Private/Business and charter flights from all countries are required to land at one of the four airports as well.

Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is also required to fly, and soon, all travelers arriving in Canada will have to reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights and take a COVID-19 molecular test upon arrival. The cost of accommodations and testing is the responsibility of the traveler.

The government is also planning a testing requirement for those entering the country by land, with limited exceptions for people such as commercial truckers.

Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, said, “The safety of the travelling public and the transportation industry are top priorities. Our government continues to strongly advise against non-essential travel outside Canada, and has implemented many measures to protect the health of Canadians in our transportation system. The expansion of the flight restrictions is based on decisive, public health rationale from the Public Health Agency of Canada to further protect Canadians from the health impacts of COVID-19.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Teachers to Get Rapid Covid Testing

Teachers can have easy access to COVID-19 testing with a new plan from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The idea is to get teachers tested weekly as in-person learning is expected to resume statewide on March 1st.

Rapid antigen testing has begun with approximately 300 schools and 900 staff signed up for testing at both public and private schools. The testing is free to the schools.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “Voluntary testing of educators is part of the larger state strategy of keeping students, staff and communities safe while giving children the in-person instruction that they need to learn, develop and grow. Our dedicated teachers are among the frontline workers who have stepped up during this pandemic. Giving them an opportunity to be regularly tested recognizes their sacrifices and keeps everyone safer.”

The program is modeled after the testing of coaches and athletes that was used in the fall. Of the 8,300 people tested, 69 COVID-19 infections were found. The complete plan still includes mask-wearing, ventilation improvements in schools, frequent hand washing and social distancing.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Man Arraigned on Drugs and Weapons Charges

(Port Huron) A 31 year old Port Huron man has been arraigned on multiple charges,
following a drug raid by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force.

According to Sheriff Mat King, Matthew Kimbrough was arraigned on January 29 th in
72 nd District Court in Port Huron. He is charged with possession of methamphetamine,
delivery/manufacture of promethazine/codeine, two counts of possession of a firearm by
a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon, two counts of felony firearm and
maintaining a drug house. He is also charged as a habitual 3 rd offender. Bond was set at
$50,000 cash/surety.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Drug Task Force into sales of narcotics in
the Port Huron area. That investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in the
2600 block of South Boulevard in the city of Port Huron at about 2:30 p.m. on January
27th . Once inside, members of the DTF located and seized small quantities of
methamphetamine and promethazine. Also seized was approximately $24,000 in cash,
two handguns and a 50 round magazine for a handgun. Kimbrough and a 29 year old
Port Huron woman were arrested without incident at the residence. The woman was
released pending further investigation.

Kimbrough is scheduled to be back in court for a probable cause hearing on February 16 th
at 9:00 a.m. before Judge John Monaghan in 72 nd District Court in Port Huron.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Voter Confidence Act Announced in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) are announced H.R. 607, the Voter Confidence Act on February 2nd. This legislation establishes a bipartisan, bicameral commission to bolster voter confidence in future federal elections and review the practices and policies of federal, state and local election officials and their impact on the security and integrity of the election.

“The Voter Confidence Act is like watching a game film on our previous election,” said Rep. McClain. “We must ensure Americans feel confident in the integrity of our voting system and I believe establishing this commission is a vital first step.”

“Reestablishing voter confidence should not be a partisan exercise. And I am hopeful it will not be. This legislation is an effort to rebuild voter’s trust in our electoral process by disseminating best practices and bringing together expert voices from across the nation. Many states, including Pennsylvania will have started to review their election laws and I am hopeful this commission will aid them in their efforts to strengthen election integrity,” said Rep. Smucker.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also unquestionably impacted last year’s election administration. This commission would share best practices for administering elections during pandemics or other national emergencies, ensuring the security of mail-in or absentee ballots and bolstering confidence in the integrity of future elections. H.R. 607 has been referred to the Committee on House Administration.

Earlier this month, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced this legislation in the Senate.

Submitted by the office of Congresswoman Lisa McClain