Local News

For nearly 30 years it has been the mission of WGRT to keep our community entertained and informed.  Our commitment to that mission remains as strong as ever during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We are continuing to broadcast 24/7, plus we are strengthening our social media presence. While our office is closed to the public for the time being, our staff continues to work hard to bring you the timely news updates and great music you’ve come to expect.

Because of our technology we were well prepared to work from home, so we are able to continue serving our listeners and our advertisers without interruption. General Manager Marty Doorn says, “We are especially appreciative of our advertisers who have continued to advertise.  It is huge help that enables our staff to keep working.”  There are many ways you can stay informed and entertained by Your Great Music Station … listen on your radio at 102.3 FM, listen live on your smart phone, computer or tablet at wgrt.com, or download the WGRT app on Google Play or the App Store.

Spero Pregnancy Center provides support services to men and women in our community who are facing an unexpected pregnancy. These are essential services that still exist in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to reduce risk and protect its staff and volunteers, Spero is currently open by appointment only. Women who need services are encouraged to call the center at (810) 985-HOPE to consult with staff by phone instead of walking in to the clinic.

Spero partners with OptionLine and Heartbeat International to connect with clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Women facing an unplanned pregnancy may be especially concerned right now that their unborn baby could experience infection or complications if they contract COVID-19, but the World Health Organization reports that, “to date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.”

Jennifer MacDonald, Executive Director of Spero Pregnancy Center, understands that health and financial concerns are weighing down expectant mothers and fathers even more than usual right now. She said, “We are here to continue to equip and encourage mothers, fathers and families, asking them to pause and look to the long-term future for their babies. There is no evidence of COVID passing to a pre-born baby.”

Spero is there to help; they are connecting their clients with material assistance and continuing their Earn While You Learn mentoring classes through an online system. Their staff is also performing pregnancy tests and ultrasounds for clients who schedule appointments.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The St. Clair County Health Department received notification of a 3rd county resident who died from COVID-19 complications. WGRT is reporting confirmed cases as reported by the St. Clair County Health Department, Lambton Public Health, and The Ontario Ministry of Health.

Confirmed cases as of April 6th at 5:30 PM are as follows:

• State of Michigan: 17,221 confirmed cases; 727 deaths
• St. Clair County: 114 confirmed cases; 3 county resident deaths (There was also 1 death in a county hospital of an out-of-county resident)
• Ontario: 4,347 confirmed cases; 132 deaths
• Sarnia-Lambton: 80 confirmed cases; 8 deaths

A person may transmit COVID-19 without knowing they are infected. It is now recommended that individuals wear a cloth face covering whenever they are in public to protect those around them. To ensure that surgical masks and N-95 respirators remain available for medical personnel, the CDC recommends homemade masks for personal use.

Masks can be made from 100% cotton material such as t-shirts and bandanas. They should not be placed on children under 2 years old, anyone having trouble breathing, or someone who is unconscious and unable to remove it without assistance. Masks do not protect you from becoming infected. The best way to prevent infection is to stay home, wash your hands properly, and avoid touching your face.

Please continue to reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

• Centers for Disease Control:  cdc.gov/coronavirus
• State of Michigan: Michigan.gov/coronavirus  or Info Hotline  1-888-535-6136 Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or email questions to COVID19@michigan.gov
• St. Clair County Health Department: COVID-19 Info Hotline (810) 966-4163 Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org
• St. Clair County Community Mental Health COVID-19 Support Line (810) 985-8900, available Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Lambton Public Health: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/
• City of Sarnia COVID-19 Hotline: 1-877-4-SARNIA (1-877-472-7642)

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Governor Whitmer’s press conference on Monday highlighted the  medical equipment that the state has secured or ordered, including 1 million N-95 masks from FEMA shipping this week. She noted that Ford Motor Company has been a contributor of face shields, and that the TCF Center, which had been undergoing transformation into a field hospital, should be ready to see patients by Friday.

She then turned her focus to the number of unemployment claims the State of Michigan is facing, and said they will only increase. The number of claims jumped for the week of March 15th – 21st to 127,000 new claims and then rose to 300,000 new claims for the week of March 22 – 28th. The increase of unemployment payments to $600 per week is still waiting on the US Department of Labor for  rules and authorization before those payments can begin.

To date, there are 15,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan and 617 people have died. 80% of the cases are in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb County. She said, “One person who is carrying COVID-19 can infect up to 40 people in a day who in turn can infect thousands. I encourage everyone to wear some sort of face covering on those few trips that you need to leave the house. During this time it is crucial that you only leave your home when absolutely necessary.” She reported that she has received data that shows Michiganders are travelling less than their neighbors in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio and encouraged residents to keep it up.

She did not extend the Stay Home, Stay Safe order at this time, but she said to expect an additional order in the next week.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

As the coronavirus was spreading in Washington state in early March, leaders of the Skagit Valley Choir debated whether to go ahead with weekly rehearsal. Skagit County hadn’t reported any cases, schools and businesses remained open, and prohibitions on large gatherings had yet to be announced.

On March 6, the choir director informed the 121 members in an email that choir practice would proceed as scheduled at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. Sixty singers showed up. The church provided hand sanitizers, and choir members refrained from handshakes.

Nearly three weeks later, 45 were diagnosed with the coronavirus or with the symptoms, at least three have been hospitalized, and two are dead. WGRT spoke with Dr. Thomas Seppo from Operation Transformation, our local coordinating organization for area churches. Dr. Seppo told WGRT, “Local pastors should be wise spiritual leaders and carefully follow the instructions of our government officials.”

The majority of churches in our area are refraining from holding public gatherings at this time. Leaders feel that their faith traditions have set precedents for obeying authority in matters concerning public safety. Many have seen the positive side of this decision already as congregants are being more proactive about reaching out to one another and are taking advantage of online options for teaching and prayer.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn