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Local News

Aerial Mosquito Spraying Planned as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Risk Grows

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have enacted an emergency rule that allows for application of pesticide without notification and will start aerial pesticide treatment for mosquitos, starting the night of September 16. The spraying will take place in high risk areas of Michigan.

The spraying will not take place in St. Clair County at this point. It is planned for Barry, Clare, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland counties. Those counties are being targeted because Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in 22 horses in the areas.

The disease is easily transmitted to humans from infected mosquitos and is twice as prevalent in horses this year compared to last year. Eastern Equine Encephalitis has a 33% mortality rate in humans and is particularly serious for children and older adults.

Planes will be dropping an “ultra-low volume” pesticide, Merus 3.0, a 5% pyrethrin that is botanically extracted, that kills mosquitoes on contact. It will be sprayed from dusk to dawn.

More information can be found at michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Museums Fall Schedule Announced

Port Huron, MI — A fall line-up has been announced by Port Huron Museums. The fall schedule has several new events for the community, keeping social distancing in mind.

While the Huron Lightship is currently closed for repairs, the Thomas Edison Depot, Carnegie Center, and Fort Gratiot Light Station are open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Museum is offering guided trolley tours with a variety of topics. Private tours can be arranged with history experts Dave Dazer or Andrew Kercher to get an inside look at Port Huron’s rich history while enjoying a ride in the trolley.

Pioneer Day is not cancelled this year, but will be held in keeping with social distancing mandates. The ticketed event will feature candle making and a lesson in the history of the 1850s era Kammer log cabin. The family friendly event runs from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on September 26th on the grounds of the Museum in Downtown Port Huron.

Information and reservations for events can be found at phmuseum.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Smile Cookie Campaign Supports Pathways Health Centre for Children

Sarnia area Tim Horton’s restaurants are bringing back Smile Cookie week to support Pathways Health Centre for Children, one of 550 Canadian charities, hospitals, and community organizations supported through the program.

Now through September 20th, Tim Horton’s restaurant owners in Sarnia will donate the full $1 from every freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile cookie purchased to support Pathways Health Centre for Children.

Pathways Health Centre for Children provides services to over 2,600 children and youth throughout Lambton county with physical, developmental,  and communication needs. They provide a wide range of essential developmental services to equip children and their families with the strength they need to face challenges.

Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised a record $9.8 million across Canada. You can visit TimHortons.com/smilecookie for a list of charities that benefit from the Smile Cookie Campaign.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Virtual Workshop for Caregivers

Life Skills Centers Memory Care Services and the Area Agency on Aging 1B will hold a free virtual workshop to support those caring for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, September 29th from noon to 1:30.

Dementia caregiver expert Jill Gafner Livingston will offer tips and tools on managing the stress of care giving. Her inspirational seminar is designed with the family caregiver in mind and will encourage positive thoughts and behaviors.

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit that supports older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers in southeast Michigan. They help people access the services they need to remain living with dignity in their own home or with family caregivers.

To learn more about the event, visit the Events page at WGRT.com.

State Sells Bonds to “Fix the Darn Roads”

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced closing on the sale of an $800 million bond issue. The sale is the first step toward a road rebuilding project throughout the state.

The bonds are expected to cover the cost of the repair of the freeways with the highest use, starting with a $60 million I-496 rebuild.

The total $3.5 billion bond sale is planned to finance 122 major highway projects, including the rebuilding of I-69 in St. Clair County, which is already in progress.

The bond sale was endorsed by Moody’s Investor Services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A statement from Moody’s said, “Michigan’s state trunkline bonds are not susceptible to immediate material credit risks related to coronavirus because of strong coverage of debt service and limits on additional leverage. The longer-term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis.”  

The state’s all-in true interest costs are 2.727%. The $800 million sale is expected to generate $1.017 billion in proceeds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Three Port Huron Area Schools Closed for 14 Days

Parents of students at Port Huron Northern, Fort Gratiot Middle School, and Keewahdin Elementary received a message tonight informing them that in-person classes are cancelled at all three schools for the next 14 days. The message from St. Clair County Health Department Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, and Superintendent of Port Huron Schools Jamie Cain, said that a small number of COVID-19 cases were identified and confirmed at the schools.

The three schools will transition from a hybrid model to an all-virtual format for 14 days starting on Tuesday, September 15th. No students should report to the building on the 15th, but the building will be open on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, September 16th for students to pick up supplies or receive support from staff.

Meal services will continue, and food may be picked up from the Port Huron Performing Arts Center on Tuesday between 9-11 AM or 5-7 PM. Five days of breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled unless students receive word from their coaches.