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Local News

Lawn Care Company Taking Responsibility for Mistake that Killed Grass

In response to concern from the community, WGRT reached out to Nancy Winzer for more information about the grass situation at several Port Huron city parks. Winzer wants to assure the community that the lawn care company contracted by the city took full responsibility for the fertilization error when they became aware of it last fall, and they are cooperating with the city to repair the dead grass.

The initial report stated that the city’s insurance would be paying a claim for the repair, but Winzer clarified that the contractor’s insurance is covering the cost.

Both the City of Port Huron and the contractor are testing the soil to find a good solution to get grass growing again in those spots as soon as possible. Some of the grass that had a stronger root base survived the over-fertilization while weaker grass was more severely affected and died. The fertilizer used by the company is pet-friendly and would never be applied in amounts that would affect the nearby water. There is no danger to pets or animals walking on the dead grass.

“We understand how important these prime park areas are for our city,”said Winzer. “This company has provided the city with excellent service for years. They were forthcoming about their mistake and are cooperating fully to find a solution to the problem.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Website for St. Clair County Resources – Sarnia Officials Say Staying at Home is Working

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 21st at 5:25 PM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 32,967 confirmed cases; 2,700deaths
  • St. Clair County: 291 confirmed cases; 16 deaths
  • Ontario: 11,735 confirmed cases; 622 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 148 confirmed cases; 14 deaths

St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body (CSCB) has a new website at www.cscbinfo.org. The new CSCB website will serve as a central repository for information and links to resources available to St. Clair County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes information about resources such as food distribution dates, utility assistance, housing resources, and unemployment assistance. The CSCB is a network of over 70 organizations, businesses and non-profits, that have collaborated for over 35 years to strengthen the community and meet the needs of St. Clair County residents.

The website was developed in partnership with The St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), St. Clair County Health Department, and St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH), and it will be updated continually as new information becomes available.

“Having this critical and necessary life sustaining information available at your fingertips, ensures that our community is able to meet personal and family needs at a time when resources are less available.” says Justin Westmiller, Director of St. Clair County Homeland Security and Emergency Management. For those without internet access, these resources can still be reached over the phone by calling the COVID-19 Support Line at SCCCMH (noted below).

The Government of Ontario recently confirmed that physical distancing and the many public health measures in place are working to contain the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. The City of Sarnia wants to thank all those who are following social distancing practices and staying home. However, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health believes that these emergency measures continue to be critical and does not recommend relaxing them at this time.

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

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Small Businesses Still Need Relief – More Funding Requested

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Michigan Association of CPAs President & CEO Bob Doyle, today called on federal officials to reach an agreement and authorize additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

More than 43,000 businesses in Michigan impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak received more than $10 billion in forgivable loans during the first round of PPP funding. Nationally, $349 billion was authorized for the initial round of PPP, all of which was committed by April 16 – less than two weeks after the application period opened – demonstrating the continued need for small business relief. 

“While tens of thousands of Michigan businesses were able to receive more than $10 billion of relief through the Paycheck Protection Program, there continues to be a significant need for additional resources to support our small businesses,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program will be critical in helping our businesses keep their doors open and in protecting the livelihoods of their workers.”  

Michigan small businesses (per SBA size standards) – including hospitality and food industry businesses and sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons – were eligible to apply for loans through The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help ensure employees continue receiving paychecks. The PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll and may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. 

“For those businesses that applied but did not receive funding in the first round, please verify with your lending institution that your application is still active and in line for funding when Congress comes through,” Calley said. “If a business didn’t apply before, now is the time to get your application ready. These loans can save a business and keep thousands employed.” 

The MIpaycheckprotection.com website includes key PPP eligibility information, videos and instructions to help with the application process, information on authorized SBA lenders and more. This Michigan Paycheck Protection Program website was built through a collaboration between the Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan SBDC. 

 “The PPP funds on a first come first served basis,” said Bob Doyle, MICPA President & CEO. “Once new funds are available, businesses interested in these forgivable loans, should gather their information and submit an application as soon as possible.” 

“We will continue to leverage every resource available at the federal state and local level to provide relief to businesses across our state,” said Mark A. Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “These are difficult times, but additional PPP funds would make a significant difference for many small businesses making every effort to keep their doors open.” 

Through the MEDC, michiganbusiness.org/covid19 also features other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus. This includes U.S. Small Business Administration emergency loans, support services offered through the SBDC and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq. 

Submitted by the office of Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

House Republicans Unveil Regional Approach to Reopen Economy in Michigan

Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron today helped unveil a regional approach to safely move toward reopening Michigan’s economy.

The proposed House Republican framework calls for a rolling restart — an approach based on the prevalence and risk factors of the virus, which varies by region. A transition task force would be established to determine which counties could have some COVID-19 restrictions eased more quickly, getting more people back to work and more facets of everyday life – when it’s safe.

“This framework provides a good start toward allowing more people to safely provide for their families and pay their bills during this challenging time,” said Hernandez, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Everyone’s top priority is protecting public health and defeating this virus. We can work on that mission and also allow the economy to start reopening in safe, smart ways.

“The governor’s across-the-board, cookie-cutter approach has been far too restrictive on Michigan families and workers. I am hopeful she will take this opportunity to work with us, and make some commonsense adjustments to help get our state moving again.”

A transition task force – including representatives from Gov. Whitmer’s administration, the Legislature and outside groups – would place counties into one of three tiers based on coronavirus activity and other factors such as hospitalization rates and capacity. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties – which have the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in the state – would be in the tier with strictest restrictions. Other counties would be placed in tiers with fewer restrictions.

The same task force would help determine which jobs and activities could be resumed safely, starting from the premise of federal CISA guidelines which in some cases are not as restrictive as the prohibitions now in place in Michigan. The task force would make frequent recommendations to the governor to reflect changes in coronavirus activity.

“There’s no question some workers who have been forced into unemployment by the governor’s orders could be on the job safely,” Hernandez said. “People are worried about their futures and what’s going to happen next. I am hopeful the governor will consider our common-sense recommendations and help move Michigan to better days ahead.”

Submitted by Tim Martin

Music May Be the Solution to Some of Your Stress

Here at WGRT, we’ve been suggesting ways for you to relieve stress and to make the most of the stay-at-home requirements. One helpful solution might be as close as your radio.  For hundreds of years, music has been used to provide comfort and hope during difficult times. More recently, scientific studies have attempted to measure the potential health benefits of music.

A large-scale review was conducted by a team from McGill University. After reviewing more than 400 research papers, researchers found that listening to music not only helped to reduce a patient’s stress, it also improved immune system function. In the review, they also found that listening to music can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children and relieve depression in older people.

Researchers conclude that music has long been considered one of humanity’s greatest creative achievements; as it turns out, this creative force may have serious medical implications as well. Study after study has shown that music not only helps to reduce stress, it can improve improve overall health as well. So when you’re feeling down turn on the radio!

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

SEMCO Makes Donation to McLaren Port Huron’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

This week, McLaren Port Huron announced that SEMCO Energy Gas Company has become a Healthcare Hero in this time of need! SEMCO made a $5000 donation toward the COVID-19 relief efforts at McLaren Port Huron.

The hospital is asking members of the community to also consider making a donation to their COVID-19 Relief Fund. McLaren Port Huron Foundation will use 100% of the funds received to provide support to the hospital, caregivers, and patients for needs related to COVID-19.  Lynn Griffor, Executive Director of McLaren Port Huron Foundation, told  WGRT,  “Not only will contributions help McLaren Port Huron in the fight against COVID-19, but the show of community support means everything to our front-line staff. We feel the support and it really helps.”

If you would like to make a contribution or if you are interested in donating items needed, please call 810-841-1971 or email foundation@porthuronhospital.org

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn