PHS Addresses Parent Concerns

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to all families in the district to answer questions about upcoming procedures as the pandemic lingers on, and to address issues that have been of concern to parents.

Kerhoulas stated in the letter that the district will follow all orders from local, state, and federal authorities and that at this time masks must be worn on buses, and are encouraged, but not required, in classrooms.

Sick or exposed unvaccinated students and employees will have to stay home, and close contacts can plan on quarantining unless they can prove vaccination or a documented diagnosis in the past 90 days.

The district is not requiring vaccinations for staff. Ventilation systems have all been upgraded to meet CDC recommendations.

Addressing parent concerns about teaching critical race theory, Kerhoulas said that it is not part of the curriculum. In the letter, he said, “We support our professional teaching staff and trust them to answer student questions and guide meaningful, appropriate discussions in our classrooms.”

A link to the full letter.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bills Address Drunk Driving Records and Blood Alcohol Levels

Two House Bills were signed into law this week pertaining to driving under the influence of alcohol. House Bills 4219 and 4220 allow for expungement of certain convictions for a first violation of operating while intoxicated.

The expungement bills are intended to allow those with one conviction to apply for jobs with a clean record. To gain the clean slate, those with a conviction will need to petition the court five years after probation ends.

Safe & Just Michigan Executive Director John S. Cooper said, “Drunk driving is a serious problem in Michigan, but permanently limiting a person’s ability to work and drive based on a one-time, decades-old mistake does not make sense. People who can show that their DUI conviction was a one-time mistake should have an opportunity to make a fresh start.”  

House Bills 4308 and 4309 maintain the legal blood alcohol limit to .08. The limit was set to rise to .10 in October of this year.

State Representative Graham Filler said, “Michigan is the only state in the country not to have a firm .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration limit for operating a motor vehicle. Eliminating the sunset is not only the right thing to do, but it ensures the safety of those traveling on our roads.” 

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Roundabout Coming to M-136 & North Road 

Another roundabout, or traffic circle, could be coming to St. Clair County. The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding a virtual meeting open to the public on August 31st at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the future construction of a roundabout at the M-136 and North Road intersection in Clyde Township.

The intersection at the end of Keewahdin Road, which is part of a stretch of M-136, and North Road currently has a stoplight. MDOT is in the design phase of the project. Construction is planned for 2023.

A roundabout is being proposed to improve safety and traffic operations.

The virtual meeting is open to MDOT staff and contractors, community stakeholders, local businesses, and interested residents. The meeting will start with a brief presentation and then have a question and answer session. Questions can be submitted using a chat tool.

The public is asked to help MDOT recognize and address any concerns related to the construction of the roundabout. Comments and questions can be submitted using an online comment form, by mail, or by email.

Click here to join the meeting

To join by phone without using Internet, call 248-509-0316.

Conference ID: 255 348 474#

COMMENT FORM: Public input is being sought to help MDOT recognize and address any concerns that may result from this project. Please provide comments and questions using the online comment form, or by mail or e-mail to MDOT Public Involvement and Hearings Officer Monica Monsma at MonsmaM@Michigan.gov or:

Monica Monsma

MDOT Environmental Services Section

P.O. Box 30050 

Lansing, MI 48909 

517-335-4381

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Maple Leafs Win Best Mascot - Red Wings, Most Obnoxious

Maple Leafs Win Best Mascot – Red Wings, Most Obnoxious

Play Canada decided to have a little fun by surveying more than 2,000 NHL fans from the U.S. and Canada to get their opinions on NHL team mascots. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Carlton the Bear took 1st place for the Best Mascot, and the Detroit Red Wings’ Al the Octopus took 2nd place in the Most Obnoxious category.

The octopus began its association with Detroit hockey in 1952 during the championship series. Back then, it only took two best-of-seven matches to secure the cup, therefore, 8 games to win.

Detroit ended up sweeping its series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, winning the Stanley Cup in a mere 8 games. During that series,  an octopus was thrown onto the ice by Pete and Jerry Cusimano, and the creature began its long history of being synonymous with Detroit hockey.

Al the Octopus is named after Al Sobotka, the octopi-whirling Zamboni driver whose job was rounding up the critters that fans chucked onto the ice during games. Al placed 14th in Play Canada’s survey for best mascot, but his behavior during games ranked him #2 on the Most Obnoxious list.

Carlton the Bear has been the official mascot of the Maple Leafs since 1995 and is best known for spreading Maple Leaf Spirit and his rivalry with the Ottawa Senators’ mascot, Spartacat who placed 28th in the Play Canada survey.

For the complete results of Play Canada’s survey, visit their website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Whitmer on FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun issued the following statements after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. To date, over 5.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan and 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines. From January to July of 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for a staggering 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 96% of deaths.

“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is an exciting milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s office

Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Unveiled Saturday

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial located at the International Flag Plaza near the Blue Water Bridge will be unveiled this weekend in a dedication ceremony. The ceremony on Saturday, August 28th at 10:30 AM is open to the public and does not require registration.

The Tuskegee Airmen of WWII were initially trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama, and the 332nd Fighter Group also received Combat Crew Training at Selfridge and Oscoda Army Airfields. This special group of African American airmen fought for their beliefs in a segregated army, and their dedication and example paved the way for the integration of the military.

The group Diving With a Purpose discovered wreckage in Lake Huron and the St. Clair River of accidents involving Tuskegee Airmen. Five airmen perished in accidents in the Port Huron Area, and the new memorial commemorates the men and celebrates their military careers.

Exhibits will be on display throughout the weekend at the Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center, and the memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of these brave airmen.

Learn more about the Memorial Dedication events <HERE>.