Gov Gretchen Whitmer

New Tax Break for Disabled Veterans

Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 25 this week which will help disabled veterans who are still paying on their student loans.

The bill will amend the income tax code to allow disabled veterans to deduct taxable income attributed to cancellation or forgiveness of a student loan. It will apply retroactively to the 2016 through 2019 tax years, and it will apply to future tax years beginning in 2025.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and Whitmer said, “Our nation’s disabled veterans have served our country with honor and dignity, and this bill helps alleviate some of their financial burdens. I am proud to sign Senate Bill 25 to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and help make their lives easier.”

VFW Michigan State Commander Kevin Conklin said, “The VFW Department of Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer and Senator Tom Barrett’s efforts to make Michigan the best state in the Nation for veterans and their families, and we look forward to future legislation that helps us accomplish this goal together.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Health Department Needs Help with Monoclonal Antibody Clinic

The St. Clair County Health Department is putting out a call for volunteers to staff its Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center.

Medical staff that are trained and experienced with intravenous infusion are needed as well as medical support staff. The support staff will assist with patient monitoring and vitals.

The dramatic uptick in Covid Cases in the area has caused the treatment center to be activated in the county. Volunteer medical staff are needed on Tuesdays and Fridays in December from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The monoclonal antibody infusion therapy is considered to be highly effective as it reduces viral loads and can consequently lessen symptom severity. The lessened symptoms can prevent hospitalizations by 70%, according to a memo published by the health department.

Patients are referred to the clinic by their health care provider and are generally considered to be at high risk of requiring hospitalization if symptoms progress.

Volunteers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be provided with personal protection equipment and on-site training.

Visit mivolunteerregistry.org or email: dlois@stclaircounty.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Increase Patrols on I-94 This Week

There are more police on I-94 this week and they are keeping an eye on commercial vehicles. The Michigan State Police announced the “Eyes on 94” operation that will be increasing enforcement on the Interstate 94 highway throughout this week. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with the Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio State law enforcement agencies.

The focus will be on violations made by commercial vehicles that could contribute to crashes, like distracted driving, following too close, improper passing, speeding, and improper lane use.

Captain Richard Arnold of the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division said, “This enforcement effort is a great example of the commitment by the MSP, Indiana State Police, Illinois State Police, and the Ohio Highway Patrol to reach our common goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes.”

Arnold said that the operation is increasing awareness by being highly visible this week. The State Police said that I-94 is prone to weather-related crashes at this time of year, especially involving interstate commercial vehicle drivers.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Visitors Restricted at McLaren

In response to high COVID-19 rates in the community, McLaren Port Huron is restricting visitors to the hospital, to protect the health of patients, staff and the community, effective Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Exceptions to the visitor restrictions include:

  • Obstetrics patients may have one partner and one support person accompany them
  • Pediatric patients may have one adult visitor
  • ICU patients may have one visitor
  • Patients who are mentally disabled or have developmental delays may have one visitor
  • Patients scheduled for surgery or procedures may have one visitor, who is expected to leave as soon as possible after surgery.
  • Patients who have an outpatient appointment for a hospital service (laboratory, imaging) who need assistance may have one companion.
  • Patients in the Emergency Department may have one visitor.
  • Exceptions will be made for end-of-life care.

Visiting hours for these exceptions will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID when entering the hospital. All visitors must wear a mask at all times and remain with the patient at all times unless asked to leave by the clinical team. Please note: No visitors are allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, including in the Emergency Department.

The goal is to protect patients, their families and the McLaren Port Huron health care team. Leadership will continue to implement practices to help ensure the health and safety of everyone who enters the facility.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron

Flying into the U.S.? Covid Testing Required within One Day of Travel

Anyone flying into the United States needs to take a Covid test. The new rule went into effect Monday. It applies even to Americans flying home from abroad.

The testing needs to be done no more than one day before air travel into the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. The discovery of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has prompted the new testing requirement.

The only way to get out of the testing is to have documentation proving that you were infected with Covid within the last 90 days and to be cleared for travel by a public health official or licensed healthcare provider.

The testing applies to anyone age two and older who is flying into the U.S., whether vaccinated or not. The rule does not apply to land crossings, just air travel.

Rapid tests are acceptable, as are home tests, but only if done under the supervision of a telehealth official. If travelers test positive, they will not be allowed to fly and will have to isolate in whatever country they are in. Those who refuse testing may not be allowed to board flights into the U.S.

For more information, go to the News section of WGRT.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Opens Registration for Bob Ross-Inspired 5K

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is bringing back their Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little 5K, and registration is now open for the spring run.

This is the 3rd year for the 5K, and it will only accept 18,500 participants for this year’s virtual run. Registration is open now, and the cost is $34 per person.

Runners must complete their virtual run outdoors any time between April 22, 2022 through the 29th.

All proceeds raised from the Happy Little 5 K will support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Michelle O-Kelly, race director for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Bob Ross Inc. in order to support our tree planting and stewardship efforts in Michigan state parks. In just the first two years of this incredibly popular event, race participants have helped generate a stable  source of funding toward healthy, thriving forests at state parks throughout the next decade.”

The Happy Little 5K has raised more than $600,000 since its inception.

To learn more or register, visit www.Michigan.gov/DNRHappyLittleTrees

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand