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

 

 

$400 Auto insurance Refunds on the Way

Checks should be in the mail in a few months in the amount of $400 per vehicle as Michigan refunds a portion of auto insurance premiums. The money is coming out of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fund.

A bipartisan auto insurance reform law was passed in 2019. Those receiving the care from catastrophic claims are not pleased with the cut in benefits that are part of the auto reform laws.

Tom Judd, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council said, “Michigan consumers are absolutely owed a refund on their premiums, because auto insurance companies have gotten away with gouging them for years. But make no mistake: This move cannot be taken as an excuse to shirk the responsibility of caring for victims of catastrophic auto accidents, who paid for no-fault insurance through their premiums.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “These refunds and the recently announced statewide average rate reductions are lowering costs for every Michigan driver.”

Three billion dollars in auto insurance refunds are expected to be refunded to consumers in the second quarter of 2022.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLain’s Patient Advocacy Tracker Act Bill Gets Senate Companion Bill

Bipartisan efforts to increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs has led to the introduction of Senate bills to complement U.S. Representative Lisa McLain’ s Patient Advocate Tracker.

McLain, a Republican representing Michigan’s 10th District, which includes most of the Thumb Region, said, “The Patient Advocate Tracker Act is commonsense legislation that will make the VA more transparent and cause less frustrations for our veterans. Veterans deserve the best healthcare possible, and when they receive subpar care, they need to be able to easily report complaints to their patient advocate, track it and get the best outcome possible. This bill will simplify the process and help them track their complaint.”

McLain’s bill was introduced in late October and is awaiting being sent to committee.

A companion Senate bill has been sponsored by Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana and Democrat Raphael Warnock of Georgia. The bills are meant to fast-track getting care concerns to the right person and eliminate the delays to advocacy due to unnecessary bureaucracy in the Veterans Administration.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outdoor Stewardship Events This Winter

Outdoor exploration doesn’t have to be limited to warmer months, and Friends of the St. Clair River has a few options coming up for outdoor recreation.

On December 11th, a winter stewardship program called “Through the Woods” will take place at Woodsong County Park from 10 AM – 12 PM, and a Lakefront Restoration is planned at Fort Gratiot County Park on December 12th and January 10th.

Forestry Fridays happen weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM at Columbus County Park on December 10th & 17th and January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th.

Friends Restoration Coordinator, Brooke Hiller, said, “Our staff and volunteers work fifty-two weeks a year, through all seasons, to restore, protect, and enhance our community’s natural resources. These winter stewardship activities allow residents to connect with nature in a unique setting and make a difference protecting these areas full of life, even in the dormant months.”

To learn more about these and other events visit Friends of the St. Clair River’s website at www.scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

DTF Seizes Large Amount of Meth

Port Huron Twp., MI — The St. Clair County Drug Task Force seized a large amount of crystal methamphetamine and arrested one man during a raid on December 1st.

According to Sheriff Mat King, The DTF conducted an investigation into the sales of meth in the Port Huron area.  That investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 2900 block of West Water Woods at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.  Once inside, members of the Drug Task Force located and seized about $45,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine and smaller amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.  Also seized during the raid were digital scales, cash and drug packaging materials.

A 35 year old Port Huron man was arrested at the residence and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl and maintaining a drug house.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force