Whitmer Rallying for Park Improvement Spending

Michigan’s windfall of federal COVID relief money is being proposed to be spent in a multitude of ways, including a $400 million investment in parks and trails.

The investment is hoped to create new jobs and increase tourism while sprucing up and modernizing the parks and trails system in the state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is on the trail herself garnering support for her plan. She has made a few stops statewide to draw attention to the need for park upgrades.

Whitmer said her investment program marks “a once-in-a-generation chance to improve quality of life for our residents, support local economies and bring people back to Michigan as the state continues its recovery from the effects of the pandemic.”

Whitmer continued, saying, “These investments will ensure our children and grandchildren continue to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of natural beauty and outdoor spaces so prized by Michiganders.” Whitmer said she looks forward to working with the Legislature to secure the investment.

Tourism and recreation-related industry sustain 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Five Arrested in Port Huron Drug Raid

Port Huron, MI — Five people were arrested during a drug raid in the city of Port Huron Tuesday night.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of narcotics in the Port Huron area.  At about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, members of the DTF executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of St. Clair Street.  During the search of the residence, methamphetamine and heroin were located and seized.

A 38 year old woman from Port Huron faces charges of possession with intent to distribute and maintaining a drug house.  A 31 year old Port Huron man faces charges of possession of narcotics and maintaining a drug house.  A 21 year old Port Huron man will be charged with possession of narcotics.  The other two, a 31 year Marysville man and 29 year old man from Port Huron were lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center for previous offenses.

The Port Huron Police Major Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation.

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

St Clair and Lambton County COVID Update

St Clair County, Lambton County — Many people were concerned about the spike in COVID-19 cases that coincided with the ramping of vaccines for the majority of Michigan’s population this spring, but recent data shows a sharp decline in new cases of the virus.

Numbers reported by the State of Michigan show an average number of new confirmed cases of 107 per day. much lower than the 7,372 confirmed cases on April 5, 2021.

As of July 7th, St. Clair County had 31 active cases of COVID-19 a remarkable decrease over the last month, down from a high of just over 7,600 in May. The St. Clair County Health Department recently reported a 7 day average of only 1.1 new cases in the county.

There have been over 15,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St. Clair County since the pandemic began, and 405 deaths were attributed to the virus.

Lambton County has 14 active cases of the virus, and the province of Ontario is in Step 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen.  which includes rules and regulations for working from home, capacity limits on businesses and public facilities, and mask orders.  The full order is available here: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21488

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Education Spending Increased for Fiscal Year 2022

The School Aid Budget, as well as an equalized funding system, was passed by the Michigan Senate last week. The bill allocates $17 billion for the fiscal year 2022.

State Senator Dan Lauwers, a Brockway Township Republican, voted for the bill, saying, “As our school districts recover from a year lost to COVID-19 and remote learning, we have prioritized getting more money into our classrooms while also dedicating significant resources for parents to help their struggling students get the help they need to get back on track.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed the school funding plan, saying, “The bipartisan school aid bill makes historic investments in our children without raising taxes and will help each and every student thrive academically, mentally, and physically.”

The spending plan provides for at least $8,700 per pupil, which is an increase from previous years. More money is also slated for preschools, increasing reading proficiency, school nurses, social workers, counselors, and psychologists, as well as $140 million in the school employees’ retirement system.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be Careful: Tick-borne Diseases on the Rise

Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are on the rise around the state, so it’s time to get serious about preventing tick bites.

Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said, “Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health, and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider.”

St. Clair County is one of the Michigan counties identified as having a high risk for Lyme disease. It is home to the blacklegged tick, which transmits both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-borne disease.

Avoiding ticks means being careful when outdoors. Walk in the center of trails to avoid grassy, brushy, wooded areas where ticks thrive. Also, use a repellant with DEET or Picardin.

Pets should be checked for ticks often. There are tick-prevention products available for pets.

Bathing after being outdoors is a good way to find and wash off ticks, as is washing clothes in hot water and drying on high heat.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Recognized in July

July is Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Month. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are working together to recognize the workforce that helps to plant and harvest Michigan crops.

MDARD’s Migrant Labor Housing program oversees the welfare of migrant workers and their families in 850 licensed agricultural housing facilities.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “MDARD takes great care in making sure that the more than 28,000 migrant and seasonal workers who enter our state have healthy and safe housing. Migrant and seasonal workers help us plant and harvest more than 160 commercial crops. We honor their hard work, resilience, and dedication to Michigan’s agriculture industry.”

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “MDHHS appreciates farmworkers and supports them by providing access to public benefits, outreach services, and encourages them to feel welcome in Michigan because they play a vital role in the agriculture industry.”

Seasonal workers contribute to $2.3 billion in farm revenue in Michigan each year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland