State of Michigan Town Hall About COVID-19 Vaccine

Lansing, MI — Recognizing that Michigan residents have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, the State of Michigan is hosting the next in a series of community town halls. The February event will address questions within communities of color.

This second virtual discussion is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25. This builds upon the first virtual conversation with faith-based leaders, about the safety, efficacy and importance of the COVID-19 vaccines for safely reopening Michigan. In the following months, Michigan will also host additional town halls in partnership with public health and community leaders. Events are live-streamed at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the best hope for ending the pandemic and returning to a sense of normalcy in our everyday lives. Questions about the vaccine are understandable – particularly for those in our hardest impacted communities,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “For Black and Brown communities who have been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic, this is truly a matter of life or death – and getting the vaccine is choosing life.”

Joining Dr. Khaldun for the February 25 discussion are:

  • Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist
  • Dr. Lynn Smitherman, MD
  • N. Charles Anderson, Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan
  • Reverend Wendell Anthony, Detroit NAACP
  • Eva A. Garza Dewaelsche, SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc.
  • Dr. Zafer I. Obeid, M.D., Arab American & Chaldean Council
  • Dr. Terry Samuels, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

In order to reach community-wide immunity that can protect others who cannot get vaccinated, about 70% of Americans need to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The goal of the town hall series is to address the safety and efficacy of the vaccine by answering questions within vulnerable communities that have been disproportionately impacted, including communities of color.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons of color have faced devastating and disproportionate harm, both nationally and here in Michigan. The cumulative COVID-19 case rate in Black and African American populations has been over 40% higher than the rate in white populations. In addition, the cumulative COVID-19 death rate in Black and African American populations has been over three times the rate in white populations.

According to research, 66% of Michiganders are likely or very likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine and 34% would like to get it as soon as possible. However, there are disparities when it comes to who is likely to get the vaccine with 47% of white Michiganders very likely to get the vaccine versus 25% of black Michiganders.

Ahead of the discussion, attendees are encouraged to submit their questions for the town hall about the COVID-19 vaccine. Any questions that cannot be answered during the town halls due to time constraints, will be reviewed and added to the State of Michigan COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions.

Michigan’s distribution of the vaccine continues in a phased approach, with an emphasis on ensuring the continuing functioning of the health care system and essential services in the community, and protecting people at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Residents will need to continue preventative measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing to reduce the spread of COVID in our communities even as the vaccine is being administered.

Submitted by State of Michigan

Clear Snow from Chimneys, Vents, Meters

As the snow piles continue to grow, and even though Michiganders are used to heavy snow and cold temperatures, the Michigan Public Service Commission has sent out a reminder. They want to be sure that snow is cleared around chimneys, vents, and utility meters.

The MPSC says clearing snow is a life-or-death issue. If carbon monoxide comes back into the house, occupants could become victims of CO poisoning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness and nausea. If poisoning is suspected, victims need to get into fresh air immediately and call 911.

To prevent problems, residents should make sure chimneys and air intake valves are not blocked by snow or ice. High-efficiency furnace users should make sure white plastic intake valves are not blocked. Mobile home residents and residents of homes with flat roofs are asked to be especially aware of rooftop drifting that can block chimneys.

Finally, attention needs to be paid to utility meters. Snow or ice buildup can alter the readings and functioning. They need to be carefully cleared to avoid breakage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Renew Your Watercraft Registration Online

The Michigan Secretary of State has been developing its online platforms to increase accessibility of their services. Now, there are more ways to get your Secretary of State business done at home or at a self-service station.

To get a jump on boating season, watercraft users can renew their registrations before the March 31st deadline. Boat owners should be receiving notices of renewal in the mail this spring, and they have two options for performing the transaction: online express for quick renewals and an online authenticated renewal process which allows them to access their customer record and conduct other transactions along with the renewal.

All watercraft must be registered with the State of Michigan unless it is a nonmotorized canoe, kayak, or small (less than 16ft) paddle boat that isn’t used for rental or commercial purposes.

For a link to online services offered by the Secretary of State and to find a self-service station near you, visit Michigan.gov/SOS.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Rep. Beeler Fights for Private Property Rights

State Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) announced last week that he co-sponsored legislation which requires Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers to obtain a warrant before entering private land.

Beeler said the bill protects Fourth Amendment rights and aligns the requirements of DNR officers with other law enforcement officers in the state who must acquire a warrant in such situations.

“I was shocked that this wasn’t already covered in state law,” Beeler said. “The Fourth Amendment is clear. It guarantees freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. This proposal puts that clarity into Michigan law and states that these protections apply not only in instances with traditional law enforcement agencies who are working hard to protect us and our communities, but for all government authorities.”

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, offers practical exceptions for entrance onto private property, such as when probable cause exists, when an officer is in pursuit of a suspect, when there is a reasonable belief evidence will be destroyed, when someone is in danger, or if there is consent to search. Several states, such as Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon and Vermont, have extended protections to private land through their constitutions in recent years.

“I want to thank Representative LaFave for bringing this issue to the forefront,” Beeler continued, “I am optimistic that this bill will receive strong bipartisan support.”

House Bill 4315 was introduced on the House floor February 18th and will soon be formally read into the record.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Cedar Point Announces Summer Plans

Sometimes the only thing that gets one through a snowy February day is knowing that summer is coming and a trip to Cedar Point is on the calendar. Just in time for summer dreaming, Cedar Point, a popular amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, has released its 2021 season highlights. They include the 150th anniversary celebration with parades and nighttime parties daily from June 26th through August 15th.

Even better than a trip to Cedar Point is a free trip to Cedar Point. This summer is the last chance for visitors to win a “Ticket of a Lifetime”. The winner and three guests get free admission to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores Waterpark for the rest of their lives.

Addressing safety concerns, Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point said, “Safety is always our top priority. In the current environment, our team will continue to carry out our mission of not only safety, but the very reason we’ve been here for more than 150 years – to make people happy.”

The season is starting off with the Frontier Festival, opening on May 14th. That’s just three months away.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Police Share Results of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

The Michigan State Police have released the results from the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown that took place from December 11th, 2020 to January 1st, 2021.

The increased patrols netted 159 drunk drivers and 39 drugged drivers out of 7,529 traffic stops. The enforcement was meant to get those who did too much holiday celebrating off the roads and decrease crashes and lives lost.

Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning said, “If you are impaired by any substance you shouldn’t drive. Motorists were asked to make responsible decisions as they celebrated the holidays and to have a plan in place to get home safely. Unfortunately, the holidays were not a merry occasion for everyone.”

The 2019 Drunk Driving Audit found that 41.9% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol, drugs, or both. A blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher will get drivers arrested, but the State Police remind drivers that they can be arrested at any blood alcohol level if the officer thinks they are impaired.

Driving while under the influence of drugs has the same penalty as drunk driving and there is no acceptable “blood alcohol level” for illegal drugs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland