Ice Continues to Menace Riverfront Property Along the St. Clair River

This has been a stressful winter for many St. Clair County residents living along the southern stretch of the St. Clair River. High water, strong winds, and a whole lot of ice are causing major flooding issues on waterfront property.

The St. County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has had their hands full in 2020 and now in 2021, and they are issuing daily reports on the state of the flooding situation. A report early this week indicated that waters had risen sharply in the stretch from St. Clair to Lake Huron.

An international ice-cutting effort was underway with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Hollyhock and Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Griffin on the job. The cutters work to try to keep the water flowing and reduce flooding. The situation is under constant monitoring by county, state, federal, and international partners.

Citizens with damage from the ice and flooding are asked to use online self-reporting options. Links to Be Ready St. Clair County can be found below. As of early this week, 22 reports of damage have been made.

https://www.facebook.com/BeReadyStClairCounty

https://www.bereadystclaircounty.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

TEC Center Virtual Open House Set for February 25th

The St. Clair County TEC Center is having a virtual Open House on Thursday, February 25th from 6-8 p.m. this year. The annual event where students get to see examples of hands-on training in various technical fields has been forced to go online.

The virtual event is aimed at tenth-graders and their families, as the program runs throughout eleventh and twelfth grades. TEC programs are available to all students in public schools in St. Clair County. High school counselors will have more information.

TEC programs include automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, engineering & robotics, health careers, and several others.

The virtual open house will allow students and families to take a virtual tour, visit classrooms, explore TEC programs, and talk with teachers. They will also learn how to earn elective credit, academic credit, and college credit, along with learning how to make a TEC education into a fulfilling career.

Opportunities for an in-person “shadow” visit are available to interested students. A link to registration to the TEC Virtual Open House:

Register for the TEC Virtual Open House.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Closings for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Closings for Wednesday, February 17th

St. Clair County:

Algonac Community Schools

Capac Community Schools

East China School District

East Shore Leadership Academy

Holy Cross Catholic

Marysville Public Schools

Memphis Community Schools

New Life Christian Academy

Port Huron Area School District – Closed for all students both Hybrid and Virtual – no Zooms

St. Clair TEC

St. Clair County CMH: St. Clair County Community Mental Health will be open. However, its CIS program closed. There will be no agency transportation available. Employees are to report to work.

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy

Yale School District

 

 

 

Sanilac County

Brown City Schools

Carsonville – Port Sanilac

Croswell-Lexington Schools

Peck Community Schools

Sanilac Career Center & Special Ed

 

New COVID Variant Identified in St. Clair County

A case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in St. Clair County. The individual has been in isolation and close contacts quarantined since initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Variant identification is learned after (initial COVID -19 diagnosis) further testing of the specimen.

The individual who tested positive is in their 70’s with no current travel history. Symptoms are mild and hospitalization is not needed at this time.

The COVID-19 virus, as expected with a coronavirus, has changed over the past year. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January. The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.

“Since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department. “Which is why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.”

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant B.1.1.7:

  • Wear a face mask around others
  • Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Avoid crowded areas or gatherings
  • Ventilate indoor spaces if around others
  • Seek testing if ill, exposed, or after travel
  • Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results
  • Get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available to you

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

4-H Auction Raises Support for 4-H Clubs and Charity

The St. Clair County 4-H Council Virtual online Auction will be Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. and go through Saturday the 27th at 1:00 p.m. at this link Virtual 4-H Auction site  Items can be, safe no contact, picked up at the Fair Office in Marysville on February 27 from 2pm – 6pm and February 28 from 9am – noon.    Exact cash or check payment only.

It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of 4-H by bidding on some great items that have been donated. 50% of the proceeds go back to 4-H clubs that secure the items and 50% will go to a local food pantry or charity with the greatest need.

4-H provides fun, educational opportunities that become the foundation for a lifetime of success.  Program areas ranging from science and technology to clothing and textiles, and so much more are available to our youth.  You have an opportunity to support the St. Clair County 4-H Program by bidding this annual auction.

Some items include: Top Bar Beehive, grow unit and supplies to start your garden, art and craft items, gift baskets, and many other items too.

For donations or questions, please contact the MSU Extension office at (810) 989-6935 and ask for Lori Warchuck.

Submitted by St. Clair County 4-H Council

Dr. Reddy & Dr. Mercatante Receive Nasr Award for Community Service

The St. Clair County Medical Society (SCCMS) awards its prestigious Dr. Bassam Nasr Community Service Leader Award each year, and the 2021 honorees are Dr. Sushma Reddy and Dr. Annette Mercatante.

The SCCMS is made up of physicians from around the Blue Water Area who come together for philanthropy, professional development, and socialization. The Nasr award is named after the late Dr. Bassam Nasr, a local gastroenterologist, philanthropist, and one of the co-founders of Physician Healthcare Network.

Dr. Reddy was recognized as “one of the most dedicated volunteers our medical community has ever known.” She has led community health efforts such as The Blue Water Walking Club and the Walk for Summer Reading, and she has been a volunteer at the People’s Clinic for over 15 years.

Dr. Mercatante was noted as meeting the challenge of leading throughout the pandemic with “expertise, fast and precise decision making, and the swift actions needed to maximize available resources to care for COVID-19 patients.” Her colleagues in the SCCMS describe her leadership as “tireless, and her expertise has been a vital factor in minimizing the number
of COVID deaths in our community.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand