Animal Owners Reminded to Make Sure Pets are Warm

With a polar vortex settling in, some animal owners need a reminder that they have the responsibility to keep their animals warm. If they can’t stay inside a home or barn during winter cold snaps, dogs, cats, and livestock will need a safe outdoor shelter.

Melissa A. Miller, Director of St. Clair County Animal Control, said that outside dogs must have a 4-sided shelter with a floor and roof and straw bedding when temps are under 32 degrees. Livestock must have a three-sided shelter or windbreak providing equivalent protection. 

For those who neglect their pets, they could be facing a misdemeanor charge and a penalty of $500 or 90 days in jail, or community service.

According to Miller, her office does see dogs in unsafe conditions, particularly those that are used as protection dogs, and those that are permanently chained up. She said, “If you see something, say something.” Calling Animal Control could save an animal’s life.

Miller said that cat shelters for feral cats can be made with Styrofoam coolers and straw. Free straw can be picked up at the Animal Control office at 3378 Griswold in Port Huron.

The St. Clair County Animal Control Office has a great video about how to properly insulate a dog house with straw.

https://www.facebook.com/adoptsccac/videos/435006647619252

Got the Vaccine? Still Need to “Mask Up”

Despite vaccination for COVID-19 starting to pick up, mask-wearing is not going away any time soon. In fact, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is ramping up its efforts to make sure people not only continue wearing masks but wear them correctly.

For those who thought they could ditch the mask once they got the vaccine, they will need to think again. Those who receive the vaccine are asked to continue to wear their masks to prevent spreading the virus.

According to Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS, “We are making great progress towards our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders as quickly as possible, but it is important people remain vigilant in preventing spread of COVID-19 even after receiving a vaccine.”

Michiganders are asked to make sure their mask fits properly to keep their own respiratory droplets in and others out. More layers mean more protection. According to MDHHS, one mask blocks 40% of particles; a cloth mask worn over a medical mask blocks 85% of particles and two medical masks or a medical mask properly fitted can block 95% of particles.

Reporting for WGRT –  Jennie McClelland

Vaccine Clinic Cancelled Today – Rescheduled for Thursday

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) is cancelling its COVID-19 vaccination clinic for today, Tuesday, February 16 at the Blue Water Convention Center (BWCC). St. Clair County has closed all non-essential operations due to the winter storm and dangerous conditions.

Today’s clinic is rescheduled and will be combined with another clinic currently scheduled on Thursday, February 18, from 10:00am -7:00pm at the BWCC.  Individuals who had an appointment today, should plan for the same appointment time on Thursday.

If you are unable to attend the rescheduled clinic occurring on Thursday, please do the following:

  • Email covid19@stclaircounty.org
  • On Wednesday, 2/17, call the SCCHD (810) 987-5300 or (810) 966-4163 during regular business hours.

Submitted by the St Clair County Health Department

Closings for Tuesday, February 16, 2021

St. Clair County

  • All AREA Schools are closed

Blue Water Transit – CLOSED – No bus service

Community Enterprises of St. Clair

Council on Aging St Clair County – No home delivered meals or congregate meals, all 4 senior centers are also closed, no transportation.

People’s Clinic for Better Health

PKSA Karate – There will be NO in person or zoom classes tonight.

SC4 – St. Clair County Community College – Evening classes are CANCELLED

St. Clair County Offices – all offices including libraries, administration, courts, and the health department

St. Clair Community Mental Health – All programs are closed. Employees do not need to report to work.

Sir Speedy Printing – Closed today – Reopening Wednesday, Feb 17th at 8:30 am.

Yale – No Bingo

Sanilac County

  • ALL Area Schools are CLOSED