Beeler Wants Answers from Governor

LANSING – State Representative Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) today voiced his frustration with the lack of specifics given by Governor Whitmer’s administration regarding how the decision to close schools and athletics were made in the past – and how those decisions will be made going forward – in the face of mounting data which suggests the dangers to school-aged children are significantly lower than originally feared.

“The governor has repeated over and over that her administration is making decisions based on science,” Beeler said, “Michigan citizens deserve to know what criteria she is using to determine when these seemingly never-ending shutdowns are going to end.”

The Michigan House and Senate today held a joint meeting of their respective committees on Education where Beeler appeared annoyed by the lack of concrete metrics the administration would use to justify future shutdowns.

“Based on today’s hearing, I am convinced that the governor’s unilateral actions are based on criteria beyond merely ‘science and data’,” Beeler said.

According to the governor’s own statistics, less than two dozen people aged 24 and younger have died from COVID-19 or other causes related to COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020.  Meanwhile, many mental health experts have warned the negative long-term effects associated with the governor’s shutdowns will be felt for many years to come.

Official statistics can be found here: Covid-19 By Age at Death (state.mi.us).

Submitted by the office of Rep. Andrew Beeler

Vaccine Pre-Registration System FAQs

According to a statement from Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer for the St. Clair County Health Department, almost 10,000 people have signed up on the county’s new vaccine pre-registration system. The Health Department wants the community to know that it is working on some technical issues, and they have already had their first vaccine clinic under the new system.

Here are the FAQs for the Vaccine Pre-registration System:

  1. What is the phone number, text code or email address that will accompany the notification? St. Clair County Vaccine Distribution. The caller ID may identify as a Massachusetts phone number. Looking into updating with a local number
    Phone: (781) 373-9800; Text ID: 88911; Email from: St. Clair County Vaccine Distribution. The caller ID may identify as a Massachusetts phone number. Looking into updating with a local number.
  1. How do I know I signed up properly in the system? You will not receive a message stating you are pre-registered. Create a user name and password to sign up. Complete the fields, save all pages and hit finalize at the end. Working on updating this.
  1. Can I go back in and edit my account information? It appears the system tracks the date of your last entry and may move you from your original placement if you make changes. Be as accurate as possible when signing up. Working on updating this.
  1. What if I registered multiple people using the same contact information (phone number, email)? Each person registered should receive a separate confirmation. The appointment confirmation will list first name, last name, appointment date/time and clinic location. It will arrive via the method(s) you selected to receive notifications. Whatever method you confirm first on accepts the invitation. Option 1= yes to confirm; Option 2 = Not available at this time; Option 3 = No longer need my appointment.
  1. What if I missed my window to confirm my appointment? Each person has one hour to respond. If you missed your window, you will be contacted as soon as the next appointment becomes available. You do not lose your placement and will be notified again. Please do not show up at a clinic if you did not receive a confirmation.
  1. When will you send out notifications? Notifications should typically occur during regular business hours.
  1. Who can sign up/pre-register? All individuals living or working in St. Clair County can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine on the health department’s website www.scchealth.co click on the “Pre-Registration for COVID-19 Vaccine” link. Again, this is a pre-registration system only, or a placeholder.

Only individuals in the current priority groups will receive a notification when an appointment become available. This is all dependent on vaccine supply, which currently remains limited. Therefore, it will take time to move through the list. Thank you for your patience.

For seniors 65 and older needing assistance with the online pre-registration process options include:

  • Asking a family member, friend or neighbor for help
  • Council on Aging/Call 1-800-297-0099 or your local senior center
  • Dial 211 for assistance
  • Please DO NOT contact COA or 211 for technical assistance or for updates.

 

Port Huron Schools Switching to Full-Time In-Person Instruction March 1st

Port Huron, MI — Students in the Port Huron school district will be going back to class full time starting March 1st after having a mix of all-virtual and hybrid learning since last March.

In a message to parents in his weekly newsletter, Superintendent Jamie Cain said that the change in plans is due to a vote by the Port Huron Schools Board of Education last Friday. The February hybrid schedule remains in effect with the full time, five-days-per-week schedule beginning March 1st.

Students whose parents elected the full-time all-virtual learning model will stay enrolled in that program for the rest of the school year. Students whose parents had elected the hybrid model will be going back to school full time. Questions are directed to building principals.

The hybrid plan was implemented to reduce numbers of students in classrooms. In the message, Superintendent Cain stressed the continuation of mask-wearing, social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and facility sanitizing.

School districts have been urged by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to find ways to get back to in-person learning by March 1st. Transmission of COVID-19 at school has not been as big of a concern as was previously thought it could be.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Permanent Exhibit at Port Huron Museum Celebrates Black History in the Blue Water Area

The Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center has been getting some interior renovations, and a new permanent exhibit celebrating Black History in the Blue Water Area will have it’s soft opening this weekend.

The From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area exhibit will be housed on the main floor of the Carnegie Center and feature many artifacts donated or loaned to the museum. The centerpiece of the exhibit will be the James Sr & Marguerite Stanley Legacy Wall which honors those who have made lasting contributions to the Port Huron community.

James Sr. and Marguerite Stanley devoted their lives to the Port Huron area and are known for their deep love for the city. The Legacy Wall named in their honor recognizes living heroes of the community who have made contributions in the areas of education, civil/public service, business, athletics, science/healthcare, entertainment, literature, and media.

The inaugural inductees for the Stanley Legacy Wall are: Marguerite Stanley, Ila Shoulders, KC Norman, Marcia Hogan, Rev. Alex Crittenden, Yvonne Malachi, James E. Jones, and an Honorable Mention- Gretchen Ploeger.

The soft opening of the new exhibit will take place on February 13th and be open during normal Carnegie Center Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Insurers Extend No Cost COVID Testing and Treatment

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have announced that the state has secured agreements from nearly all of the state’s health insurers to extend their commitments to waive all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatments. These agreements cover more than 92% of the commercial health insurance market in Michigan.

“As we continue working to combat this global pandemic and save lives, the very last thing that Michiganders should have to worry about is whether their health insurance will cover the costs of their care,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m pleased that these agreements with health insurers will be extended to ensure Michigan residents everywhere can equitably access COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations as we work together to end this pandemic.”

As an extension of previous agreements, consumers with individual and group health plans listed below will not be charged cost-sharing, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, for medically appropriate COVID-19-related medical treatment, such as primary care visits, diagnostic testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services, and approved medications and vaccines.

“Eliminating financial barriers to getting care helps Michiganders focus on prevention and getting well, not on how they are going to pay medical bills,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Protecting Michiganders’ health and financial wellness during this pandemic continues to be our top priority, and I am grateful that so many of Michigan’s health insurers have agreed to continue to do their part.”

The insurers who have agreed to waive cost-sharing are:

  • Aetna (expires February 28, 2021)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network (expires March 31, 2021)
  • HAP, Alliance Health (expires March 31, 2021)
  • McLaren Health Plan (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Meridian Health Plan (expires April 21)
  • Molina Healthcare Michigan (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Oscar (expires March 31, 2021)
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP) (expires June 30, 2021)
  • Priority Health, Priority Health Insurance Co. (expires March 31, 2021)

Federal law requires health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, though not necessarily for COVID-19 treatment, during the federal public health emergency, which is currently set to expire on April 21, 2021. Consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test, vaccination, and related services provided by a health care provider.

Consumers with coverage from an insurer not named in the state agreement, such as Humana, Paramount, or United should contact their insurance company to find out about their coverage before incurring costs.

DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that will be open from Feb. 15 through May 15. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

Submitted by the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer

It’s Free Fishing Weekend for Brave Anglers

While it may not be the most romantic Valentine’s Day date, it’s the perfect weekend for ice-fishing. It’s Free Fishing Weekend across Michigan and the weather seems to be cooperating to make ice fishing possible for those who aren’t scared off by single-digit wind chills.

Along with the license fee being waived, State Parks and Marinas are fair game as no Recreation Passports are required on February 13th and 14th. Anglers are asked to share a picture of their catches using the hashtag #MiFreeFishingWeekend on social media.

For those who venture out onto the frozen lakes and rivers, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises to be extra cautious on the ice and remember that safety is the responsibility of the angler. Help in case of an accident is not guaranteed. The DNR says to avoid slushy or snow-covered ice. Clear ice with a bluish tint is the strongest ice. Ice-fishing participants should always have some kind of two-way communication device and life-jackets with them on the ice.

More information about ice fishing and how to stay safe while enjoying cold-weather recreation can be found at Michigan.gov/IceSafety.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland