State School Board Makes Attendance Exceptions for Standardized Tests

With more plot twists than a daytime soap opera, the question of whether state testing in public schools will take place has finally been settled. Kind of.

Schools still have to offer the tests, which usually take place around this time of the year, but, according to a statement adopted by the Michigan State Board of Education, parents can choose to have their kids sit this year out if they would just be coming to the school for the test.

The statement says that the Board supports the right of parents and guardians to make decisions about the education of their children. The statement notes that the testing waiver was not granted by the United States Department of Education, but there is no penalty if not everyone takes the test.

The statement ends with, “Given that coronavirus infection rates are increasing in Michigan, and many students are still attending school remotely, the State Board of Education supports the guidance to parents and legal guardians that these students need not be brought into school solely for the purpose of state assessment, and will not be required to come into school for the sole purpose of taking the assessments.”

How individual school districts decide to administer the tests and how they will use the data is being worked out, but for now, the pressure is off individual students to be physically present for the testing.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

DB Delivery Solutions Wins Small Business Award

St. Clair County, MI — DB Delivery Solutions, an East China small business, has been presented an award by the Michigan Economic Corporation as one of the 2021 SmartZone Best Small Businesses.

As part of the Underground’s Incubator Program, DB Delivery Solutions has been supported and counseled by local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives from the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA).

DB Delivery Solutions created a secure way for homeowners and businesses to receive packages with their Receptor. The Receptor can be installed in the exterior wall of a garage, home, or business, and includes a weatherproof and secure place for delivery companies to place packages.

Mike Jans, President of DB Delivery Solutions said in a press release, “We don’t just get mail anymore, and our product, the Receptor, is the answer to everyone’s concerns about how to safely and securely get all of their deliveries, which includes packages, groceries, and prepared food. We can install the Receptor in any existing home or business, and we can install the Receptor in any new construction project.”

To learn more visit www.dbdeliverysolutions.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Upper Deck Ultimate MVP

Are You the Red Wings’ Biggest Fan?

Do you think you’re the NHL’s most passionate and dedicated fan? Upper Deck wants to know as they begin their search for this year’s Ultimate MVP or Most Valuable Person.

From April 16th – 26th nominations are open at www.upperdeck.com/mymvp/, and it’s okay to nominate yourself! Entrants must be 18 or older and willing to share their passion for one of 8 participating NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings.

When filling out the nomination form online, entrants will have to explain why they are an exemplary fan and how they believe they stand out from the crowd.

Up to five nominees will be chosen on April 30th to represent each participating NHL team, and the public will vote on Twitter for the best team MVP and the best ultimate MVP.

Winners will also be announced on Twitter, and they will receive a variety of prizes ranging in value from $100 – $3,000.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Photo: Upper Deck

Highway Trash Cleanup Starts Saturday

Good news! Highway litter is about to get cleaned up. If it seems like there is more litter along the highways, there’s a reason. Not all of the pickups were able to be completed last year and the trash piled up in some areas.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is starting “Adopt-a-Highway” pickup on April 17th for the southern half of the lower peninsula. The pickup goes until April 25th.

Volunteers work with an organization that adopts a stretch of road to clean up. MDOT then picks up the bags of trash and takes them to the dump.

Motorists are asked to stay on the lookout for the volunteers who should be wearing high-visibility safety vests, provided by MDOT. Use caution when driving near the volunteers.

Typically, 2,900 groups volunteer to clean up 6,000 miles of highway in Michigan, filling up nearly 70,000 bags. Last year, only 20,000 bags were filled. There are pickups in July and late September also.

MDOT has been organizing the “Adopt-a-Highway” Program since 1990, with an estimated cost savings of $5 million annually by using volunteer labor. There are still stretches of road that need adoption. Groups are asked to commit to their zone for two years. 

For more information on Adopting a Highway:

www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Record Expungement Process Explained on New Webpage

The saying goes, “You commit the crime; you do the time.” But what about when the time has been served and having a record prevents employment and otherwise getting on with life? Or when the crime is no longer a crime under new laws? There’s a webpage for that.

The new webpage, created by Michigan’s Department of Attorney General, lays out the criteria for expungement. While cleared records are not automatic, there is a process for making it happen. The webpage explains the new law, clarifies eligibility, and provides checklists to make sure all the steps are filled for completing the expungement process.

A new law went into effect on April 11th specifically addressing misdemeanors and local ordinance marijuana crimes. A person convicted of such crimes can petition for expungement if the convictions were based on activity that would not have been illegal after December 6th, 2018, when recreational marijuana use was legalized.

There is also an email address dedicated to questions about the process. A link to the email address and the expungement webpage can be found at:

https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-82917_104464_104524—,00.html

For questions, use this email address: ag-expungements@michigan.gov

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccine Wednesday – Moderna & Pfizer

The St. Clair County Health Department is offering a “walk-in” opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, April 14, from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Knight Club, 1195 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

Please note the following:

  • If you already have an appointment, keep that time. This does not apply to you.
  • Do not come to the clinic if sick or not feeling well; or are in isolation or quarantine.
  • Open only to those who live and/or work in St. Clair County.
  • Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be administered.
  • Open to age 16 and older.
  • 1,600 doses available during walk-in hours.
  • Forms will be handed out in the parking lot and will need to be completed before entering.
  • Masking is required.
  • No out of pocket costs, however bring your insurance cards. Some administrative fees can be recouped, but you will never receive a bill.
  • Plan for atleast 1 hour and dress accordingly.
  • Lines will be socially distanced, however, there may be a wait time depending on volume.
  • If the parking lot is full, please come back later. Or pre-register for a future appointment at www.scchealth.co

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department stated; “We are offering another walk-in clinic utilizing Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. With the CDC/FDA announcement regarding the J&J vaccine, out of an abundance of caution, we will pause use until more is known. The concerning, yet extremely rare event following J&J has occurred in 6 people out of 6.8 million doses, a rate of .00008%.  That suggests a very low risk to anyone who has received, if in fact it is determined to be related to the vaccine.”

Mercatante emphasized, “This is an example of the success of our post-approval surveillance systems in place for vaccines. The ability to detect such rare events is quick. This surveillance certainly should provide even more confidence in our vaccines.  In comparison, the US has administered over 180 million doses of the Moderna and Pfizer products, a different kind of vaccine, and have not triggered any similar warnings or adverse effects. With our county case and hospitalization rates remaining high, we encourage everyone to continue to get vaccinated with available Moderna or Pfizer products.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department