TSA Extends Face Mask Order

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the organization focused on keeping transportation by air, bus and rail safe and secure for travelers. In response to COVID-19 in February of 2020, the TSA initiated a face mask requirement for all travelers, and they have extended it until September 13, 2021.

Children under 2 years old and those with certain disabilities are exempt from the face mask order, but all other travelers in airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on buses, and on rail systems will be required to wear a facemask or risk a fine ranging from $250 – $1,500.

TSA officers at screening checkpoints will continue to require people to lower their face mask to confirm their identity, but the mask must be worn in all other areas of public transportation facilities.

The CDC only recommends travel for those who are fully vaccinated or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 3 months and have fully recovered. People in those categories have the least chance of spreading COVID-19 or becoming infected with the virus.

Form more information about travelling safely, visit the CDC’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Detours in Store for Drivers as Road Work Ramps Up

Lapeer Road between Wadhams and Allen Roads is going to be closed to westbound traffic starting today, according to the St. Clair County Road Commission. The closure is in effect for 50 days.

The work includes milling the existing asphalt and rubblizing the underlying concrete. The work also includes widening the road for a left turn lane and paving a portion of the shoulder of the road. There will also be drainage improvements, new pavement markings, and site restoration. The work is being done by Boddy Construction.

The Lapeer Road work will completely close the westbound lanes, but the eastbound traffic will be maintained. The posted detour is Allen Road to Griswold Road to Wadhams Road. Local access to homes and businesses will be maintained also with access for emergency vehicles. 

The road work has been budgeted to cost $750,000 and is being paid for with St. Clair County Road Commission Funds.

Smaller projects in the county include painting of the Masters Road bridge over the Belle River between Riley Center Road and Eagling Road, which is taking place between May 6th and June 5th.

At the north end of the county, the Fisher Road Bridge over Burtch Creek, between State Road and M-25, will be getting a new coat of paint from today until June 2nd.

Detour routes are posted for traffic in both directions for both of the bridge painting projects.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grants to Sarnia-Lambton Organizations Meet Community Needs

Sarnia, Ontario — The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton was able to approve two Critical Service grants to supplement and bring much needed services to the community. They approved grants to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and the Walpole Island First Nation Warming Shelter.

St. Vincent de Paul food bank has received an increase in requests for cleaning supplies and vitamins along with fresh food. Senior citizens have also requested more nutritional supplement drinks, hygiene items, and diabetic supplies. The $20,000 grant from the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will help meet those needs along with assisting clients who need help paying for dental work.

Susan Platt, Manager, St. Vincent de Paul in the food bank.

A $30,000 grant went to the Walpole Island First Nation Warming Shelter which will allow the shelter to expand and add a space specifically for women. The shelter currently cares for over 20 individuals each night, and the expansion will make room for more clients.

James Jenkins, CEO, Walpole Island First Nations and Larissa Wrightman, Community Planning and Political Office Assistant at the Warming Centre.

Jason Killingsworth, United Way volunteer Board President, said, “As the pandemic continues, we have to determine how to best support our local community given the increase in need for services. The approval of these grant speaks to the incredible work being done across Sarnia-Lambton.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Private Wells Are Focus of this Year’s Drinking Water Awareness Week

It’s Drinking Water Awareness Week. With over 20% of the world’s fresh water in the Great Lakes, keeping water clean is a priority for the state and is vital to the Blue Water Area.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Clean Water Public Advocate, Ninah Sasy, said, “Regardless of whether your water comes from a municipal supply or private well, there are still things you can do to make sure you’re serving our families healthy drinking water.”

Those steps to ensure clean water will be highlighted through virtual events and public service messages to connect people to water resources.

For Michigan, PFAS contamination, along with the not-so-distant memory of Flint’s lead contamination, has put the state in the spotlight for water resource management. Residential wells are also a focus this year, with Tuesday being “Private Residential Well Awareness Day”. One-quarter of Michigan residents have residential wells.

Sasy said, “Proper well maintenance and testing are critical to ensuring that your family has healthy drinking water.”

Links to Drinking Water Awareness Resources:

https://www.michigan.gov/cleanwater/0,9779,7-411-106430_106431_106434—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Vantage Point Farmers Market Opens Saturday

Port Huron, MI — Those of you who have been waiting for your favorite Farmer’s Markets to open, can get ready to begin your outdoor shopping this weekend. Saturday, May 8th is opening day for the Vantage Point Farmers Market, which rings in outdoor market shopping in the Blue Water Area.

Vantage Point Farmers Market opens up at 51 Water Street in Port Huron at 8 AM on May 8th, and it will be open until 2 PM. Shoppers can enjoy a stroll along the St. Clair River while collecting fresh grown and homemade foods, plants, hanging flower baskets, and locally grown and packaged meats.

The St. Clair Farmers Market is slated to open June 2nd and take place every Wednesday from 7 AM until noon until the end of October. It takes place in the Riverview Plaza parking lot across from the St. Clair Inn.

If you’re up for a little road tip, you can discover other farmers markets in Michigan by visiting the Michigan Farmers Market Association’s website. The site has an interactive map of all farmers markets in the state <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Work Day and Wildflower Walk Planned at Columbus County Park

St. Clair County, MI — The Friends of the St. Clair River are inviting to community to join them for an Eco-Stewardship Work Day and Wildflower Walk on Saturday, May 8th from 10 AM – 12 PM at Columbus County Park.

The event will focus on exploring the park in search of spring wildflowers and then removing invasive species. Naturalist and wildflower enthusiast, Mary Kay Weber, will lead the hike and provide educational information about the park’s ecosystem.

This is a free event, but registration is required by emailing stewardship@scriver.org. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring their own gloves, face covering, water, and snack. Gardening tools are optional.

This event is part of the Friends of the St. Clair River’s Second Saturday Stewardship Series, and more information is available at scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand