Lake Huron Medical Center’s September Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its September 2020 Employee of the Month, Candie Kay. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Candie is a Respiratory Therapist and has been with LHMC since January 2013. She was nominated by a patient who commented, “I had a complete pulmonary function test (PFT) and was extremely nervous to have it done.  Candie was very reassuring and kind.  She took the time to explain everything so that I knew exactly what to expect during the procedure.  She made sure I felt comfortable the entire time.  I appreciate Candie for making me feel at ease during my time at Lake Huron Medical Center.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Candie, as we celebrate her accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.  

Frontline Workers Can Apply for Tuition-Free College

The Sixty by 30 initiative has a goal of increasing the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. Adults with a two year degree earn an average of $7,500 more each year than those with no college, and 75% of Michigan jobs will require education beyond a high school diploma in the future.

A New program, Futures for Frontliners, has just been launched by the State of Michigan, and it is the nation’s first program offering tuition-free college to those who worked during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order.

Michigan residents without college degrees or high school diplomas who worked at least part-time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1st and June 30th, may meet eligibility requirements to receive tuition-free education to complete their diploma or attend community college.

The program is funded by the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund, part of the CARES Act, and is expected to cost around $24 million.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “This initiative is Michigan’s way of expressing gratitude to essential workers for protecting public health and keeping our state running. Whether it was stocking shelves, delivering supplies, picking up trash, manufacturing PPE or providing medical care, you were there for us. Now this is your chance to pursue the degree or training you’ve been dreaming about to help you and your own family succeed.”

To learn more. visit www.Michigan.gov/Frontliners

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

EPA Grant to Pay for School Water Testing

The State of Michigan has received a $1.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to test for lead in school drinking water.

While public drinking fountains are generally turned off during the pandemic, they will be turned on again at some point, and the state is working to ensure that the water will be totally safe.

The grant is part of the nearly $70 million EPA Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care program. The funding is being prioritized to go toward schools in areas where children’s blood levels have tested higher, where schools can’t afford their own testing, and where communities have questioned the safety of the water.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Clean Water Public Advocate Ninah Sasy said, “Seeking opportunities to collaborate with state agencies and federal partners supports our mission of providing cleaner drinking water to all Michiganders. This governmental collaboration combined with our public outreach and Clean Water Ambassador program creates an environment where we can quickly get funding and resources to the communities most in need.”

Residents can sign up to be a “Clean Water Ambassador” at michigan.gov/cleanwater.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Main Street Ensemble Grand Opening September 14th

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron’s newest clothing store, Main Street Ensemble, is having their Grand Opening on Monday, September 14th.

The store will offer upscale vintage and thrifted clothing. A representative of the store said, “Our goal is to share our love of fashion with Port Huron, while helping spread sustainable habits by encouraging people to buy their clothing second hand instead of new. Overall, we want to be a hub where people can come hang out, feel safe, and find some cool clothes to wear.”

Main Street Ensemble is located at 207 Huron Avenue in the block where several other clothing stores, like Polka Dot Pandas, Spa 223, MiPassion, and Patrick & James Menswear are located. The space with restored hardwood and original brick keeps with the vintage vibe and supports the mission to “Resell, Recycle, Repurpose”.

The venture intends to “push the boundaries in fashion and culture, while working toward creating a better place for us all to live” according to their mission statement.

Details about appointments for consignment items and upcoming special events can be found on Main Street Ensemble’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Requires Face Coverings for Organized Sports

In a season of constant changes, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an order requiring players to mask up at sports practice and competition.

Whitmer said, “The COVID-19 virus is easily spread through airborne particles and can affect everyone differently. By wearing a face covering when proper distancing is not possible, athletes will be better protected from contracting the virus and spreading it to family members, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations. We cannot afford to let our guard down. As we continue to fight this virus, we need to make smart and informed choices so we can beat COVID-19 together.”  

Michigan High School Athletic Association asked for clarification on the issue, and the mandate was issued on Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended against contact sports as well as activities that involve “shouting, singing, or breathing forcefully” and encouraged extensive cleaning and outdoor practicing.

Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said, “For those who do choose to play organized sports, we expect you to follow these strict safety measures and wear a face covering to reduce your risk and protect the health of your teammates, coaches, officials, and loved ones.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Residents Asked to Register Bikes

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Police Department is asking residents to register their bicycles. The Blue Water Area has a lot of great places to ride a bike, but the fun is ruined if your bike is missing.

In a social media campaign, the department said that they accumulate numerous unclaimed bikes along with taking complaints for stolen bikes. If the owners can not be found, the bikes are sold at auction.

Registering bikes gives the department a way to connect recovered bikes with their rightful owners. Registering bikes is free and just takes a few minutes. 

Registrants are just asked for their name and address and information about the bike like the brand, model, serial number, and color. The registration gives police the information with which to notify you if your bike turns up at the police station as recovered property. 

The form can be completed online by clicking “Bicycle Registration” at porthuronpolice.org.

If citizens have information about stolen or lost bikes, they can call the Port Huron Police Department at 984-8415 or make a citizen’s report online. 

There is no penalty for not registering a bike in the city.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland