Kids Likely to Have to Mask Up in School 

Don’t throw those masks away just yet. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidance for Back-to-School as the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is sweeping the nation. 

The MDHHS guidance is based on updated Centers for Disease Control recommendations. The focus is on keeping school buildings open and keeping kids in school as much as possible. Risk level assessment and layering of prevention measures are part of the strategy. 

The strategies include vaccinating as many people as are eligible for the vaccine. Right now, that is people aged twelve and older. Consistent and correct mask use is also part of the current strategy. The CDC recommends that all students and staff continue to mask up. 

Physical distancing, screening and testing, hand-washing, improved ventilation, and contact tracing are all part of the layering approach. 

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “We continue to urge all eligible residents to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible as it is our best defense against the virus and the way we are going to end this pandemic.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gov. Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Armada

Armada, MI — On, August 5, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for White Lake, Armada Townships, and the Village of Armada due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that moved through the area on July 24 and 25.

“These communities were hit hard by the late July storms and tornados and our recovery efforts will continue to get people the help they need, where they need it, as soon as possible,” said Governor Whitmer. “A state declaration ensures state assistance gets to  areas affected by the severe weather as soon as possible, and we will keep monitoring the situation to help communities recover and rebuild.”

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has provided in conjunction with local agencies.

On July 24, a tornado touched down in Armada Township, just outside of Armada Village. The storm moved through the village, and significantly impacted properties both in the village and the township.

“The immediate response efforts in Armada were an amazing example of a community coming together during a crisis,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “As we transition to our rebuilding efforts, this designation from the state will provide much needed resources for residents and local businesses. I want to thank the Governor for her declaration and commitment to support this community.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office

Bridge Traffic Backup Causing Traffic Jams

Backups on the Blue Water Bridge are causing serious delays and traffic jams on eastbound I-94 and M-25/Pine Grove (in both the North and Southbound lanes).

Avoid the area if possible and seek an alternate route into Port Huron if you are travelling on the expressway. As of 2 PM on Friday, Eastbound traffic is backed up just after the Dove Road exit on eastbound I-94.

Festival of Trees Staying at the Hospital for 2021

McLaren Port Huron has decided to host their popular Festival of Trees event at the hospital again this year and forgo the pre-pandemic gala at the Blue Water Convention Center.

Festival of Trees is held from Thanksgiving through the New Year, and last year’s event transformed the South Tower lobby into a winter wonderland. Spectators could drive by and see the beautifully decorated trees through the windows.

The 2021 event raised more than $65,000 to support new technology for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

This year, McLaren Port Huron will transform all main floor public areas into winter wonderlands viewable to the public throughout the South, Main, North, and Karmonos lobbies.

All funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support the purchase of equipment to enhance breast imaging services at the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Lexington’s Music in the Park Starts Next Week

The Lexington Arts Council has been holding their Friday Music in the Park Concert Series since the beginning of July, and Dave Bennett, a crowd favorite, will take the stage at Patrick Tierney Park on August 13th at 7:30 PM.

Dave Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso and pianist who has become a favorite at Lexington’s Music in the Park with his Swing Era repertoire and rock-a-billy playlist. According to his website, “Dave’s “Rockin the ‘50s” show always brings down the house! Dave pays tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis (piano and vocals), and Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley (electric guitar and vocals).”

Concerts are free to the public and there is also a free shuttle service to and from the park with busses running continuously from many of Lexington’s churches.

Visitors can bring a lawn chair and purchase refreshments in the park, and concerts happen rain or shine.

For a full schedule of shuttles and concerts, visit the Lexington Arts Council’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

New Blue Water Bridge Commuter Pass Offers Lower Toll

Crossing the Blue Water Bridge has been restricted since the start of the pandemic. There are some updates to the crossing restrictions and a new program for international commuters.

The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that travelers always check with either U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or Canada Border Services to get the latest travel rules. They should also start expecting longer wait times and congestion at the border.

Some of the changes instituted during COVID-19 restrictions have become permanent. Cash is no longer accepted for eastbound travelers. Only commercial cards, debit or credit cards, and the new Edge Commuter Pass are accepted.  

In explaining the commuter pass, Blue Water Bridge Administrator Amy Winn-VanHoeck said, “Our commuter pass program is a newer addition and one we are thrilled to now be offering our customers. The reduced toll rate using this commuter pass makes it very reasonable for customers, and the ease of using the pre-paid pass automated toll lane will help to streamline processes and offers a different method of payment now that we have opted to continue to forgo the use of cash.”

The commuter pass rate is $2.50 per non-commercial vehicle.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland