local news

With Flu Season on the Horizon, Immunization Encouraged

Michiganders will be hearing a lot about the importance of receiving a flu shot this year. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Governor’s office, are trying to get ahead of the season with a vaccine campaign. The Facing the Flu Together campaign will kick of on August 31st and reach Michiganders through several media channels.

The state has set a goal of achieving a 33% increase in flu vaccination this season which would be more than a 1 million person increase over last year.

The vaccine is already available in some parts of Michigan, and the supply should increase across the state and nation in early fall.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer received her flu vaccine during a press conference on Tuesday and said, “It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get [their] flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19. Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on Michigan’s economy and our health care systems and hospitals.”

As the flu vaccine becomes available, Michiganders should contact their local health departments, doctors, and pharmacies for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Long Term Care Providers Facing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) released national surveys which showcased the increased costs and financial hardship nursing homes and assisted living communities are facing in response to COVID-19.

More than half of nursing homes surveyed are operating at a loss, and they name PPE supplies, Staff hero pay, and additional staffing as the top three costs they have incurred due to COVID-19.

72% of nursing homes and 64% of assisted living communities surveyed said they cannot sustain another year operating at this pace.

While nursing homes report receiving federal and state funding to help offset some of the additional costs, none of the assisted living communities report receiving funding from the federal government.

NCAL established National Assisted Living Week which will be observed September 13-19, 2020. They hope to increase awareness of how assisted living centers provide unique opportunities for their residents and the community, and support the role they play in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Downtown Merchants Host End of Summer Sale

Port Huron, MI — This Friday and Saturday Downtown Port Huron merchants are holding an End of Summer Sale. Although many people may not want to say goodbye to our summer weather and prepare for the fall season, a sales event like this may soften the blow.

Participating stores are holding their sales during their regular business hours which usually end around 6 PM on Friday. Many restaurants are still open past that time, and there is outdoor seating available at many of them. The City of Port Huron has also added picnic tables to the sidewalk outside businesses that don’t have their own outdoor seating.

If you want to stick around downtown after shopping on Friday night, take a walk to McMoran Beach or the Military Street Pocket Park to enjoy some live music at Shop, Rock N’ Stroll. This collaboration between the  City of Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department and the Downtown Development Authority happen every Friday night from 6-8 through the end of September.

The End of Summer Sale continues on Saturday, so check with your favorite shops for their business hours and promotions.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Yard of the Year Winners Announced

The Beautification Commission’s Yard of the Year contest winners have been selected and will be recognized during the Port Huron City Council’s regular meeting on September 14, 2020, beginning at 7 p.m. The coveted wooden yellow tulip will be awarded to the residential winners and a wall plaque will be awarded to the commercial winner.

2020 Residential Winners

Central …………..Wilbert & Alice Fuller……………………… 2116 Poplar Street
Central …………..Alan & Theresa Jowett …………………….. 708 17th Street
Central …………..John & Carol Smith …………………………. 1421 Washington Avenue
North……………..Roy & Margaret Churchill………………… 2707 Walnut Street
North……………..Karl & Brenda Miller ………………………. 2857 Monticello Drive
North……………..George & Deborah Moss………………….. 419 Lakeview Avenue
South……………..Douglas Bishop……………………………….. 1313 Wall Street
South……………..Ronald & Deborah Rolls ………………….. 709 Oak Street
South……………..Debra Singer…………………………………… 2458 Military Street

2020 Commercial Winner

Central …………..Kearns Agency ……………………………….. 1101 Pine Grove Avenue

 

McLaren Port Huron July Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Jennifer Koehn has been named the Employee of the Month for July. She has worked at McLaren Port Huron for three years in the Miriam F. Acheson Family Birth Place.

Koehn was nominated by her peers because she lives the hospital values. Her positive, sunny personality makes patients and families feel comfortable and welcome. She takes ownership of programs and processes, making sure everything is done correctly. Koehn always strives for excellence, is motivated, flexible, and adds to a positive team environment. She exhibits a calm demeanor, stays focused, and helps the entire unit succeed.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Big Tree Hunt Underway

The 15th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt Contest has been announced by ReLeaf Michigan. The contest is for Michigan residents of all ages and is open until August of 2021.

Winners will go on to the State Champion Tree List and could be entered into the official National Register of Big Trees. The state list includes eight trees in St. Clair County, including a copper beech on Seventh Street in Port Huron. The only Michigan tree that is on the national list right now is a White Willow in Lansing.

Last year’s contest had over 700 submissions. Size is determined by circumference of the trunk. Prizes are awarded for the largest tree found. There is also a contest for the largest White Pine, which is Michigan’s State Tree.

There is recognition for each county’s largest tree and largest of each species. Currently there are no registered state champions for striped maple, mountain maple, choke cherry, and white/paper birch.

More information can be found at releafmichigan.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland