K-9 Keela visits vaccination site
The Clinton County Emergency Services Team’s K-9 Keela visited the Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in St. Johns this week.
K-9 Keela is a Search and Rescue area search, scent-specific dog. She and her handler volunteer with the Clinton County Emergency Services Team.
Newest SJPD officer sworn in
Officer Collier, the newest St. Johns Police Department officer, was sworn in on Monday morning.
Sparrow to bring COVID vaccine clinic to SJHS
In its continuing efforts to increase access and convenience in getting a COVID-19 vaccine, for the first time Sparrow Hospital is offering vaccination clinics.
Sparrow is scheduled to provide the Pfizer vaccine at St. Johns, 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12.The clinic is geared for students at the school.
Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The clinics will be staffed by Sparrow caregivers, including pharmacists, nurses, athletic trainers, and others. Community volunteers will also assist with patient flow.
Sparrow has distributed over 100,000 COVID vaccines, many through the indoor vaccination site at Frandor in Lansing and the nearby drive-thru, 3131 E. Michigan Ave. Sparrow has also distributed vaccines to underserved areas through its Mobile Health Clinic.
Sparrow has been a national leader in COVID-19 patient care and testing, becoming one of the first hospitals in Michigan to offer tests for inpatients and using innovative processes to increase access and availability.
Sparrow has also been nationally recognized for its innovative COVID patient visitation policy in which a family member or friend is allowed to visit patients on a limited basis wearing personal protective equipment and following strict safety procedures.
Look for more information at https://www.Sparrow.org/vaccine.
Update from group working to preserve local House of Worship
The St. Johns group that is hoping to preserve the church building that is for sale at 100 Maple Street, currently known as The First Congregational Church of St. Johns, Michigan, as a House of Worship reports that it has presented an offer to the First Congregational Church Board of Ministry.
The offer included two options: first, the group offered to accept responsibility for the building with the assurance that it will continue to be used as a House of Worship, now and for future generations. In lieu of that, the second option is an offer to purchase the building for $300,000 (the listing price was $299,000), again for the purpose of continuing a ministry in the Congregational tradition.
To date, the group has received pledges totaling over half of the proposed purchase price. They continue to seek support for this endeavor. If you have an interest in joining their cause, or for more information, please call (989) 224-6986.
Health department shortens quarantine
Nearly one month ago a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases prompted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to reinstate a 14-day quarantine for close contacts of those with COVID-19.
Throughout this surge the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) has exercised the highest level of caution by maintaining the gold standard of a 14-day quarantine for close contacts as it provides the lowest risk of transmission of COVID-19 to others.
A review of local data shows case rates and test positivity rates are trending downward, which is welcome news. These findings, along with the knowledge that quarantining for two weeks causes a disruption in education and a hardship for some families has led MMDHD to reduce the number of required quarantine days.
While a 14-day quarantine period is still recommended, it may be shortened to 10 days if the person remains symptom free and continues to monitor themselves for any sign of COVID-19 illness. This change goes into effect Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Anyone who is in a 14-day quarantine on or after May 5 can reduce it to 10 days.
MMDHD has notified Traceforce, the contact tracing program for the State of Michigan, of the quarantine change. However, errors are expected for several days as the quarantine change is implemented in the Traceforce system. We apologize in advance if you receive a letter or message from Traceforce stating that your quarantine period is 14 days instead of 10.
As a reminder, proof of antibodies or a negative COVID-19 test result during quarantine will not reduce or end quarantine. The only people excluded from quarantine are those who have been infected with COVID-19 within the last 90 days or are fully vaccinated for two or more weeks prior to exposure.
MMDHD is asking community members to continue efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Washing your hands frequently, staying at least six feet away from others not in your household, not attending large gatherings, and wearing a mask can make a big difference. And if you have not been vaccinated, be sure to visit the website, www.mmdhd.org, to make an appointment.
Lascecki Steps Down as Varsity Girls Basketball Coach
St. Johns High School has announced the resignation of Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Mark Lasceski. After beginning his career in 1993 with St. Johns Public Schools, Lasceski coached both boys and girls basketball at the sub-varsity level.
In 1996 Lasceski began his long and distinguished career as Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. His Redwing teams won 10 league championships, five district championships, and four regional championships. Lasceski guided his 1997 and 2016 teams to the MHSAA state semifinals. In his 25-year tenure leading the Redwing girls, Lasceski amassed a varsity record of 380-177.
Lasceski says, “I have enjoyed my time as the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at St. Johns. Coaching for me was more than the wins and the losses. It was about the people I had the opportunity to get to know and work with. I coached numerous athletes, built friendships with area coaches and got to know a lot of officials. As I look back on my career, these relationships are the things that I will cherish the most and miss the most. This was a very tough decision but it is the right one for me and my family.”
Athletic Director Chris Ervin said, “Mark was simply amazing for 25 years leading our basketball program. More important than the games his teams won, Mark taught life lessons everyday. He has been a staple in our athletic department; the epitome of professionalism and leadership.”
Telephonic workshops available
Tri-County Office on Aging is offering two 6-week telephonic workshops for individuals with chronic pain or diabetes (no internet required). You will learn tools and techniques to better manage your condition, increase energy and improve quality of life, and more.
When:
Chronic Pain PATH: Tuesdays, June 8 – July 13 from 10:00 – 11:00 am via small group phone calls.
Diabetes PATH: Wednesdays, June 9 – July 14 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm via small group phone calls.
Funded by Mason Area Community Fund and Lions Club International.
Workshops are free of charge, but donations are accepted.
To register: Call Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1465. Please register by Tuesday, May 25 to ensure all materials are mailed to you on time.