Chaplain Hyzer recognized for work with jail ministry
State Rep. Graham Filler of DeWitt recently presented Chaplain Carl Hyzer with a flag flown over the state Capitol to thank Hyzer for running the Reach the Forgotten jail ministry program in Clinton County.
The program focuses on helping incarcerated people develop healthy family church, and community relationships.
This year it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot
As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) reminds the public that the flu season is upon us and that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get vaccinated.
“COVID-19 and influenza are likely to collide in the coming months, making it more important than ever to do what we can to stay healthy and protect ourselves from preventable illnesses” said Sarah Doak, MMDHDs Director of Community Health & Education. “That is why MMDHD is recommending everyone over six months of age get vaccinated against the flu.”
Vaccination is especially important for those at high-risk for
developing serious flu complications. Those most at-risk include young children, pregnant women, people with
chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and
lung disease and people 65 years and older.
Anyone who has had influenza knows it can make you quite miserable and put you out of commission for up to a week with a high fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it remains our best defense and can reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
The vaccine is effective throughout the entire flu season, which can last as late as May. It does take up to two weeks for the body to build up defenses against the virus after being vaccinated, so it is best not to wait.
The vaccine is available at a variety of places, including your doctor’s office, many pharmacies, or at your local health department.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers the standard flu shot, the high-dose flu shot for those 65 and older, and preservative-free options. The health department participates with the Vaccines for Children
(VFC) program and can bill many types of insurance, including Medicare Part B, which will cover the entire cost for seniors. Adults with no insurance may still be able to be vaccinated, with the cost based on income.
To schedule an appointment at MMDHD, or to find out if we participate with your insurance, call 989-224-2195 in Clinton County, 989-875-3681 in Gratiot County and 989-831-5237 in Montcalm County.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are many other ways you can protect yourself and your family from getting sick from the flu and other illnesses. First, wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Make sure to clean common surfaces and objects often that may be contaminated with germs. You should also try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you know someone who is sick, avoid close contact with them.
If you do get the flu, call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have shortness of breath or worsening cough or congestion. Also, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and be sure to stay home so you do not infect others.
Senior Center available for Holiday Rentals
Are you looking for a location to hold a Family or Business Christmas Party? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.
The center has two large rooms (one with dining tables & chairs) available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.
If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Mon, Tue or Fri between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.
LEAP selected to administer County’s $2M Small Business Grant Program
The Clinton County Board of Commissioners took action to assist small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by allocating $2 million from the county’s first tranche of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for small business grants. The county selected the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) to design and administer the program, which will deliver grants ranging from $10,000-$25,000 to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees physically located in Clinton County.
The grant application will be open Wednesday, October 20 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m.
“Clinton County small businesses continue to struggle from the economic fallout COVID-19 forced upon us. The Board of Commissioners strongly believes one of the best ways to use County ARPA funds is to support the recovery of our businesses and the communities they serve,” said Clinton County Board of Commissioners Chair Kam Washburn. “We’re happy to be working with a credible organization like LEAP to get these funds out to our small business community quickly and with integrity.”
Eligible small businesses include those with 100 or fewer total employees and workers at a physical location in Clinton County and fewer than 250 employees worldwide, with at least 50% of the workforce located in Michigan. Additionally, eligible businesses must be continuing to experience financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
Complete eligibility requirements and additional vital information to help eligible businesses apply are available at purelansing.com/ClintonGrants.
“The Clinton County Small Business Grant Program will help hundreds of Clinton County small businesses take another strong step toward recovery and stability,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “LEAP is proud to be working on behalf of Clinton County to get these funds in the hands of Clinton County small-business owners as soon as possible. It’s important to note that grant programs of this magnitude rely on many partners to whom we are proud to be working with once again to deliver the Clinton County Small Business Grant Program. LEAP honors the trust placed in us by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners and the many small businesses that need these vital funds. We won’t let you down.”
The Clinton County Small Business Grant Program will provide targeted grants that address ARPA funding gaps and the areas of greatest need in Clinton County. Applicants will be scored more heavily based on their ability to demonstrate negative impact due to pandemic, business longevity, financial need and community impact. Grant amounts range from $10,000-$25,000 as determined by total employment for the following business types:
Traditional retail, goods and services (non-food)
Restaurants/eateries/taverns
Sole proprietors
Complete eligibility requirements, application scoring criteria, description of the review process and program FAQ are available on LEAP’s website at purelansing.com/ClintonGrants.