Latest County Covid stats
You might feel healthy, but the reality is this: about 40% of people who have COVID-19 may be asymptomatic. That means almost one out of every two people could be infected. They might not know it until it’s too late. We can only contain the virus and keep Michigan open if everyone stays careful and masks up when they leave home, whether they feel sick or not. Face coverings can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70%. So Mask Up Michigan!
393 cases and 13 deaths, Probable Cases Clinton County: 73 [as of August 26]
For the latest updates visit https://www.mmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus/
Briggs District Library News
Used book sales: Starting August 26 Briggs Library will have weekly outdoor used book sales. These will be located in the back parking lot every Wednesday (weather permitting) from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Due to our current circumstances, we are unable to have our Library Friends volunteers come in and organize the traditional Saturday used book sales. However since we’ve received numerous requests, a few members of our staff will run an alternate version. These sales will be held outside in the staff parking lot under a canopy. If it is storming we will not have a sale that week.
Wednesday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
August 26 – September 30, 2020
We will not accept donations at this time
Please contact our Assistant Director, Brett Harger, with any questions.
Virtual family storytimes: Join Miss Erin and Ms. Liz on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. for our virtual family storytimes. There will be books, songs, movement, and fun geared toward ages 5 and under but all are welcome to join. Families are able to access these storytimes by either joining our Storytime at Briggs Facebook group or by visiting the library’s YouTube channel.
Miss Erin and Ms. Liz also encourage you to join the library’ Facebook page or YouTube channel to watch family friendly craft, cooking, and gardening videos for all ages.
Questions on virtual programs can be answered by calling the library and asking for Erin Faivor or by emailing, efaivor@briggsdistrictlibrary.org.
Grab & Go Book Bag: Do you miss bringing your kids in to browse the shelves for their newest favorite story? Use this form to request a Grab & Go Book Bag filled with 5 titles selected by library staff. Just let us know the age of the child that the books are geared for, and any genre or topic preference. For example, does your toddler like trains? Or does your tween want to read a mystery? Let us know what they like and we will create a custom bag for them. The books will be checked out on your account or your child’s and must be returned at the end of the loan period. Staff will contact you when your bags are ready by either phone or email, whatever your preference. Items can be picked up by curbside or by coming into the library during our temporary hours.
Requests can be made through our website by filling out a Google request form. Any questions on this program, please call the library or email, Erin Faivor at efaivor@briggsdistrictlibrary.org.
For more up to date information visit the library’s website www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org or Facebook page or call (989)224-4702.
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Contact Information:
Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879
Outdoor Movie Night is Friday, August 21
On Friday, August 21 St. John’s Lutheran Church will host an Outdoor Movie Night in their parking lot at the corner of Sturgis and S. Business US-27 beginning at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. there will be live music featuring Silver.
The movie, Overcomer, will begin at 9:30 p.m.
All are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Seating will be available on the hard surface of the parking lot. There is no cost, and no reservations are required. Come early to get a good seat.
Concessions will be available including Kona Ice, fresh popcorn, candy and soda.
Limited parking on the West side of the lot; overflow parking in the Kroger parking lot. Park and walk across Sturgis St. to the church parking lot. *Watching the movie from your car is a possibility, but they can’t guarantee good sight lines to the screen.
Two Montcalm County horses test positive for EEE
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses from Montcalm County. This comes just days after the first case was announced in a horse from Clare County.
EEE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes to both animals and people. While it cannot be passed between mammals, such as from horses to humans, the recent discovery of cases in horses is a sign that the disease is in the area.
Mosquitoes infected with EEE are primarily found in and around swamps and bogs, and while the risk is highest for those who work or play in these areas, we all should take precautions when it comes to mosquitos.
Symptoms of EEE in humans include the sudden onset of fever, chills and body and joint aches. EEE infection can develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headaches, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma, and death may also occur in some cases. People over 50 years of age and under 15 years of age are at increased risk for serious disease.
Symptoms in horses can include fever, head pressing, wandering, and stumbling, and can progress to an inability to stand.
EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 30 percent fatality rate among humans who become ill and a 90 percent fatality rate in horses that become ill. For these reasons, and because it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit the virus, Michiganders are advised to protect themselves and their animals from mosquito bites.
Ways you can protect yourself and your family include:
– Avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
– Using insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
– Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. Permethrin is a particularly effective repellant for clothing.
– Maintaining window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.
– Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
– Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
Ways you can protect your horses and other domestic animals include:
– Vaccinating horses against EEE
– Placing horses and livestock in a barn under fans from dusk to dawn
– Using an insect repellent on animals that is approved for the species
– Eliminating standing water on your property and changing water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
– Contacting your veterinarian if a horse shows signs of illness,
Mosquito-borne illnesses, like EEE will continue to pose a risk to both animals and humans until late fall when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing.
For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/eee and www.cdc.gov/eee.
Churches plan video of local veterans
The Lowe and Maple Rapids United Methodist Churches want to show their appreciation to our Veterans this fall.
Many of you have participated in the past by attending their Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner. This year, due to the corona virus, they will be unable to serve you dinner or honor you in person at the Lowe Church. They sincerely regret this and do not want Veterans Day to pass without showing appreciation to each of you.
This year they are offering to record you on video. You would be asked just a few questions, such as: where you served our country; the number of years you served; and any experience you wish to share. Everyone who has served in any branch of the military is most welcome and encouraged to be a part of this video.
Artis White will be doing the taping and will create a video of all the veterans to be displayed on Veterans Day, November 11th. If you are a participant, you will receive your own personal copy on DVD.
If you are willing to participate, please call the church office [989] 224-4460 and leave a message, or contact Artis White directly at [517] 749-8351 to schedule an appointment.
If you are unable to travel but would like to participate, they will accommodate you in whatever ways are helpful. Please know that they are so very grateful for the service you have given to our country.
His Cup Runneth Over serves free meals on Tuesdays
Spread the word that free meals are served on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, St. Johns.
Drive up and they will bring your meals out to you. If you need delivery call or text 517-388-2005 or 989-544-5764 by 11 a.m.
Concert in the Park Series – 17th Season Schedule
William E. Tennant Performance Shell, St. Johns City Park, Wednesdays – 7:00 p.m.
September 9 – David Shelby – Country with a Motown Twist
September 16 – Vintage 20s – Great Roaring Twenties Band
September 23 – Matt King – His Award-Winning Tribute to Elvis
September 30 – Dave Bennett Quartet – From Swing to Rock
All Concerts Will Be Held Rain Or Shine
Sponsored by The Clinton County Arts Council and the City Of St. Johns
Bring your lawn chairs and your masks – enjoy the concerts!
For concert updates each week, please visit our Facebook Page
or the CCCA website at: clintoncountyarts.org
Spring Clean up is now Fall Clean up
Spring Clean-up is now Fall Clean-U. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19.
The same rules will apply as in the past. Watch for more information in the upcoming weeks.