George James

Fairgoers Reminded to Take Precautions at Events Featuring Swine Exhibits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a human case of Influenza A (H1N2)v in the state.  MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are urging fairgoers to take precautions to prevent infection at upcoming fairs where swine may be exhibited.

The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sept. 9, in a Berrien County fairgoer who had contact with swine at the Berrien County Youth Fair

The following are steps Michiganders can take to protect themselves and prevent the spread of any illness: 

  • Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and is planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.
  • Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.
  • Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. This includes being in a swine barn if you are ill as influenza can be spread via respiratory droplets.
  • If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly circulate among swine. Swine influenza viruses do not usually infect humans, but human infections have been reported.

Symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the seasonal flu and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and sometimes body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. On rare occasions, swine influenza in humans can lead to severe diseases, such as pneumonia or death.

This is the first case of Influenza A(H1N2)v confirmed in Michigan this year. Five cases of human infection with influenza variant viruses that usually spread only in pigs were reported to CDC in August 2022. To date, no person-to-person spread associated with the five recent variant influenza virus infections has been identified.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

St. Clair County Sheriff County Wide Patrol Results

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office completed the final enforcement period for the 2022 State fiscal year which was conducted from August 12th to September 5th. During that time period the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office conducted over 190 hours of dedicated traffic enforcement patrol.

During this timeframe 254 traffic stops were conducted that resulted in 5 seat belt violations, 90 speeding citations, 24 other moving violation citations, 18 non-moving violations, 8 misdemeanor arrests and 5 felony arrests. Approximately 80 of the enforcement hours focused on the M-25 corridor starting in Fort Gratiot Twp. north to the county line.

Felony arrests were made for possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon / carrying a concealed weapon, and resisting & obstructing that resulted in an injury to the Deputy. All arrests were made due to self-initiated traffic enforcement.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Going PRO Talent Fund Gearing Up for 2023

Does Your Company:

  • Spend money on employee training & skill development?
  • Need an effective training plan for new hires?
  • Want to upskill existing workers & prepare them for higher responsibilities?
  • Need to reduce skills gaps in the workplace & boost morale? 

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, your company is a candidate for the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF). 

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! is gearing up for the improved Going PRO Talent Fund application. GPTF is a competitive grant that awards funding to employers to assist them in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development awards the funds to employers via their local Michigan Works! Find out how you can become a part of the program and capitalize on an invaluable opportunity to improve your skilled workforce.

2023 Orientation Dates

  • September 15 (Virtual) – 12:30 pm
  • September 20 (Virtual) – 8:30 am
  • September 27 (In Person) – 8:00 am
    Macomb County Location
    Robert A. Verkuilen Building
    Assembly Room A/B
    Entrance E or F
    21885 Dunham Rd
    Clinton Twp, MI 48036
  • September 28 (In Person) – 8:30 am
    St. Clair County Location
    Municipal Office Center
    Conference Room 408 (4th Floor)
    100 McMorran Boulevard
    Port Huron, Michigan 48060

These sessions will last for approximately one hour.

For more information visit macomb-stclairworks.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Pure Michigan Travel Guide Now Available for Memorable Fall and Winter Travel Ideas

The release of the Fall and Winter Travel Guide is a sign that the weather is starting to cool, spectacular fall colors are near, and snow-laden playgrounds are right around the corner.  For those looking to start planning their fall and winter getaways, the free 2022 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide is available in print and a digital and universally accessible format, allowing travelers to access the guide from their desktop and mobile devices while on the go.  Hard copies of the guide can also be found at the 14 Michigan Department of Transportation Welcome Centers across the state.

The Guide highlights stunning sights to see, exciting places to go, and fun activities to experience for visitors and travelers alike. Michigan has a wealth of opportunities to enjoy throughout the fall season, whether it’s taking a fall color tour, or exploring any number of our trails across that state.

In addition to ordering the Fall/Winter Travel Guide online, color tour fans can also sign up to receive a weekly fall color update at michigan.org/fall. The page also features family travel ideas, brilliant fall color hikes, pet-friendly trails, and fall fishing opportunities, among other travel-inspiring information.

Fans can follow along for seasonal travel ideas and inspiration on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Boating Safety Tips for Fall Boating

Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are some boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

  1. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. A float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing. Additionally, leaving a note under your vehicle’s windshield wiper at the launch ramp can help trigger an alarm.
  2. Got a way back into the boat? Falls overboard may be ranked #5 on the 2021 U.S. Coast Guard’s list of the “Top Five Primary Accident Types” with 273 accidents, but they also led to the highest number of deaths, as well as more fatalities than all the other 4 top accident types. Your boarding ladder should be functional and accessible as cold water can quickly sap strength.
  3. For life jackets, camo styling hides a danger: Dark green, tan and black camo patterns are remarkable at doing exactly as designed, blending you into your surroundings. However, that’s not a benefit if you happen to be floating in the water and rescuers are searching. Make their job easier and wear a life jacket with high visibility.

For more information visit boatus.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James