George James

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is working with its network of partners in the Thumb region to provide expanded services for people in need during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves 22 counties in Michigan including Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties. 

The Food Bank and local partners have now scheduled mobile food pantries in each county and will continue to add to this schedule as resources become available. This week, the Food Bank has distributions in the area that include:

•  Laker Elementary School, 6436 Pigeon Road, Pigeon – March 21, 10 a.m.
•  Gateway Assembly, 2796 S Van Dyke Road, Imlay City – March 21, 11a.m.
•  Anchor Cove Church, 201 E. Sanilac Road, Caro – March 21, 10 a.m.
•  Revive Ministries, 6400 Main Street, Cass City – March 24, 1 p.m.
•  Crossroads Community Church, 3631 King Road, East China, March 25, 11 a.m.
•  Kohler Propane, 8744 Burnside Road, Brown City – March 26, 3:30 p.m.
•  Croswell Wesleyan Church, 5242 N. Black River Road, Croswell – March 26, 2:30 p.m.
•  Tuscola County ISD, 1385 Cleaver Road, Caro – March 28, 11 a.m.
•  VFW Hall, 2942 Main Street, Marlette – March 28, 9:30 a.m.
•  Gateway Assembly, 2796 S Van Dyke Road, Imlay City – March 28, 11 a.m.
•  Marlette High School, 3051 Moore Street, Marlette – March 31, 11 a.m.
•  Father Dunn Hall, 310 North Main Street, Yale – April 4, 10 a.m.

Kara Ross, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan said the, “ distributions give community members the opportunity to pick up produce, protein, and shelf-stable items.” During the outbreak, Ross promised the Food Bank is “committed to working with partners in all 22 of our counties to provide additional resources to alleviate burdens on neighbors.”

The mobile distributions have been refocused as a drive-through style. The Food Bank and partner organizations are providing bags and briefing agencies and volunteers prior to distributions to ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding social distancing.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan relies on and appreciates the donated food it receives from approximately 70 retail grocery partners. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has increased overall demand for food nationally from retailers and manufacturers, so donations to food banks have declined as people purchase and stock up on food. Due to the decline in donated items, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has to purchase significantly more food now to distribute into the communities it serves, which has made monetary donations vital. Contributions can be made online at www.FBEM.org.

The Food Bank’s Thumb Region Outreach Coordinator Heather Bearden is available to assist organizations interested in partnering with the Food Bank, individuals in need of assistance, and answer questions about the Food Bank. The Food Bank’s website has calendars with scheduled food distributions, a map to search for food pantries by zip code, and resources related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Detroit Sector Border Patrol agents arrested four aliens that were illegally in the United States during a smuggling event last week. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Marysville Station first observed a vehicle loitering near the international border in an area where several recent smuggling events have been attempted. A short time later, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the same vehicle, and requested assistance from Border Patrol. An agent interviewed the driver and passenger, who admitted to being in the United States illegally, and that they did not have any documents allowing them to be or remain in the United States.

At the same time, another Border Patrol agent observed two people walking along the side of a road parallel to the border with Canada. Due to the recent activity and the presence of the suspicious vehicle in the immediate area, the agent suspected that a smuggling event was in progress. During an interview of the individuals, they admitted to having just crossed the border from Canada in a boat. All four subjects were transported to the Border Patrol station for processing.

During processing it was confirmed that all of the subjects were Brazilian nationals, and that none have legal status to be present in the United States. The two individuals who admitted having entered illegally confirmed that they had made arrangements to be picked up by the other two subjects after crossing the border.

The two subjects who crossed the border have been referred to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for prosecution of Illegal Entry into the U.S., and the other two for Alien Smuggling.

(BPT) – Even though you try to be a good “dog parent,” chances are you may not think of everything when it comes to your furry best friend’s well-being. But if you notice that your dog’s breath is unpleasant, it may be time to up your doggy care game. Bad breath can be a sign of poor dental health, which in turn can have a negative impact on your dog’s digestive system, kidneys, liver and heart.

Taking care of your dog’s health is important, so it may be a good idea to spend more time focused on your four-legged pal’s mouth, helping you avoid potential problems down the road.

1. Check your dog’s mouth

While you may take your dog in for periodic professional brushing – which is a great idea – frequent checks and brushing at home can help you notice problems earlier. While you’re brushing, look for problem signs, such as:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in gums
• Cysts under tongue
• Loose teeth
• Plaque and tartar build-up (yellowish brown coating around gum and teeth)

If you spot any of these issues, make an appointment with your vet.

2. Dental care

Any dog can become accustomed to brushing if you’re calm and gentle – and reward your pup with a dental chew that’s good for teeth, like The Missing Link’s Smartmouth dental chews. Your vet can demonstrate specific brushing techniques.

Start gradually, building up to 3-4 times per week.

• Kneel or sit in front of your dog. When your dog is relaxed, gently open their mouth, then touch their teeth and gums. Start with short sessions and reward good behavior with a dental chew.
• Pick a toothbrush designed for dogs, with softer bristles – some even fit on your finger for easy use. You’ll need toothpaste made for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful to your dog.
• When you think your pooch is ready, let them taste a little toothpaste first. If they respond negatively, try a different flavor. Brushing will be easier if it seems like a treat!

3. Diet

Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods don’t necessarily promote your dog’s dental health, and could be contributing to dental plaque and stinky breath. Since no single dog food provides all the nutrients your dog needs to live their best life, consult your vet for recommendations to boost overall health and oral health, especially depending on your dog’s breed, age and health condition. Dogs can benefit greatly from additional supplements that promote health from the inside out, fresh food and/or prescription dog food.

4. Dental chews

The Missing Link’s Smartmouth dental chews are an easy and yummy way to clean your dog’s teeth. Dental chews aren’t a replacement for home brushing, but a great way to help maintain the good work you’ve started. Their unique ridges clean teeth, and reduce plaque and tartar while freshening breath. Smartmouth dental chews also deliver a daily vitamin supplement to help support healthy gums, healthy skin, shiny coat, better mobility and overall health and wellness. While you’re checking off that list of all you do for your dog, you can also check off “daily superfood vitamin supplement,” too – all while your dog just thinks they’re getting a tasty treat.

By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure your dog lives healthier and prevent painful oral infections. And no more dog breath!

Opening night for the cast of Port Huron Northern’s production of “Big Fish” looked a little different than expected, but the cast still found a way to make it special.

After four months of practice and behind the scenes work, Port Huron Northern was ready to show off their hard work, beginning with opening night on Thursday. However, with the shutdown of the school and large groups, the performances could not happen as planned. Cast member and choreographer, Ben Adair, said the news was devastating to the cast.

Then, the morning of the date of their opening night, Adair had an idea. He asked the performers to join a large video chat which he hoped would serve as a preview of their performance. The actors gathered online from the comfort of their own homes, sang a few of the songs, and then digitally parted ways.

Although no future dates could be confirmed, Adair says he hopes that the cast will be able to perform the show for a live audience before the end of the school year.

For the full story, go to ebw.tv.

St. Clair County Community College (SC4)  has cancelled this year’s graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 8. The Center for Disease Control has banned all gatherings of 50 or more people through May 8. The difficult decision adds the SC4 commencement to the growing list of cancellations that put an abrupt end to traditional college life this semester. 

Currently, students are taking their classes online and the campus is closed. The college said in a statement on their dedicated CoronaVirus Update page that they will continue to honor the Class of 2020 graduates with a larger celebration in December that all the year’s graduates can attend. They are also hoping to be able to have a pinning ceremony for graduates of the nursing program in the summer. 

Graduates will still get their degrees mailed to them. A similar story is being told at colleges and universities across the nation as students and their families, along with faculty and administration, are forced to adjust their expectations for the graduation season.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a positive message for Michigan residents amidst a lot of uncertainty. There has been a steady stream of “closure” information and messaging about self-isolating to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we are in uncharted territory, and such steps are critical in protecting Michigan residents from coronavirus risk. Safeguarding mental health is just as important, and spending time outdoors – whether in your backyard, on your balcony or in big, open spaces – can boost mind, body and spirit.

Although public contact areas (restroom buildings, shooting ranges, visitor centers) at many DNR-managed facilities are temporarily closed, people are still welcome to enjoy the public outdoor areas at state parks and recreation areas, state game and wildlife areas, state forests, state trails and, of course, our lakes, rivers and streams. For the duration of the COVID-19 situation, the DNR waiving the need for the Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations.

You can explore things to do on their website for inspiration; check out the YouTube channel for how-to videos; and get hunting and fishing licenses at the new license system website. Closer to home, you could soak up some sun on the back deck, walk around the block or jog the nearest local trail.

If you choose to enjoy the outdoors, the DNR is urging you to practice effective “social distancing” and other measures to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep you, your family and your community safe:

• Go out only if you’re feeling healthy.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting, including the outdoors.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If those aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Minimize UV sun exposure by properly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.
• When driving, keep windows slightly open to provide air flow.