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Local News

Canine Parvovirus Cases Surge, St. Clair County Animal Control Urges Vaccination Vigilance

St. Clair County Animal Control (SCCAC) has reported a concerning spike in Canine Parvovirus cases over the past two weeks, with 11 incidents identified in the City of Port Huron, Port Huron Township, and the City of St. Clair.

Director Melissa Miller emphasizes the critical need for dog owners to ensure their pets, especially puppies, are vaccinated against the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus. Parvovirus, which causes severe gastrointestinal illness, poses a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs. 

SCCAC recommends immediate veterinary attention for dogs exhibiting symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and lethargy. Miller advises dog owners to avoid high-risk environments if their pets are not up-to-date on vaccinations, emphasizing preventive measures to curb the virus’s spread.

For more information, contact: Melissa Miller at (810) 984-3155.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Canadian Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Mexican Cantaloupe Raises Concern

A salmonella outbreak originating from Mexican cantaloupes has rapidly escalated in Canada, paralleling the U.S. outbreak in patient count and fatalities. Two deaths have been reported in the United States, with one fatality in Canada.

Imported cantaloupes are identified as the common source of contamination. Canada’s confirmed cases have surged to 63 as of November 24th, a stark increase from the 26 reported on November 22nd. Seventeen patients required hospitalization. Affected individuals span from less than 1 to 100 years old, with cases reported in six provinces. 

Health officials anticipate more identifications as test results are relayed to federal authorities, a process taking four weeks or more. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has expanded recall warnings to include Rudy brand cantaloupes, triggering secondary recalls for related product

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beware Of Phone Scams: Recognizing Common Tactics And Protecting Yourself

Phone scams are on the rise this holiday season, presenting varied threats and promises. Recognizing their tactics is crucial for safeguarding your finances and personal information. 

Scammers often falsely claim you’ve won a prize, urging payment for a reward that doesn’t exist. Beware of impersonations, where callers pose as law enforcement or government agencies, threatening arrests or fines unless immediate payments are made. Legitimate businesses allow time for decision-making; don’t succumb to pressure. Avoid paying with cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, as scammers often choose methods that prevent fund recovery. 

Be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information, and remember, government agencies don’t call for confirmation. Familiarize yourself with common scams, such as imposter, debt relief, and prize scams, to stay vigilant and protect against fraudulent schemes.

To file a consumer complaint or get additional information, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Spectacular Christmas Circus Extravaganza Coming To McMorran Theater

Prepare for a magical experience as the Detroit Circus brings its Christmas-themed show to the McMorran Theater, located at 701 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, on December 28th, starting at 1:00 PM. 

The mesmerizing performance will feature dazzling circus-style acts, including high-flying aerial antics, trapeze and lyra displays, fire dancing, stilt walking, contortion, juggling, and mind-bending acrobatics. Audiences can also witness thrilling feats of strength and captivating circus sideshow acts.

To make this festive experience even more accessible, a special Family 4-pack deal is available for $50 with the code CIRCUS. Don’t miss this opportunity to be amazed by the magic of the Detroit Circus this holiday season!

For ticket information, visit: mcmorran.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Apple’s iOS 17 Launch Raises Privacy Concerns: Law Enforcement Urges Users To Disable ‘NameDrop’ Feature

Amidst the excitement of Apple’s annual operating system update, iOS 17, concerns have arisen regarding user privacy. The update introduces various enhancements, including a Check-In feature, customizable contact cards, and a standby mode. However, the spotlight is on the new ‘NameDrop’ feature, allowing users to share contact details by bringing their phones close together.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, are cautioning users to disable ‘NameDrop’ to safeguard their privacy. The feature, automatically set to ‘on’ post-update, requires users to manually toggle it off in Settings > General > AirDrop > Bringing Devices Together.

It is important to adjust and disable these settings, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly who may be prone to scamming.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

City Of Port Huron Forestry Division Giving Away Free Wood And Mulch

In the spirit of community service, the City of Port Huron Forestry Division is hosting a second free wood and mulch distribution day on Saturday, December 2nd, following the success of their mid-October event. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents are invited to the Forestry warehouse at 3663 10th Ave., Port Huron, near Lakeside Cemetery.

This one-day event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with trailers can obtain wood, while individuals with trailers or pickup trucks can access free mulch. Participants are limited to one load each, emphasizing fairness in distribution.

The initiative extends beyond city limits, welcoming residents from surrounding areas, with the exception of commercial entities and contractors. The Forestry Division aims to contribute to community well-being, promoting sustainability through this reduction event.

 For more information, contact the Forestry Division at (810) 984-9709.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell