Local News

Voters in Michigan’s Thumbcoast will see a familiar face campaigning with Tudor Dixon this fall. Today, Shane Hernandez was selected as her running mate as she seeks the position of Governor of Michigan.

Hernandez served locally as State Representative of the 83rd District in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021. He also served as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and House Fiscal Governing Committee.

Dixon said, “Shane Hernandez as lieutenant governor will help to improve our schools, create safer communities, and improve our economy. Like me, Shane is concerned about the impact rising prices are having on our families.”

While State Representative during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernandez frequently spoke out about Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s policies, especially those that he believed caused financial hardships for businesses and families. At one point during the pandemic when the State of Michigan was laying off workers, Hernandez said, “State government will have to make tough decisions – just like families and businesses across Michigan have made tough decisions during this challenging time.”

In a press release announcing Hernandez as her running mate, Dixon said “Shane and I will put front-and-center the issues families care about: rising costs created by the Democrats’ inflation, dangerous communities exacerbated by Gretchen Whitmer’s siding with the ‘spirit’ of defund the police, and a perpetually weak economy that Gretchen Whitmer is simply incapable of doing anything about.”

Hernandez said, “I am honored to run as Tudor’s running mate to address the problems created by Gretchen Whitmer,” Hernandez, a husband and father of two daughters, said “Her vision is the right one for Michigan and I believe we will defeat Whiter and begin to repair the damage she’s caused to our families, students, and business owners.”

Shane Hernandez currently serves on the board of SONS Outreach, a Port Huron nonprofit that focuses on mentoring youth in St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Public health and regulatory officials are baffled by what is causing a multistate outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 infections. According to the CDC, the only two states that are being affected seem to be Michigan and Ohio, with 29 individuals being infected. There have been 9 hospitalizations and zero deaths reported. 

Investigations are ongoing to locate the food source responsible, but as of now none have been identified. If you or someone you know lives in these states, the CDC has issued advice to combat and help stop the spread. 

Preventative measures include making sure to thoroughly wash hands, utensils, and fruits and vegetables before eating. When cooking meat, poultry, or seafood, be sure to use a thermometer to make sure food is at a high enough temperature to kill any E. coli bacteria. 

If you or a loved one begins to experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or mild fever, be sure to seek medical care. Reporting symptoms can help authorities to narrow down the source.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The North American International Auto Show located in Detroit, MI will be featuring a variety of new themed attractions to offer its guests. The auto show has been on hiatus since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but returns in 2022 with new design and layout for its visitors.

The event will feature attractions both indoors and outdoors. One new attraction is the Dinosaur and Off-Road Vehicle Encounter which will feature life-like recreations of some of your favorite prehistoric pals. There will be more than 80 life size dinos, from baby sized, to some that stand over 28 feet tall and 60 feet long! It will also include the iconic “Flintmobile” driven by cartoon character Fred Flintstone.

Another new attraction titled the “Air Mobility Experience” is being labeled as a ‘Show Above the Show.” It features futuristic technology implemented in new vehicles such as the electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, hoverboards, and jet suits.

Taking place in Huntington Place, with additional activities in Hart Plaza as well as other signature parks located in Detroit, the Auto Show will be open to the public Saturday, September 17th – 25th.

For tickets and more information visit online at naias.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

100+ Women Who Care is coming up Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at the St. Clair Inn ballroom. The event will gather women from around the area to help the Community Foundation of St. Clair County grant $10,000 to a local nonprofit.

Ladies who register for the event will get to choose from a list of area nonprofits when they secure their spot for a $100 donation. Three organizations will be chosen to pitch their nonprofit at the event, and attendees will get to vote on who they believe should receive the $10,000 grant. A $1,500 and $500 grant will also be handed out at the event.

Registration is required by Wednesday, August 31, 2022, and organizers are looking forward to a fun, interactive night of philanthropy.

Lindsey Adams-Fitchett, Chair of the Women’s Initiative Committee, said, “We are excited to see everyone face-to-face again, and we are really looking forward to highlighting the great work of a local nonprofit that is focused on single moms.”

Register online at: https://www.stclairfoundation.org/100-women-who-care-2022/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Do you have a fondness for dogs? Perhaps you’re more of a cat person? Well if you’re looking for a new family pet, the St. Clair County Animal Control is offering lowered adoption fees for a limited time. 

Due to an unprecedented number of intakes this August, many animal shelters are finding it more difficult to care for their animals as spaces are filling up quickly. To combat this issue, SCCAC is lowering adoption fees to $50 for dogs and $25 for cats and kittens. All animals are examined, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped by a veterinarian. 

The SCCAC will be having an emergency adoption event from 10 – 2 PM on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

“Your support and donations through this unimaginable demand on our small community shelter this summer has been truly lifesaving,” says Director Melissa Miller.

For more information, call (810) 984-3155.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell