Local News

As the community enjoys a summer of festivals, beaches, concerts and fun during this “post surge” phase of the COVID  pandemic, a new concern; Monkeypox has emerged. Important to note is that Monkeypox is different than the COVID  pandemic. Monkeypox is not “novel” or new, it has established testing, transmission data, vaccinations and treatment.  

Monkeypox has been identified worldwide, throughout the United States, across Michigan and recently in St. Clair County.  One role of a local health department is to investigate communicable diseases and conduct surveillance for outbreaks  helping to interrupt transmission. Our staff investigates any/all cases and works with individuals on follow up steps.  Education involves testing, offering help notifying those who may have been exposed, as well as discussing available  prevention, treatment and vaccine options. 

Monkeypox disease is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus (MPV). Anyone can get MPV. The risk to the public  still remains low as it is spread through close contact with an infected person who has symptoms. As the new St. Clair  County Health Department, Director/Health Officer, I urge residents to keep informed on this new emerging disease and  stay aware of any changing conditions. It’s not time to panic, but time to educate yourself and others. 

The virus can be spread by person-to-person by direct contact with bodily fluids or monkeypox lesions. Less common  ways include respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact or contact with contaminated materials such as  clothing or bedding. Brief interactions that do not involve physical contact are not high risk. 

Symptoms can include headache, fever, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swelling of the lymph nodes, followed by a rash  and lesions one to three days after the onset of illness. It is contagious when a rash is present and up until scabs have  fallen off. Symptoms generally appear up to three weeks after exposure, and the rash often lasts two to four weeks.  

People who feel sick or have any rashes or sores, or whose partners are sick or have rashes or sores, should contact  their health care provider or local health department for evaluation. A vaccine may prevent infection or reduce symptoms  of infection and is currently only recommended for close contacts who have not developed infection. Most people don’t  need a vaccine right now. 

As monkeypox evolves, information may change. Stay informed, stay calm and continue to enjoy the last days of summer  safely. More resources are available at CDC.gov/Monkeypox; Michigan.gov/MVP; and scchealth.co. 

Sincerely, 

Liz King RN BSN 

The Duffy Wellness Center at the Blue Water Area YMCA is extending its hours, and those who like to get their exercise done whenever they’re in the mood will be happy.

Starting Monday, August 8th, the wellness center will be open 24/7. That area of the YMCA includes exercise equipment such as weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

Current Y members need to sign updated terms and conditions before taking advantage of the new 24/7 access, and they will be able to enter the gym with their membership cards.

An adult membership at the YMCA is 40.60 per month, and the household rate is $57 per month. There are also reduced rates for senior citizens, single parent households, young adults, and youth.

“Navigating our organization during the pandemic wasn’t easy but it’s deepened our understanding about what is important to our members,” said Josh Chapman, President & CEO of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. “Bringing 24 hour Duffy Wellness Center access demonstrates our commitment to the requests of our members. No matter what your day or night looks like, you can fit in a workout when you choose to. And, as we introduce new innovative health and wellness options, members can build their own fitness plan with the support, program variety and camaraderie that the Y community inspires in each of us.”

To lear more, visit https://www.bluewaterymca.com/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Woman’s Life Chapter 820 call themselves the Archangels, and they are preparing now for one of their favorite yearly events.

The Heart of a Hero is a celebration of St. Clair County’s community heroes, and the purpose is to recognize individuals who quietly go about serving others, working in our area’s community service organizations or simply being good neighbors.

This year’s honorees are:

• Georgette Assi – Port Huron Lanes
• Marty Doorn – WGRT
• Faith Lutheran Church
• Nigar Hussain
• Suzanne & Butch Kuhn – Suzanne’s & St. Clair Chrysler Jeep
• William Livesay – U.S. Air Force
• Karen Palka – A Beautiful Me
• Patrick Patterson – Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center
• Joe Szczepkowski – American Youth Soccer Organization
• Paul Wessel – Mid-City Nutrition

For tickets to the event on Thursday. August 11th at 6 PM, visit the events page at WGRT.com or the Arc’s website here:

https://www.thearcscc.org/gala

Tickets are $35 each, and the deadline to order is Monday, August 8th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

All five millage requests proposed on the primary ballot Tuesday were passed by St. Clair County Voters, and the organizations that will benefit are grateful.

Ken Cummings, President and CEO of Tri-Hospital EMS, said the funding will address rising costs for ambulance service along with their ability to recruit new paramedics and EMTs.

“EMS providers proudly answer the call anytime someone needs us, and we greatly appreciate that local voters answered the call to help us. With approval of the ambulance service proposal, local residents can rest assured that they will continue to receive the ambulance services they expect and rely on,” said Cummings.

Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, President of St. Clair County Community College, said, “We are deeply grateful to St. Clair County residents for their support. Here at St. Clair County Community College, we strive to change lives for the better and positively impact our local and global communities. We’ve done that for nearly 100 years, and this millage renewal will help make certain our students continue to have the best support and experience possible.”

The Council on Aging Serving St. Clair County is one of the agencies that will benefit from the passing of the senior services millage. Executive Director Scott Crawford said, “On behalf of The Council on Aging, the 11 other agencies that receive funding from the Senior Services Millage and the seniors of St. Clair County we are so grateful for the continued support of this millage.   St. Clair County was the first county in the State to have a senior service millage and it has been supported by the county ever since.  With a growing senior population this will allow these 12 agencies to meet the growing needs of the community.”

Nancy Winzer, Director of Parks and Recreation for the county, said, “I am so thankful to the voters of St. Clair County for their support of the Parks & Recreation millage. This millage money gives us leverage for grants which help to redevelop our parks with new, universal, and innovative park playscapes. Further, it assists local units of government in the county achieve their community’s parks and recreation goals , ensuring all residents of and visitors to St. Clair County have places to play and recreate. A lot has been accomplished over the past several years, and we are excited to keep the momentum going.”

Allison Arnold, Director of the St. Clair County Library, said “The Library Board and staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted in the recent election. We are grateful for your support and the confidence you’ve placed in the St. Clair County Library System and are humbled by your faith and confidence in us and our programs and services.  The passage of this millage will enable your library to continue to deliver and expand its services, as we strive to be the best library that we can be for St. Clair County. We look forward to serving you!”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand