Local News

The Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society has dissolved their non-profit, but they have created a lasting legacy by sharing their remaining assets with the community and creating the Tunnel City Railway and Transportation Heritage Fund, in a collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Jackie Hanton, Vice-President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, said, “The final Port Huron & Detroit board put thoughtful, transparent and careful planning in place when dissolving to honor the donors who supported the organization over the years.”

The Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Historical Society was started in 2008 to preserve and protect the historically significant properties associated with railroad history in Michigan. They put out the call for a new Board of Directors last year after having to restructure. After no one volunteered to lead the non-profit, the Society started the long process of dissolving its assets.

Hanton said, “The Community Foundation is proud to carry forward a piece of support for restoration and preservation of items from our railroad, maritime and military history.”

For more details on the Tunnel City Railway and Transportation Fund, visit the link below:

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/tunnel-city-railway-transportation-heritage-new-fund/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The St. Clair County Health Department has issued an awareness bulletin regarding Monkeypox, which has been declared a public health emergency nationwide by the CDC. In the bulletin, Liz King, the Director – Health Officer at the Health Department advised that county residents not panic, but be aware, as one case of Monkeypox has been reported in St. Clair County.

King said that Monkeypox is very different from COVID-19 in several ways: it is not “novel” like COVID was. It has been around for a long time and much is known about it. There are treatments and a vaccine.

The Health Department is investigating communicable diseases and conducting surveillance for outbreaks.

Monkeypox is a virus that is spread through close contact with an infected individual who has symptoms. It can also be spread through prolonged face-to-face contact, or contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding, although less commonly. Brief interactions with an infected person are not considered to be high risk.

Symptoms 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. The illness can last up to three weeks.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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