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Local News

Beeler Introduces Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs

State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, has introduced a bill that would push down prescription drug costs by removing co-pay and deductible irregularities.

Beeler said, “I am extremely proud to sponsor this legislation which will actually reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Michigan families. Anytime I can help give patients more control over their healthcare decisions, I’m happy to do so.”

The bill is part of a larger health care package that focuses on patients. According to Beeler, his bill, House Bill 4345, prohibits insurance companies from penalizing consumers when they go out of network to get cheaper drugs. Shopping around for lower prices on medications can often have a detrimental effect on co-pays or out-of-pocket deductibles.

Beeler commented, “I support lowering prescription drug costs without creating bloated government bureaucracies. This is a great example of how we as elected officials can help cut costs without spending taxpayer dollars in the process.”

The Bill has been introduced and read and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

No Injuries in Vehicle Fire on I-94

Kimball Twp. MI — A tractor-trailer hauling trash from Canada caught fire early this morning on westbound I -94.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King, a 31 year old Brampton, Ontario man was driving on I-94, east of Ravenswood at about 4:00 a.m.  He told deputies that he heard a tire pop and started to slow down.  As he started to pull off the road, he heard another pop.  Once he stopped, he got out of the truck and saw flames coming from the right side of the trailer.  He was able to unhook the truck from the trailer and pull it forward a safe distance.

Marysville Police, and fire departments from Kimball Township, Port Huron Township and Clyde Township assisted.

Westbound I-94 was closed until approximately 8:00 this morning from Range Road to Gratiot Road.

The driver of the truck was not injured.  It is unknown at this time what caused the fire. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

Port Huron Man Arrested Following Drug Raid

Port Huron, MI — A 44 year old man has been arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center following a drug raid.

According to Sheriff Mat King, the St. Clair County Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the sales of crystal methamphetamine in the Port Huron area.  The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in the 2500 block of Spruce Street in the city of Port Huron on March 1st shortly after 9:30 p.m.  Members of the DTF searched the residence, where they located and seized about $5700 worth of crystal methamphetamine, about $600 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned in 72nd District Court this afternoon, facing charges of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

Submitted  by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force

McCain Calls for Improvements for Deployed MI National Guard

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) joined a bipartisan letter calling for the National Guard to void the contract that has led to members of the Michigan National Guard receiving unacceptable and inadequate quality of food while deployed to the U.S. Capitol. Constituents serving and currently deployed to Washington D.C. have reported receiving significantly undercooked food and even meals containing metal shavings. The Representatives call for a new food vendor or for a per diem to be provided.

“I am horrified our guardsmen and women, who are protecting our Capitol, are being fed inedible food,” said Rep. McClain. “This problem needs to be addressed now, before anyone else gets sick.”

In the letter, the Michigan Delegation states:

“We understand that the decision was made to provide contracted meals to support the entire federal response stationed at the Capitol. However, it is clear that these contracted meals are poorly prepared, oftentimes inedible, and highly inadequate to support our soldiers. It is completely unacceptable that our men and women serving in Washington D.C. are being hospitalized due to the food they are being provided. As Representatives of these service members, we request that either the current contract be voided and a new food provider be brought in or that the service members be provided with a per diem throughout their remaining time in Washington, D.C.”

Joining Rep. McClain on the letter are U.S. Representatives: Bill Huizenga, Debbie Dingell, Tim Walberg, Brenda Lawrence, Jack Bergman, Haley Stevens, Fred Upton, Elissa Slotkin, John Moolenaar, Dan Kildee, Peter Meijer, Andy Levin and Rashida Tlaib. This is the entire Michigan Delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives

Read the letter <HERE>

Submitted by the office of Congresswoman McClain

St. Clair Women’s League Holding Spring Flower Sale

St. Clair, MI — Spring is in the air, and the St. Clair Women’s League is kicking it off with their annual Spring Flower Sale. The sale features hanging baskets, porch pots, and flats of assorted flowers.

All orders have to be submitted by April 3rd, and customers can choose a pickup date of May 15th or May 22nd. Flowers will be available for pickup on those dates at the St. Clair Middle School on Yankee Road in St. Clair.

Download the order form <HERE> and orders can be mailed to the St. Clair Women’s League at P.O. Box 243, St. Clair, MI 48079

The St. Clair Women’s League has been serving the community for over 40 years, and 100% of the profits from the flower sales with go to local causes and charities.

Visit the St. Clair Women’s League Facebook page <HERE> to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Limits on Gatherings Loosened Up Starting Friday

Starting Friday, restaurants can increase their capacity from 25% to 50% with safety protocols still in place. Indoor residential gatherings with up to 15 people from three households are allowed, and indoor entertainment facilities can operate at 50% capacity to have up to 300 people if following safety protocols.

The ruling also allows for small groups such as city councils and boards to meet in person with a 25-person limit. Governor Gretchen Whitmer had been petitioned by a coalition of State Senators last week asking for “common sense” guidelines that would permit business to be done in municipalities.

 The updated orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are based on three metrics: hospital capacity, overall case rates, and COVID-19 test positivity rates.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health was cautiously optimistic, even as more contagious virus variants on the rise. She said, “I am glad we continue to make progress, but that progress is fragile.” She urged continued vigilance and encouraged Michiganders to get the vaccine.

The vaccine rollout process is picking up, with the White House saying there will be vaccines for every American who wants it by the end of May.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland