Local News

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a positive message for Michigan residents amidst a lot of uncertainty. There has been a steady stream of “closure” information and messaging about self-isolating to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we are in uncharted territory, and such steps are critical in protecting Michigan residents from coronavirus risk. Safeguarding mental health is just as important, and spending time outdoors – whether in your backyard, on your balcony or in big, open spaces – can boost mind, body and spirit.

Although public contact areas (restroom buildings, shooting ranges, visitor centers) at many DNR-managed facilities are temporarily closed, people are still welcome to enjoy the public outdoor areas at state parks and recreation areas, state game and wildlife areas, state forests, state trails and, of course, our lakes, rivers and streams. For the duration of the COVID-19 situation, the DNR waiving the need for the Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations.

You can explore things to do on their website for inspiration; check out the YouTube channel for how-to videos; and get hunting and fishing licenses at the new license system website. Closer to home, you could soak up some sun on the back deck, walk around the block or jog the nearest local trail.

If you choose to enjoy the outdoors, the DNR is urging you to practice effective “social distancing” and other measures to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep you, your family and your community safe:

• Go out only if you’re feeling healthy.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting, including the outdoors.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If those aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Minimize UV sun exposure by properly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.
• When driving, keep windows slightly open to provide air flow.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning that scammers are spoofing phone numbers of at least one local public health department in the state and calling residents to offer medication while asking for their Medicaid and Medicare numbers for billing purposes. Incoming calls to the local health department are then jamming up phonelines and delaying official business in responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

Reports so far have been focused on the Ionia County Health Department, but residents around the state are urged to be aware as it could happen anywhere. 

To seem more official, scammers often use a process known as “spoofing” – when a call appears to be coming from a legitimate government phone number. The caller may also sound professional and be very persuasive. Anyone who receives a phone call they suspect to be a scam should hang up the phone. No one should give out personal information to an unsolicited caller. 

Residents should also be aware of online coronavirus scams selling bogus products and providing false information on COVID-19 tests and treatments. These attempts to obtain the personal information of consumers may include emails or online posts pitching unreliable products, advice, fake tests and cures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Those who wish to make a report about potential scams, price-gouging and any other violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act can do so with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team by filing a complaint online or by calling 877-765-8388.

Three suspicious house fires are under investigation in Algonac. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation Unit is looking at three fires that are deemed suspicious in nature, according to a statement released on March 18. 

The first fire occurred on March 2 in the 2500 block of St. Clair River Drive. The second fire was in the 100 block of Algona. The third fire was on March 15th in the 1200 block of St. Clair Boulevard. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department reports that the fires required the Algonac Fire Department to be called with assistance from Clay Township, Ira Township, and Marine City Fire Departments. No injuries were reported, and the homes were all vacant.

Intentionally setting a fire, even in a vacant home is a felony, and can result in fines and jail time, if convicted. Anyone with any information regarding the fires is asked to contact Detective Steve Rickert with the Sheriff’s Office at (810) 987-1731.

The St. Clair County Health Department has confirmed 5 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, and they are monitoring 55 people along with 80 of their contacts. The newly confirmed cases include people aged 41-72, most of whom are recovering at home. One patient, a 41 year old female, is hospitalized.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer at the St. Clair County Health Department stated,  “We do, in fact, have community transmission at this time.  People who feel well do not need testing. If there is contact to a positive COVID case, our staff will evaluate the situation and determine if contacts need testing.  We are trying to preserve testing for those who need medical care, who are most vulnerable, and those that are critical to our epidemiological investigation.  Most people will have mild symptoms and recover without event, but the elderly and people with chronic disease do need to avoid contact with people.”

In addition, “Regardless if people are tested or not, they should stay home. All sick people should stay home, whether they have been tested or not. Those with life threatening situations should call 911.  Individuals who need to go out for their medications, food/supplies, or those who still need to go work, all need to be mindful on social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene,  wiping down high-touch surfaces and other preventive measures.”

A general COVID-19 Informational Hotline is available Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4:30 PM at (810) 966-4163 or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org. The State of Michigan hotline is 1-888-535-6136.

Earlier this week, St. Clair County announced the closure of the system libraries. While there are many online offerings through the St. Clair County Library System, you do need a library card. If you don’t have a library card, you are in luck. Because it is not possible to go into the building to get a card, you can now call and get one. 

Allison Arnold, Director of the St. Clair County Library System, said that county residents can call the library and request a temporary card number. That number is what gives users access to online resources. Online resources available through the library include courses, language instruction, magazines, and newspapers. Kids can also stay busy with Starfall, which they may be familiar with from school, and Story Online which features actors reading children’s books. There is also an impressive collection of local high school yearbooks dating back to the early 1900s for some schools. 

Arnold said that staff will be assisting with getting county residents set up with library accounts and the accounts will be good until April 30th or whenever social distancing is no longer necessary. Callers will need to provide a form of ID, such as a driver’s license. The service will be available as long as employees are allowed to go to work, so don’t hesitate to sign up. Go to sccl.lib.mi.us for more information or call 810-987-7323.

Earlier this week, the St. Clair County Health Department’s Medical Health Officer, Dr. Annette Mercatante, proclaimed a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the coronavirus, COVID-19 Outbreak. According to the department, the declaration was made to further request additional resources for the public health jurisdiction of St. Clair County in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This action follows the State of Michigan issuance of a State of Emergency made March 10. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared a COVID-19 Pandemic on March 11. 

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer said the “intent in proclaiming a public health emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19, is to ensure maximum access to the resources necessary to keep people as safe as possible and lessen disease transmission.”

The Health Department has also announced this week the operation of  a COVID-19  Informational Hotline. The hotline allows residents to call and ask general questions regarding COVID-19. The Informational Hotline is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. After hours, residents can leave a message and it will be returned the next business day. The number for the hotline is (810) 966-4163.