Local News

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reporting a second case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a 2 year-old doe harvested by a hunter in southwest Saginaw. CWD is not common among deer in Michigan, but the DNR is encouraging hunters to get deer tested through the organization’s various check stations which can be found on their website. CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer, elk, and moose.  

DNR deer and elk specialist Chad Stewart said when conservation officers “find CWD a few townships over from a prior detection in the same county, it becomes increasingly important to discover if and where additional cases might be within that area.” Stewart also said, “In light of this, they are asking hunters in southeastern Gratiot and southwestern Saginaw counties, especially, to have their deer tested this year.” The Department of Natural Resources encourages hunters to assist in disease surveillance. Stewart said some of the easiest ways hunters can help address CWD are to keep hunting throughout the remaining deer seasons, dispose of leftover parts in the trash and, if possible, take additional does in the Lower Peninsula’s CWD areas. To date, there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in people. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that infected animals not be eaten by humans or animals.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv.

Costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating, Halloween can be a lot of fun, and with a few tips, it can be safe as well. St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon said that “the county has had wonderful luck with trick-or-treating and they want to keep it that way.” He offered a few tips. 

Always wear some sort of reflective material on costumes so you are easy to see. If a costume has a mask with it, consider replacing the mask with make-up to offer better, unobstructed vision. “Always,” said Donnellon, “stay off the roadways when going house to house, and use sidewalks.”  He also suggested bringing a flashlight alone for better visibility. Sheriff Donnellon also warned against going inside any home, and if the lights are off at a house, do not approach it. Finally, when returning home, inspect the candy. Any candy that does not come from a brand name company should not be eaten.  Donnellon said if trick-or-treaters run into any issues they should contact their local law enforcement agency.

Helping children at an early age with emotional skills can be a challenge, and The Michigan State University Extension wants to help. The MSU Extension will begin their fall course, Building Early Emotional Skills in Young Children (BEES) – A workshop for parents, on Monday, October 28th. The online, eight-week series will address topics like stress, communicating with kids, and handling tantrums. The program hopes to strengthen parent-child relationships and support social and emotional development in young children. 

There is also an opportunity to meet virtually with other parents that may be having similar experiences. BEES supports parents learning how their own experiences impact parenting. The class is no charge for Michigan residents and is designed for parents with children from infants to three years old. An added benefit, that the course can be completed independently in a time convenient for the parent. The program was developed through a partnership between MSU Extension and MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

Are you planning to have your pet trick-or-treat with you or your children on Halloween? You might even be considering a costume for your furry family members. Well, there are some things to consider before you head out with Fido or Fifi. Make sure the pet’s costume is not too tight, especially around the neck, and never over the snout. Also, your pet’s ability to move should be considered as well. 

Remember getting forced into wearing a costume that you maybe did not want to wear? The same goes for your favorite dog or cat. Never force him to wear a costume. As always, keep your pet on a leash at all times and consider microchipping your animal. Be sure to watch your pet around any candy that is collected. Dogs and cats should never eat chocolate or raisins. Remember, the wrappings that the candy comes in can be a choking hazard as well. Halloween can be a scary time for humans and your pet too, so take care to put your pet in a safe place when trick-or-treaters come to the door. Take care to not leave your pet outside unattended as children may spook the animal. Planning ahead can help to make you and your pet’s Halloween safe and fun.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

St. Clair County Community College will soon welcome a national event to be played at the college’s Fieldhouse. SC4 will host top collegiate level volleyball players from Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana in the first round of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Volleyball Tournament. The games will be played from November 7th through the 9th and will include the Skippers volleyball team as well. Game times will be in the evening on Thursday and Friday and most of the day on Saturday. 

SC4 athletic Director Dale Vos said the college is “thrilled to host the first round of the national tournament.” He added, “The teams represent some of the best teams in the Midwest [and] SC4 welcomes supporters and collegiate sports fans in general to come check out some exciting games at the Fieldhouse and explore the vibrant downtown community.” The Skippers team will begin play on November 7th against Macomb Community College. Tournament champions earn district titles and qualify for the national championship. The tournament’s next round will be in Charleston, West Virginia.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

The Clay Township Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Monday and one of the items discussed at the meeting was high water levels. Emergency Management Director, Justin Westmiller spoke at the meeting and gave a preview of what residents should expect in the winter months. He began by praising the efforts of Clay Township officials in their dealing with high water levels this past spring and summer. Westmiller spoke of potential impacts, though, for the upcoming winter. According to Westmiller, water levels are six and 10 inches higher than last year.  

With ice flowing down river in the winter months, Westmiller said water could come up two to three feet in places and ice could be pushed over roadways toward the southend of the county. He cautioned that he wants people to be prepared and not scared. Westmiller said he and his staff will keep close tabs on water levels at all times, as they always have.  The Coast Guard will get involved whenever residents have first-floor flooding. Otherwise, Westmiller said the Coast Guard could be clearing ice in the northern reaches of the lake assisting maritime commerce. Westmiller also said that the national flood insurance program is very important. Since there is a 30-day waiting period, Westmiller is encouraging Clay Township residents to purchase it now. A board member also reminded residents that contents of a home are not included with flood insurance and should be raised up off the ground.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.