Local News

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s office is forming an Explorer Post that is designed for young people ages 15 to 21 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The program will meet for two hours every week and attendees will learn about different topics including traffic stops, firearms, and evidence collection among other topics. Candidates must meet certain qualifications to be considered. An open house is planned for October 30th at the Sheriff’s office on Michigan Road from 6 to 7 pm. Anyone interested should call the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office to reserve a spot. If an interested individual cannot attend the open house, contact the Sheriff’s Office for more information.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The water quality at area beaches has been improving. The St. Clair County Health Department monitored water quality at eight area beaches in 2019 located on Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. The beaches were monitored over a 14-week stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During that time frame, beaches were only closed for three days, making it one of St. Clair County’s healthiest beach seasons on record. 

Improved water quality has been made possible by reducing pathogen sources through sewer separation projects, elimination of illicit discharges, and installation of green infrastructure along the 58-mile county shoreline. The Health Department entered data into the Michigan Beach Guard website showing real-time information on beach closures. The department plans on analyzing water quality samples that were collected over the summer to track the bacterial contamination’s source. The organization also plans to continue the monitoring program in the future.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) still remains a threat in the state of Michigan. 10 people have been diagnosed with disease, and  five of those cases have ended in fatality, with the most recent case this week. The most recent case happened in an individual who was a resident of Cass County, which is in the southwestern part of the state. An additional horse has also been diagnosed with the disease. 40 animals from 16 different counties, including Lapeer County have been confirmed as having contracted EEE. Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said, “The risk of EEE continues if there has not been a sustained period of freezing temperatures.” 

The MDHHS wants residents to continue using measures to avoid contact with mosquitoes, as they are responsible for the spread of the disease. Aerial treatment covering more than 557,000 acres targeting 14 counties was completed October 7th to help combat EEE. It is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States with a 33 percent fatality rate.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Today is National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day. The day focuses on thanking your local Chamber of Commerce that works day in and day out to support local businesses. Executive Director of the Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce, Erika DeLange said her time hasn’t been focused on National Local Chamber Day, but rather on the businesses that the chamber supports. She said, “Every day is chamber day!” as they work to promote chamber members year round. 

President and CEO of the Blue Water Area Chamber Thelma Castillo said she believes “it is important for each community to support their local chamber.” She added, “Chambers of Commerce throughout the country are the backbone that support businesses, especially small businesses.” Castillo said, “The chamber provides the resources and connections to help businesses grow stronger, and the day highlights the programs and recognizes the role that chambers play as leaders of communities and regions.”

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Nearly 1,800 sophomores from the seven St. Clair County school districts visited local manufacturers during the annual Manufacturing Day event through October 15th. The national event is in its fifth year in the area, sponsored by St. Clair County RESA in cooperation with county high schools. Students are being bused to a designated manufacturer, learning a bit about the company and seeing the processes that occur at the specific business. Students also have a chance to talk to employees about careers. 

Manufacturing Day is part of a RESA initiative, “Design 4 the Future,” which has a goal of ensuring that every graduating senior has a plan for life after high school. The event is put on in cooperation with the Eastern Michigan Manufacturers Association and the county Economic Development Alliance. Participating businesses that are opening their doors to students include Grupo Antolin, PTM Corporation, ZF Marysville, Blue Water Controls and SMR Manufacturing among many others.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Elevated levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in surface water drainage ditches in Fort Gratiot Township. PFAS are man-made chemicals that break down very slowly over time and can accumulate in the human body and the environment. The chemicals are found in many different consumer goods and are also used in manufacturing and firefighting.

The testing that found elevated levels was preliminary, and further testing over the next few weeks will be conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Officials say there is no data that suggests a risk to public health. No PFAS have been detected in the drinking water, and the water remains drinkable. Fort Gratiot Township purchases drinking water from the City of Port Huron and the water is tested monthly for PFAS. As a general precaution, residents who have pets that come into contact with water in ditches or storm water retention ponds should rinse the pet thoroughly with fresh water.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.