Local News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sharing some new statistics and warnings about vaping and e-cigarette products that were shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday. Here are the facts: as of October 8th, there have been nearly 1300 cases of lung injuries due to vaping or e-cigarettes across the country. Of the 1300 cases, 26 people have died in 21 states. Since August 2019, in Michigan alone, there have been 35 confirmed or probable vaping related lung injury cases and one death. The age range of the cases is from 16 to 69 years of age. 

The CDC and MDHHS are telling people not to use e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC or nicotine. They also say that vaping and e-cigarette products should not be used by young people or pregnant women. Vaping products should not be purchased off the street, especially if it is said to contain THC. The agencies also caution citizens not to modify or add any substances to vaping products.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women after skin cancer. At the half-way point of the month, it’s a sobering statistic to realize that one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. 

Early detection and treatment can be key to surviving a breast cancer diagnosis. Women ages 40-49 should be talking with their doctor about when to start getting a mammogram, and how often they should get one. It is advised that women ages 50-74 should get a mammogram every two years. Risk for breast cancer can be higher if a close member of a person’s family has had breast cancer or ovarian cancer. A discussion about risks and a testing is important between doctor and patient.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

With businesses like Bell’s Beer and Founders Brewing, Michigan has positioned itself as one of the top craft brewing states in the nation. Last week, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) launched a new website that hopes to provide support and resources to the growing industry. Luke Lyons from Earl Smith Distributing, a local company to St. Clair County said, “The new MCBC website will connect industry resources into one single point of contact which will better serve Earl Smith’s beer, wine, cider, and spirits producers and consumers.”

The website is divided into four sections: research, grow, craft, and drink. The research section has a searchable database that new makers can use to learn more about topics ranging from invasive pests that could pose a risk to hops and new grape varieties to hops production just to name a few. The “grow” part of the site shares grower news, resources, and conferences.  In the craft area, business support is the focus. It helps to connect crafters with licensing requirements and organizational partners. Crafters are really the people behind the product. Last are some wine and beer trail maps that can be located by clicking on the drink button, as well as transportation and events statewide. Locally, St. Clair County is home to hops farms like Hoppily Ever After at the southern end of the county and Harsens Island Brewery in Marysville just to name a few.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

A local nurse was recently honored with the Michigan Public Health Nurse Administrator Forum’s Leadership award. Registered nurse (RN) Liz King was nominated by her co-workers for being passionate, principled, and action-oriented. She was described as a tireless public health nursing advocate, visionary, and leader. Liz is the Nursing and Community Health Director at the St. Clair County Health Department, and has been the director there for the past five years. She has been with the department for a total of 16 years. King has an Associate of Nursing Degree from St. Clair County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from U of M Flint. Liz oversees 50 employees and 11 different programs, and said she was honored to receive the award.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

High water levels continue to be a discussion around the area, especially for downriver communities who are demanding a state of emergency be declared at a state level. The Clay Township Board met for their regular meeting last week and one of the items discussed was the township’s high water levels. Township Supervisor, Artie Bryson, said that Clay Township sent a letter to the Governor on August 12 asking her to declare a state of emergency in the township due to high water levels. Doing so would allow the board access to federal assistance. 

Bryson said they have not heard anything back, but explained to those in attendance at the meeting that sand is currently being dredged near Russell Island by the Army Corps of Engineers. The sand is then being placed in a landfill on state-owned land on Dickinson Island.  Bryson said, with a declaration from the governor the sand could be better used in areas around Russell Island, Harsens Island, and the mainland to mitigate further water damage.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

Port Huron Schools has some “re-grand” openings this week. The Literacy Academy at Cleveland Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Garfield Elementary School have been updated with funds used from the 2016 bond that was passed by voters. On Monday at 5 p.m. there will be a ribbon-cutting at Cleveland Elementary, and on Tuesday both Roosevelt and Garfield Schools will have ribbon-cuttings at 5:45 and 6:45 pm respectively. The projects were recently completed and are part of Phase III projects of the  “Building Tomorrow, Today” 2016 bond. An open house will follow each of the ribbon cuttings with tours open to the public. Each building’s principal will be on hand to welcome those attending. The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and various community leaders are hosting the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley