Local News

University of Michigan students were recently in the area for some underwater research. Katie Stepp, owner of Michigan Boat Rentals in Port Huron, said an underwater research team from the University of Michigan recently chartered a pontoon boat from her company. The group from the University of Michigan was testing low cost underwater autonomous mapping technology.  On their website, the group explains that current technology is expensive and only effective in depths around 3500 feet. Much of the ocean below those depths, according to the group, remains unexplored. The group brought a test vehicle to the area that weighs 45 pounds and is just over 3 feet long. It can operate at a depth of nearly 20,000 feet. The AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) costs about $30,000 to build and is easily assembled using off the shelf parts. The group believes the vehicle will have commercial applications for deep sea fishing and underwater mining to name a few.  

Many Marysville residents are responding to encourage a conversation about diversity after racist comments were made by a former candidate running for Marysville City Council. One resident, Jason Stier, who is also  Principal of Riverview East High School in East China, has started a campaign to display yard signs throughout the city. Stier said he believes that diversity is not just about race, but about everyone having a different experience in life, with varying challenges, strengths, and weaknesses they bring to the table. As a former art educator, Stier decided to design a yard sign with a simple message on it, “Marysville, where everybody is welcome.” Scott Forster, President of ForSports and a fellow Marysville resident, said he was contacted by Jason about making signs. The signs are now available for purchase on the ForSports Facebook page or website.  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is investigating reports of e-cigarette and vaping-associated respiratory illnesses. Between June 28th and August 27th this summer, there were six cases reported to MDHHS, which the organization is now investigating. All of the cases have been reported in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and most of the individuals, whose average age is 19-39, have been hospitalized for severe respiratory illness. Sarah Lyon-Callo, MDHHS state epidemiologist said, “The severity of illness people are experiencing is alarming.” She said Michiganders should be aware that using e-cigarettes and vaping can be dangerous because the products in vaping and e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can result in damage to a user’s lungs, heart, or other body systems.

As of August 23rd, 203 possible cases of severe respiratory disease associated with e-cigarette use have been reported in 23 states. So far, the Michigan investigation has not identified a specific brand of device or e-liquid that is causing these illnesses. Similar to reports across the nation, there does not appear to be an infectious cause of the illnesses. MDHHS is working closely with state and federal partners during this national outbreak investigation. If an individual vaping or using e-cigarettes develops symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever and/or nausea and vomiting, he or she should contact a health provider immediately and know that symptoms may occur long after use of a device.

Jay de los Reyes, CEO of Lake Huron Medical Center, submitted a letter of resignation to the healthcare provider last week. de Los Reyes has served as CEO since June 2017 and, according to a hospital spokesperson, has been an integral part of the hospital’s growth and development. During his tenure, Lake Huron Medical Center has earned a three-year, level III trauma center designation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, received an “A” in hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group in the Fall of 2018 and Spring 2019, received the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, and obtained a four-star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Patricia Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Lake Huron Medical Center is serving as the interim Administrator during the transition.

Roadway construction continues around St. Clair County. Here is your report for the week of September 2nd. Good news to start, the roundabout at Wadhams and Fred Moore Highway is now open. In Berlin Township, Capac Road between Hough and Tubspring will be closed for 30 days. Up in Burtchville, Metcalf between North and State will be closed for several days this week for ditching, and State Road between Myron and Burtch will be having a bridge replaced causing closures until approximately September 13th. 

There will be intermittent lane closures in Casco Township on County Line Road from I-94 to Gratiot this week. China Township will see Belle River Road between Indian Trail and Marsh closed for a day for crossroad culvert replacement. In Kimball Township, an ongoing paving project continues along Mayer Road, Yager Road, and Main Street. Also in Kimball, the left lane of westbound I-69 between Taylor and Wales Center will be closed for patching this week. Finally, Wales Township will see Wales Center Road closed for more than two months for bridge replacement between Morriss and Lapeer.

The Labor Day weekend brings good times with family and friends for the last unofficial days of summer. While out having fun, it’s important to remember to be safe. Safer America is reminding people of the top essential Labor Day safety tips. First, it’s important to remember to drive safely by wearing a seatbelt and checking your car’s vitals like the oil and transmission. The National Safety Council estimates 400 people are involved in fatal accidents each year over the Labor Day weekend. Second, wear sun protection.  Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.? Next, grill responsibly. Remember that a grill, both propane and charcoal, is for the outdoors only and should never be left unattended when in use. An average of 19,000 people went to the emergency room each year from 2013 to 2017 due to injuries involving grills. Number 5 on the safety list is fireworks. There are an estimated 9,100 injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms, and children under 15 accounted for 36% of those estimated injuries from fireworks. Whatever you’re doing, have fun, be safe and enjoy the holiday weekend with your family and friends.