Local News

Did you know that October through December, in Michigan, individuals are more likely to experience a motor vehicle-deer crash than at any other time of year? According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and AAA Michigan, motor vehicle – deer crashes are almost two-and-a-half times more likely during the last quarter of the year. 

Michigan’s Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) says an average of 20,000 collisions occur during that time frame. The OHSP says the deer herd is currently about 1.8 million strong and accounts for $130 million per year in damages to vehicles.

There are some measures that motorists can take to help avoid a crash.  Always stay alert, wear your seatbelt, and watch for deer crossing signs. Statistics from AAA Michigan show that most collisions take place around dawn and dusk, so stay especially vigilant during those hours. If a crash is unavoidable, don’t swerve, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel, stay in your lane and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Remember deer travel frequently in groups, if you see one, others may be in the area as well. 

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will be conducting aerial spraying in 14 Michigan counties to combat the outbreak of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). As of September 27th, EEE was confirmed in nine people in Michigan in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties. Three of those cases proved fatal. 27 cases have been found in animals in 13 counties.  

The outbreak has made national news. Officials at the MDHHS say that spraying was scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 29th, at 8 p.m., but that has been changed due to weather.  Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health said, “We are taking this step to help protect the health and safety of Michiganders in areas of the state that are being affected by this dangerous mosquito-borne disease.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report about a Michigan man being infected by tuberculosis (TB) from a deer. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the 77-year-old man contracted the disease through his nearly 20 years of hunting and living in and around northern, lower Michigan. The CDC determined that deer in Michigan are hosts for the disease and can transmit TB to cattle herds and humans.

The four-county area in Michigan that the man is from has a low incidence of human TB. However, levels of TB in deer are higher in that region than in the rest of the state. It was noted in the report that the man had a lower immunity to disease because of certain medications he was taking.  

Michigan residents should be aware that exposure to an infected deer can lead to an infection that shows up right away, or the disease may lay dormant for a number of years. This is especially true in a host who has a compromised immune system.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The word “bistro” means a small restaurant, and one will be opening soon in Marine City. Preparations are being made to open Bistro 428 at 428 Broadway in Marine City, with plans to open between the middle to end of October. The owners, Nancy and Steve Neiman, have been in the food and catering business since 2013.

In the last 6 years, the Neiman’s grew their food and catering business and decided it was time to open a small restaurant. She said, “[they are not] big enough to be a diner, but the food [they] are planning to offer will be unique to the area, not just your typical sandwiches or salads.”  Special diet items like low-carb or gluten-free will be offered, as well.  

According to Neiman, the bistro “will eventually get into homemade dinners to go.”  Neiman also noted that they are not connected in any way with Neiman’s Family Market in St. Clair.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

A local school is being recognized by the United States Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2019.  John F. Farrell Elementary School in Emmett was one of 362 schools across the country honored with this year’s award. The Superintendent for Yale Public Schools, Kenneth Nicholl, said he received an email on Thursday from the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, letting him know that the school was selected as a winner. 

Mr. Nicholl said, “The teachers are rockstars,” and  “The [administration is] proud of the performance by staff and the kids.” The school was honored in the category of exemplary academic performance. According to Nicholl, he believes Yale schools are “one of the best-kept secrets in the thumb.” Nicholl and other administration officials spent time Friday personally thanking each teacher at the school. Thirteen schools in Michigan received the honor. 

Betsy DeVos said, “As National Blue Ribbon Schools, these schools demonstrate what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its September 2019 Employee of the Month, Sheila Warden. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Sheila is a Patient Account Registrar and has been with LHMC since 2018. She was nominated by a volunteer who commented, “Shelia is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.  In my opinion, she is also one of the best patient registrars this hospital has ever had. When I volunteer on Tuesdays and Fridays, there have been numerous occasions where a patient commented to me what a thorough, caring and genuinely nice person Shelia was to them during the registering process.  I received these comments after Shelia would request that I walk them to the lab, rehab, or the atrium waiting room. Many comments included how instantly at ease Shelia made them feel. Shelia is a very kind and caring person. I feel fortunate to know her.”

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Sheila, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.