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Local News

Representative Eisen Urges Residents In Flood Advisory Areas To Prepare For Rising Water Levels

State Rep. Gary Eisen is urging residents in flood advisory areas to take precautions against rising water levels.  With an exceptionally wet spring and more rain on the way, residents should monitor their surroundings and try and keep abreast of wind and water conditions.  The recent high winds have added to the flood threat along with rising Great Lakes levels that have reached a record high since 2013.  “I recommend our neighbors living near these waterways put valuables up and watch their property for any evidence of rising levels,” Rep. Eisen, of St. Clair Township said.  “Unfortunately, living near the waterfront can also bring dangers. Flooding is predicted to get worse and I want to make sure my constituents stay safe.”  The National Weather Advisory issued a flood warning earlier this month in areas along the St. Clair River, including Marine City, Harsens Island and Pearl Beach.  For more information regarding water levels, please access the following websites:

https://www.bereadystclaircounty.org/general-flooding-information and  https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Monthly-Bulletin-of-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

Memorial Day

(As published in Operation Transformation’s News Letter)
On this national holiday that affords so many of us the opportunity to enjoy a three day weekend, let’s not forget what Memorial Day signifies.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it began in the years following the Civil War to honor those who had died from both the North and the South. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that the holiday gained a strong following and national identity. It was officially named Memorial Day in 1967.  In 1968, Congress declared that Memorial Day should be observed on the last Monday in May and in 1971, Congress declared it to be a federal holiday. Since then, many of us have been ensured a three-day weekend, and we now view Memorial Day as the beginning of our summer fun.  There is certainly nothing wrong with summer, or fun, however, maybe we also should reflect more on all of the conflicts in our nation’s history that prompted this day, and truly honor it as a day of remembrance as well. So many men and women gave everything, their very lives, to ensure the freedoms that we enjoy today.   So have fun with family and friends today, but also remember all who have died serving in the American armed forces and be thankful. Also, let’s never take for granted the freedom they defended and granted to us by the grace of God.

Memorial Day Concert In D.C.

The “National Memorial-Day Concert” returns, this year, for a special 30th-anniversary broadcast—hosted by Joe Mantegna and Mary McCormack.  Live from the West Lawn of the U-S Capitol, the annual concert honors America’s men and women in uniform, their families at
home, and all those who’ve given their lives for our country.  Co-host Joe Mantegna says…“You know, we’re given this three-day holiday-weekend, on ‘Memorial Day’.  And, I think [that], if every American would take 90 minutes—and just watch the show—they would come away knowing that it’s [about] a lot more than barbecues and car-races.  It’s to honor those who gave us that ability to enjoy the freedoms [that] we do, in this country.  And, it’s a show that’s entertaining, touching, enlightening, [and] moving.  If you can come away from this show without a smile and a tear, something’s wrong.  I’d really encourage anyone to just give it a chance, give it a shot—because I’m positive [that], once you watch it, you’ll make it an annual event.”  This year’s lineup also includes: General Colin Powell; Sam Elliott; Patti LaBelle; Gavin DeGraw; Dennis Haysbert; Alison Krauss; Christopher Jackson; Amber Riley; Justin Moore; Jaina Lee Ortiz; and “Patrick Lundy and ‘The Ministers of Music’”—in performance with the
“National Symphony Orchestra”.  The 30th-anniversary “National Memorial-Day Concert” airs live, on P-B-S, Sunday, May 26th, at eight p-m, Eastern; check local listings, for the time in your area.  To learn more, visit “p-b-s”-dot-org-slash-“memorial-day-concert”.

Lake Huron Medical Center Announces Daisy Award Recipient

Lake Huron Medical Center congratulates DAISY Award Recipient Amanda Pigg, RN. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is recognized in 2,800 healthcare facilities in the United States and 17 different countries.  Amanda works as a Registered Nurse in the Definitive Observation Unit and was nominated by peers for her professionalism, positive attitude and her attention to patient care. She is also known for being a continuous learner, always eager to learn new regulatory requirements and sharing her knowledge with others.  Beyond her remarkable clinical skills, Amanda is known for her dedication to nursing. She takes pride in not only her work but that of her entire unit. She works hard and is an advocate for her patients, often going above and beyond to provide exceptional care.  “Through her leadership, Amanda provides a nurturing environment for nurses. She embodies Lake Huron Medical Center’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care,” comments Pat Roberts, RN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer, Lake Huron Medical Center.  “The DAISY Award is the perfect way to recognize our nurses because it reflects a nursing mindset which fosters care, trust, and compassion with her patients and peers.”  The DAISY Award was created 1999 by members of the family of Patrick Barnes who died of complications of the auto-immune disease ITP. The Barnes’ wanted to do something special to honor their son and came up with the name DAISY-an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. What continually resonated for them was the extraordinary care, kindness and compassion Patrick and the family received from her nurses during her illness.  Lake Huron Medical Center thanks Amanda for everything he does each and every day to provide our patients and their families with high-quality, compassionate care.

Resources Available To Raise Awareness About Suicide Prevention

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michigan residents to know the warning signs and resources available to prevent suicide. In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death in Michigan for ages 15-34.  “Learning the warning signs of suicide can help raise awareness about suicide prevention and provide loved ones with the proper help,” said Robert Gordon, MDHHS director. “Talking with family, friends and neighbors about this important topic is essential as we try to get help to those who need it.”

Warning signs for those at risk of suicide include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness.
  • Threatening to or talking about wanting to hurt oneself.
  • Loss of interest in activities.
  • Withdrawal from friends and family.
  • Change in eating and sleeping habits.
  • Talking about being a burden to others.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Displaying extreme mood swings.
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself.

The recently updated MDHHS Suicide Prevention website has a variety of resources and information for individuals who are having thoughts of suicide or know a loved one who is in crisis. These resources include a communications toolkit, a county map of coalitions and crisis lines, fact sheets, trainings and information about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  If you are in a crisis, or know someone who needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). If you are interested in getting involved in suicide prevention, visitMichigan.gov/suicideprevention to find out more about local suicide prevention coalitions across the state.