Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report about a Michigan man being infected by tuberculosis (TB) from a deer.

Michigan Man Contracts TB from Deer

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.

New Bistro Coming to Marine City

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.

Farrell Elementary Receives Award

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.

Sheila Warden is LHMC Employee of the Month

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.

Welcome Dr. Ramika Ford to Marysville Business Community

A new business has opened its doors in Marysville at the Market Square shopping center. True Balance Chiropractic and Wellness is now ready to serve customers in the area.  Several were there to welcome the new business at the grand opening event Wednesday evening including Marysville Mayor, Dan Damman. 

The primary chiropractor at True Balance is Dr. Ramika Ford. She’s new to the area, hailing originally from Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Ford said her office will take a little different approach in terms of where the chiropractic adjustments take place. She described a semi-open setting, with no rooms or closed doors.  She also said there is a therapy room so she and her staff can show a patient how to stretch or use certain chiropractic devices. 

The buildout for the new office was completed by her father who is a contractor. Dr. Ford named the business True Balance Chiropractic and Wellness because, as she puts it, “People need balance in almost all aspects of life.” She is accepting new clients and is open Monday through Friday, and by appointment on the weekend.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Recreational Program Enrolling Adults With Disabilities

For more than 15 years, the Enriching Community Lives program through Community Enterprises of St. Clair County has helped adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities experience many different activities, and the group is now enrolling for the fall semester. The semester runs from October through the end of March. Services are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. According to the Community Enterprises website, the program encourages community inclusion, greater independence, and increased self-esteem. 

Associate Director of the Community Enterprises Carrie Kerbrat said the program has evolved over the years. Around 200 people per week participate in the program activities. Kerbrat said the most popular activity by far is bowling at the Zebra Lounge in Port Huron. Using the organization’s staff and 20 vehicles, the program also takes participants to the YMCA for swimming or fitness. Other opportunities include art, pottery, theatre, sign language, and more. The program is funded through St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH).