Local News

Monday, January 28, 2019 – due to:  Winter Weather Advisory in effect until midnight tonight…heavy snow with a total accumulation of 5 to 7 inches is expected, falling at rates of up to 1 inch per hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Gusty winds and blowing snow this evening…roads expected to be snow-covered and slippery, with limited visibilities.

The Council on Aging, Inc., serving St. Clair County will be closed on Monday, January 28th due to forecasted hazardous weather conditions.  Area senior centers and congregate meal sites will be closed.  Home delivered meals and senior transportation will not be available on Monday.

Registration is officially open for St. Clair County Community College’s 2019 winter baseball and softball clinics. Girls in grades 4 through 12 are invited to attend two separate softball clinics:

• The Softball Pitching and Hitting Clinic takes place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, in the SC4 Fieldhouse. The cost to attend is $45, increasing to $50 for those who register after Sunday, Feb. 3.
• The Softball Fielding and Hitting Clinic takes place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, in the SC4 Fieldhouse. The cost to attend is $45, increasing to $50 for those who register after Sunday, Feb. 17.

Instruction for both clinics will be led by Skippers softball coaches and team members.  Boys in grades 4 through 12 are invited to attend SC4’s two-day baseball clinic, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb 10, and Sunday, Feb. 24, in the SC4 Fieldhouse. Instruction will be led by Skippers baseball coaches and team members. The cost to attend is $90, increasing to $100 for those who register after Sunday, Feb. 3.  Spots for these clinics are limited and will fill up fast. Visit The Pier for detailed information and to register.

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its January 2019 Employee of the Month, Amy Beesley, and its January 2019 Volunteer of the Month, Marge McGill. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.  Amy works in the Gift Shop and has been with LHMC since 2012. She was nominated by a visitor who wrote, “Amy was so kind and helpful during our stay at Lake Huron Medical Center.  She not only was very helpful at recommending products for us, but she also took the time to comfort us.”  Marge volunteers in the Radiation Therapy department and has been volunteering since 2014.  An employee commented, “Marge always makes patients feel comfortable in our department.  She is always helpful when patients need assistance in a wheelchair or finding department in the hospital.  While working the greeters desk, she maintains the waiting room by caring for the plants and re-organizing the magazines.  But most of all, Marge should be recognized for always lending an ear to a patient who just needs to talk to someone.”  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 Amy and Marge as we celebrate their accomplishments.  To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

 

Flu season varies from year to year, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2017-2018 flu season was the worst in at least 40 years, resulting in 960,000 hospitalizations and 79,000 deaths. Influenza, or “flu,” is one of the most common yet serious infectious diseases, with up to 49 million Americans getting the virus each year.  The flu is highly contagious and is transmitted when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. Because it can spread easily from person to person, the flu can result in localized outbreaks, seasonal epidemics and global pandemics – representing a serious threat to public health. While flu viruses can be detected year-round in the U.S., they are most common during the fall and winter, with activity increasing in October and peaking between December and February.  As flu activity ramps up nationwide, it’s a critical time to raise awareness of how to best prepare for the flu and what the latest treatment options are for those who do get sick.   The local Health Department officials say the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.