The St. Clair County Emergency Operation Center continues to be partially activated and local officials are monitoring the elevated water levels.  Levels continue to rise in southern portions of St. Clair County and are starting to impact roads and homes. The St. Clair County Road Commission has posted temporary road restrictions due to the water levels as it relates to roads in Clay Township and Harsens Island.  This is a dynamic situation that is dependent on rainfall amounts, changes in wind direction, and wave action. These variables, combined with higher than normal water levels can impact roadways, homes, and businesses. Residents needing sandbags can contact their local township or city office.  If your home is impacted by flood damage it is very important that you contact the Emergency Operation Center at 810-989-6392. To find out the latest information about water levels and emergency preparedness visit bereadystclaircounty.org or visit their Facebook page Be Ready St. Clair County.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that 16 Michigan school districts and intermediate school districts have been selected for a program which provides food benefits during the summer months for any child who received free or reduced-price school lunches.  Locally, the Sanilac Intermediate School District was one of those recipients. The Program is in its eighth year and over 56,000 students in Michigan will benefit from it. The EBT card that students received in the mail will be pre-loaded with a nutritious food package. The program began on June 1st and will expire on September 2nd.  Each student will get $30 of nutritious food per month for those three months such as milk, eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. For more information visit the Michigan Health and Human Services website.

It’s here!!! The Port Huron Police Department has a new D.A.R.E. truck that will be entering service soon. Patrick Eash the Port Huron Police Department’s DARE officer said, “the vehicle is a repurposed 2009 Chevy Tahoe and was made possible with donated funds through the St. Clair County DARE Board”.  Thorpe Printing in Marysville provided the graphics on the vehicle. Officer Eash said, “This DARE vehicle will be a fully functioning patrol car, and will have a dual purpose of appearing at the 6 schools currently in the DARE program”. Also delivered with the DARE vehicle was a “thin blue line” flag created by Breacher Rustics.  It was presented to officer Eash. The Thin Blue Line represents the relationship of the police in the community as the protectors of the citizenry from the criminal element. It represents those men and women that are willing to give their lives for the peace and harmony of the community they serve.

The number of opioids dispensed in Michigan decreased in 2018 as more prescribers participated in the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS). Compared to 2017, opioid prescriptions dispensed fell by 15 percent while the overall number of schedule 2-5 controlled substance prescriptions decreased by 11.5 percent. During the same time period,  the MAPS registration rate, which includes prescribers, pharmacists and delegate users, increased by more than 134 percent. Governor Whitmer said “MAPS has played a critical role in both combating the opioid epidemic here in Michigan and in ensuring patients who need prescription drugs have access to them,” “As leaders, we have a responsibility to help patients get the care they need and raise awareness on the opioid crisis and the damaging effects it has had on our families and our economy.

The rain has finally stopped for now, and it seems as though everything in Port Huron is in full bloom.  Yards, gardens, flowers, and trees have all come to life. Maybe there’s a yard in your neighborhood that stands out and is deserving of recognition.  Or, maybe there’s a business that you frequent or a nonprofit that you work with. As you come across these places in your travels be sure to take note of the extra special care they give to their outdoor greenery.  How about giving them a little extra credit. The City of Port Huron is beginning to take nominations for the Yard of the Year Contest. Brought to you by the Beautification Commission, the deadline for submission of a nominee is July 15.  Nominations can be submitted by filling out a nomination form on the City of Port Huron’s website. Winners will be notified at the end of July.