The St. Clair County Health Department is urging residents to take steps to prevent the spread of seasonal illnesses as cases of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus rise locally. Officials recommend staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene like washing hands and covering coughs, and keeping shared surfaces clean. Residents are also advised to stay hydrated, eat well, rest, and improve indoor airflow. The health department emphasizes talking to healthcare providers about vaccines to protect against these illnesses.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Blue Water Area Chamber’s CEO has announced her resignation, effective February 7th due to personal life changes. Over the past decade, her leadership has significantly strengthened the Chamber, achieving record membership and a solid reputation across Michigan, especially in the Thumb region. The Chamber’s board chair praised her vision and commitment, which have left a lasting impact. The search for a new CEO will begin soon, aiming to continue the Chamber’s success for its members in St. Clair, Sanilac, Macomb, and Sarnia Lambton Counties.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide the future of TikTok, with a potential ban looming just days away. President Biden signed a law forcing the app’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell to a U.S. company by Friday. The U.S. government argues TikTok poses a national security risk, claiming the app shares user data with China and may influence public opinion. TikTok denies these allegations, calling the ban a violation of free speech.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System, in partnership with Farm Bureau Health Services, is hosting two “Medicare Made Easy” workshops on February 6 at Sandusky Presbyterian Church. These free events will help individuals navigate Medicare complexities. Presenters Alecia Parks and Cindy Leen will cover Medicare basics, costs, and benefits. Each workshop, limited to 20 registrants, will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Interested individuals can register by calling or visiting McKenzie Health’s website. Early registration is recommended.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County’s Board of Commissioners held a workshop on Thursday to address conflicts with the Economic Development Alliance (EDA). The meeting highlighted residents’ split opinions on the importance of the nonprofit. Some residents, mostly from smaller townships, criticized the EDA for a lack of transparency and unwanted projects. Others supported the EDA for its role in attracting jobs and investment. The county commission had paused funding for the EDA, sparking debate on its future. A second workshop is set for tomorrow.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is auctioning sections of the historic bridge’s steel grating. These pieces, each about 2 tons, are being sold on GovDeals.com until January 21st. The grating, used for over 60 years, shows corrosion and wear. Proceeds from the auction will support bridge maintenance. The auction has attracted bids so far ranging from $500 to $1,225. Known as the “Mighty Mac,” the Mackinac Bridge spans over 26 thousand feet and saw over 4.29 million vehicles cross last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet