Urgent Rabies Alert Issued For Skunk Purchasers In Michigan; State Agencies Collaborate For Public Safety

The Michigan departments of Health and Human Service, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and Rural Development are partnering with local health departments to notify Michigan residents about potential rabies exposure from skunks purchased in the past six months. 

A skunk acquired from Countryside Feather Farm/Rose’s Skunks in Attica, MI or a connected Chesterfield Township/New Baltimore seller, tested positive for rabies on Nov. 29th. Authorities suspect that rehabilitated wild skunks may have mingled with captive ones at the New Baltimore location. 

Possession of skunks requires a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and illegal activities are under investigation. Residents who bought skunks from these facilities are urged to contact veterinarians for examinations due to rabies risks, with public health officials emphasizing immediate action if signs of illness or death occur.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sunsation Products Expands Operations In St. Clair County, Investing $7.7 Million In State-Of-The-Art Facility

The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is delighted to announce the expansion of Sunsation Products, a renowned family-owned boat manufacturer. 

Specializing in high-performance center console boats, Sunsation is the sole boat builder in the region, prompting the need for a new facility due to surging customer demand. Investing $7.7 million, the company plans to construct a cutting-edge manufacturing facility and create 20 high-paying jobs.

Founded in 1982, Sunsation’s success story began in a small garage near the original Chris Craft factory. Despite considering out-of-state options, Sunsation opted to stay in Michigan, leveraging the state’s prominence as the third-largest marine market in the U.S. 

The expansion is supported by a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant and a 50% property tax abatement from Cottrellville Township, reinforcing Sunsation’s commitment to community growth.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Pioneers Green Initiative: Michigan’s State Fleet To Go Zero-Emission By 2040

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed Executive Directive 2023-5, ushering in a bold initiative to shift the State of Michigan’s entire fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The move is anticipated to curb air pollution, drive demand for locally manufactured electric vehicles, and slash fuel and maintenance costs. 

Governor Whitmer lauded Michigan’s automakers for their role in the global shift towards ZEVs, asserting that the state is setting an example by committing to transition its state-owned fleet by 2040. The directive mandates state agencies to initiate the conversion process, with a goal of adopting ZEVs for light-duty vehicles by 2033 and for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. 

The initiative also prioritizes vehicles with higher mileage, focuses on communities historically impacted by pollution, installs charging infrastructure in high-density areas, and establishes clear exemption criteria for specific fleet vehicles.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Addresses Patient Data Security After Third-Party Vendor Incident

Lake Huron Medical Center has taken swift action following a security incident involving third-party vendor CBIZ KA and Progress Software’s MOVEit Transfer platform. Although the medical center’s systems were not directly affected, patient information handled by CBIZ KA was compromised. 

The vendor promptly investigated the MOVEit Transfer vulnerability with cybersecurity professionals, identifying and patching the server vulnerability. Patient data, including names, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, Social Security Numbers, admission and discharge dates, were potentially exposed. CBIZ KA is reinforcing protocols with vendors to prevent future incidents. 

To address concerns, Lake Huron Medical Center has set up a dedicated call center (1-866-547-6909) for affected patients, open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDHHS’ Family Impact Teams Transforming Lives Across 12 Counties

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) proudly announced the remarkable success of its innovative initiative, the Family Impact Teams (FIT), which has provided crucial services to over 500 families at risk of neglect in 12 counties within a span of less than two months. Director Elizabeth Hertel visited the MDHHS office in Port Huron to discuss the project’s accomplishments. 

FIT integrates family resource specialists with child protection and foster care staff, offering families support in accessing benefits, Medicaid, and other economic aids. The program aligns with MDHHS Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, aiming to prevent child neglect through economic assistance, ensuring children can thrive safely with their parents or facilitating reunification if foster care is necessary. 

The first phase of FIT, initiated in August, spans counties including Allegan, Barry, Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Wayne.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell