100 Women Who Care 2022 - Photo: Chamira Studios

Mid City Nutrition Wins $10,000 Grant from Women’s Initiative

The 100 + Women Who Care event, sponsored by the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, gathered over 200 women to support area nonprofits last week. The event granted over $12,000 to three organizations that care for area residents, animals, and the environment.

Attendees of the 100 + Women Who Care event nominate their favorite nonprofit when they purchase their ticket. The evening of the event, three nonprofits are drawn at random and representatives from each get to pitch to the crowd.

After hearing from ladies representing Friends of the St. Clair River, Blue Water Area Humane Society, and Mid City Nutrition, the crowd voted for the most compelling plea. Mid City Nutrition secured first place and received a $10,000 grant for their programs that include providing daily meals for people at their Port Huron location.

100 Women Who Care 2022 – Photo: Chamira Studios

The Blue Water Humane Society came in second place and received a grant for $1,500, and Friends of the St. Clair River was third and given $500.

New this year, the committee gave three $250 grants to organizations chosen by the winner of a purse contest. Those gifts went to Blue Water Area YMCA, Riley Gleason Foundation, and Hunter Hospitality House.

To learn more about the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, visit https://www.stclairfoundation.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Detroit Auto Show Mixes Cars with Dinosaurs

This year’s North American International Auto Show is promising big fun for families. Show organizers have paired interactive auto-themed experiences with life-sized automated dinosaurs to attract visitors of all ages.

The public show runs from September 17th – 25th and takes place indoors and outdoors around the main display areas at Huntington Place.

Families can check out the Air Mobility Experience, a series of flight demonstrations taking place in the skies above the show grounds and the Detroit River and Hart Plaza, and then they can head over to Bronco Mountain and Camp Jeep to experience a ride in a new vehicle on a specialty test-track.

Auto Show organizers are also promising a new perfect complement to the show with the new Dinosaur and Off-Road Vehicle Encounter. This give show-goers the chance to see over 80 massive dinosaurs at various experiences throughout the show along with educational activities, crafts, and fossil digs.

There are plenty more family-themed activities at this years auto show, and there’s even a Family Plan ticket available that gets two adults and up to three children into the show for $50.00.

For more information, visit https://naias.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Fairgoers Reminded to Take Precautions at Events Featuring Swine Exhibits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a human case of Influenza A (H1N2)v in the state.  MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are urging fairgoers to take precautions to prevent infection at upcoming fairs where swine may be exhibited.

The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sept. 9, in a Berrien County fairgoer who had contact with swine at the Berrien County Youth Fair

The following are steps Michiganders can take to protect themselves and prevent the spread of any illness: 

  • Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and is planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.
  • Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.
  • Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. This includes being in a swine barn if you are ill as influenza can be spread via respiratory droplets.
  • If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly circulate among swine. Swine influenza viruses do not usually infect humans, but human infections have been reported.

Symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the seasonal flu and can include fever, cough, runny nose, and sometimes body aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. On rare occasions, swine influenza in humans can lead to severe diseases, such as pneumonia or death.

This is the first case of Influenza A(H1N2)v confirmed in Michigan this year. Five cases of human infection with influenza variant viruses that usually spread only in pigs were reported to CDC in August 2022. To date, no person-to-person spread associated with the five recent variant influenza virus infections has been identified.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Carnival At Carnegie This Fall

Looking for a fun event to take children to this fall? The colder temperatures are starting to make outdoor activities a bit less desirable for some, so if you’d like to experience a good fall carnival indoors look no further.

The Port Huron Museum’s Carnegie Center is offering its Carnegie Carnival on Saturday, September 24th from 5 PM – 7:30 PM. General admission is $10 for non-members, and only $5 for museum members. 

The event will feature all of the carnival favorites such as pony rides, crafts, face paintings and more! Children will also have access to Discovery City, Carnegie Center’s playscape that encourages imagination while teaching about local attractions and history. 

For more information about the Carnegie Carnival contact Andrew Kercher at (810) 982-0891.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Encourages The Community To Be A “Flu Fighter”

The best part of fall is the changing of the leaves, the doughnuts and cider, and the list goes on. The worst part of fall is that it’s the beginning of flu season. To keep residents safe and the numbers down, the St. Clair County Health Department is urging the community to consider getting vaccinated. 

The flu vaccine is recommended for ages 6 months and up, and it is deemed safe for pregnant mothers and the elderly as well as those with a compromised immune system. Medical Director for the St. Clair County Health Department, Dr. Rehman says, “The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines including the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine that targets both the original and Omicron variant.” 

Flu vaccines can be obtained at a variety of locations such as participating pharmacies, the local health department, and many healthcare providers. 

For more information on what flu shot is right for you call the Flu Hotline at (810) 987-5300.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell 

St. Clair County Sheriff County Wide Patrol Results

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office completed the final enforcement period for the 2022 State fiscal year which was conducted from August 12th to September 5th. During that time period the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office conducted over 190 hours of dedicated traffic enforcement patrol.

During this timeframe 254 traffic stops were conducted that resulted in 5 seat belt violations, 90 speeding citations, 24 other moving violation citations, 18 non-moving violations, 8 misdemeanor arrests and 5 felony arrests. Approximately 80 of the enforcement hours focused on the M-25 corridor starting in Fort Gratiot Twp. north to the county line.

Felony arrests were made for possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon / carrying a concealed weapon, and resisting & obstructing that resulted in an injury to the Deputy. All arrests were made due to self-initiated traffic enforcement.

Reporting for WGRT – George James