Bad Year for Pot Holes; Tips for Avoiding Vehicle Damage
Pothole season is here and this one already seems to be a bad one. The craters that show up on Michigan roads are caused by the freeze-thaw weather pattern that has been particularly aggressive this year.
There is nothing you can do about the weather, but there are a few things that can be done to report potholes, avoid potholes, and deal with the aftermath of hitting a pothole.
Avoiding potholes is the best way to prevent damage to your vehicle, but sometimes they are unavoidable. Hitting a pothole can cause drivers to swerve and lead to collisions, so drivers need to have a strategy.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says to make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your suspension and steering are in top shape to be able to handle the jarring effects of hitting a pothole.
If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down, but release the brakes before you hit it so you have full use of steering. Hitting a pothole head-on instead of at an angle could reduce damage to your vehicle as well.
MDOT has a “Report a Pothole” form that can be used to inform them of potholes on state roads. The names of state roads start with “I”, “M”, or “US”.
Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Prescription Drug Price Reforms Signed into Law
A bipartisan legislative effort to lower prescription drug costs has been signed into law. The group of bills provide for the licensure of pharmacy benefit managers, regulate some costs, and allow for transparency.
The new laws prohibit pharmacy practices that drive up costs and prevent pharmacists from speaking openly with customers about drug options. Pharmacy benefit managers are now required to file transparency reports with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Patients will no longer have to pay a co-pay that is higher than the cost of the drug. Pharmacists will be able to provide the current selling prices of generic and brand-name drugs without being asked. The bills are expected to lower insulin costs in Michigan.
State Representative Julie Calley, who sponsored some of the legislation, said, “In 2017, 32% of Michigan residents stopped taking their medication as prescribed due to the cost. This impactful new law will directly improve the affordability and access of prescriptions. It also adds much-needed transparency into our healthcare system.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
OT Announces “Seek God for the City 2022”
Operation Transformation is kicking off their seasonal “Seek God for the City 2022” community Lenten prayer initiative.
The season of Lent starts on Wednesday, March 2nd, with Ash Wednesday. Those who practice the traditional preparation for the Easter celebration have a variety of customs and routines, but prayer is the foundation of the season.
Members of Blue Water Area Churches, a collaboration of multiple denominations in the area, are hosting the 40-day event. Over fifteen churches have chosen evenings to host the one-hour meetings. The content of the community-wide prayer initiative is provided by WayMakers.
The first meeting is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at St. Clair First United Methodist Church, 415 N 3rd Street in St. Clair. Each night’s meeting will focus on a different member of the community, like teachers, families, health care workers, and others. There will be scripture readings along with the prayer.
To get the full schedule of nightly meetings and to access the prayer materials, go to bwchurches.org or Operation Transformation’s Facebook page.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Red Cross Desperate for Blood Donations
The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm regarding a nationwide blood shortage. They are reporting the worst blood shortage in over a decade.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage is at the point where doctors have to decide who gets transfusions and who has to wait.
There are several reasons for the shortage. High school and college blood drives have been suspended due to the pandemic, eliminating a significant source of donors.
Blood drives have been canceled all over due to illness, weather, and staffing shortages. Fluctuating levels of both COVID-19 infections and seasonal flu have had an impact on blood drives as well.
The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply and has had to limit distribution to hospitals due to low supply. There has been a less than a one-day supply of critical blood types in recent weeks.
Type O positive and negative are the most needed blood types. Platelets are also needed, mostly for cancer patients. With a short five-day shelf life, platelets are in short supply as well.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=48060
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Cancellations for Friday, February 25, 2022
St. Clair County
- Port Huron Area Schools
- East Shore Leadership Academy
- Community Mental Health
- Blue Water Choices LifeSkills Centers
- Landmark Academy
- LifeSkills Bright Futures and Opportunities
Report your cancellations to Martha at martha@wgrt.com