The first confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in Southeast Michigan. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is usually seen in late summer and early fall and can be transmitted to humans.

Horses can be vaccinated against the disease, and that helps to stop the risk of spread to humans. The horse that was found to have the disease in Livingston County had not been vaccinated and had to be euthanized after showing severe symptoms and rapidly declining health.

There is a 90% fatality rate in horses that contract the disease. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and depression, and eventual neurological problems.

Last year, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which has a 33% fatality rate in infected humans, was confirmed in four human cases. Humans can only contract the disease from a mosquito bite, not from contact with horses.

Using the typical mosquito control measures like sprays with DEET, window screens, and avoidance are the best ways to prevent mosquito bites. The first overnight freeze of the fall usually kills off the mosquitoes and ends the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis for the year.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron, MI — The St. Clair County EDA just received a $3.4 million grant to build a state-of-the art business center at Desmond Landing in Port Huron. The new EDA business Center will be a hub for existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups.

The Desmond Landing property offers waterfront views and easy access to the Blue Water River Walk, Wetlands County Park, and Downtown Port Huron businesses. The EDA Business Center will be built on Parcel A, which is located on the NE corner of Third Street and Griswold Street, just across from the Blue Water YMCA.

Donna Neister, CEO of Acheson Ventures LLC, said, “Dr. Acheson is very happy to support the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and the  development of the new EDA Business Center to strengthen our region’s business climate. We anticipate the construction of EDA’s modern waterfront facility will also generate new interest in the  remaining parcels at Desmond Landing.”

Funding for the project comes from the $3.4 million U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic  Development Administration grant, $743,421 in local funds, and $101,680 in state funds. The project will cost an estimated $4.2 million.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “I am grateful to our federal partners for investing in Michigan’s economy to create good-paying jobs in St. Clair County.  As we continue our economic jumpstart, we are laser-focused on investing in our families, communities, and small businesses to foster growth and recovery in all regions of our state. Today’s actions will utilize federal, local, state, and private funds to create good-paying jobs and grow emerging businesses in the Thumb, helping us usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development  Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County, said, “EDA of St. Clair County is very grateful to the Economic Development Administration and local  partners for this investment which allows us to create a game-changing, south side, entrepreneurial and economic development business center. We are surrounded by neighboring communities in  Macomb and Detroit, as well other communities such as Ann Arbor, whom have dramatically grown their region’s overall business climates through modern entrepreneurial facilities, trending technologies and advanced support services.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

Rural hospitals in Michigan are getting a boost in funding from the $13 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support COVID-19 testing and mitigation.

Each hospital will get about a quarter of a million dollars to use within eighteen months of receiving the money. The money must be spent on testing equipment, personnel, temporary structures, or education. The mitigation strategies funded by the grants must be part of the Centers for Disease Control mitigation framework which includes education, contact tracing, communication, and outreach.

Several hospitals in Michigan’s Thumb received the grants, including hospitals in Deckerville, Harbor Beach, Marlette, Sandusky, and others.

John Barnas, Michigan Center for Rural Health executive director said, “Rural hospitals have long been the cornerstone of rural communities and have been vital and steadfast in their response to COVID-19.  This funding will benefit the communities greatly, allowing the hospitals to continue their diligent work in the battle against COVID-19 by increasing testing capacity and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce the effects of COVID-19.”  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Michigan Bridge Card System will be shutdown for an upgrade from approximately 11:30 PM Saturday August 28th – 9:30 AM Sunday, August 29th. EBT Bridge Cards will not work during that time.

Bridge Card Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used for food assistance, cash assistance, and Women, Infant and Children (WIC) benefits will start working again after the upgrade on Sunday, August 29th at around 9:30 AM.

Nothing will change with the balance or benefits on Bridge Cards during the upgrade, and they should work as normal after the system, upgrade.

Those who rely on Bridge Cards for essential items, should schedule a shopping trip early Saturday before the system upgrade.