Fairgrounds Jam-Packed with Monster Truck Fans

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair brought Monster Trucks to the masses Tuesday night and they were not disappointed. It was standing room only as several Monster Trucks put on a loud and full-throttle show at Goodells County Park.

No one in the crowd of thousands had as much fun as four-year-old Tyler Z. of Clinton Township. Tyler jumped in delight throughout the night as he cheered on his favorite truck, the Reptoid. Tyler’s mom said that he has been watching Monster Trucks on television, but this was his first live show and it was definitely worth the drive.

Tyler is obsessed with Monster Trucks and plans to be a driver when he grows up. He has already started working on building a vehicle with his dad, Matt.

World Champion Freestyle Monster Truck Driver Jim Koehler, a hometown competitor from Columbus, said that he loved the crowd and that they were “awesome”, as he gave his trophy back to the fans after another win as the driver of “Avenger” Tuesday night.

Koehler’s Team Scream, consisting of crowd favorites like Brutus, Axe, and Rage, put on an impressive show for the hometown crowd.

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair runs through Saturday. Full details can be found at stclaircounty4hfair.org/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lapeer Sheriff Seeks Info on Hit & Run

On Tuesday 07/20/2021 at 7:20 AM, Lapeer County 911 dispatched Lapeer Township Police,  Michigan State Police Troopers (Lapeer Post), Lapeer County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Medstar Ambulance Service to an injured male discovered along the edge of the roadway on Hunters  

Creek Road west of Five Lakes Road in Metamora (Lapeer County’s Lapeer Township). The  caller further conveyed that there were two apparent deceased dogs along with the male. 

Vehicle debris at the scene established that this was the result of a hit and run traffic collision.  The pedestrian was walking east along the south shoulder of the roadway and struck by an  eastbound vehicle.  

The male (59 year old male from Metamora) was transported to McLaren in Lapeer and  succumbed to his injuries shortly after 8:00 AM. Both dogs (poodle breed and pit bull breed) were deceased at the scene. Lapeer County Animal Control assisted with the deceased  canines.  

Evidence and debris determined that a potential suspect vehicle was a dark gray in color Chevy  Malibu. This preliminary information was broadcasted to law enforcement. Oakland County  Sheriff’s Office received an independent call at 7:24 AM regarding a vehicle fitting the  description driving erratic southbound on Rochester Road approaching the Village of Leonard.  Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies intercepted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop within  the Village of Leonard. 

The driver a 28 year old female (only occupant) from Columbiaville became a person of interest.  The driver was eventually taken into custody and lodged at the Lapeer County Jail.  

This is a joint investigation between Lapeer Township Police and the Lapeer County Sheriff’s  Office. The roadway was closed for several hours as the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash  Reconstruction Division processed the scene for evidence. This case was be presented to the  Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office to be reviewed regarding formal criminal charges within the  near future.  

Anyone with information is urged to contacted Lapeer Township Police Chief Bill Stokes at  810-664-3700 or Lapeer County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Jason Parks at 810-245-1381.

Submitted by the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office

Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Marysville

Marysville, MI — Fitness opportunities just keep on growing in the Blue Water area. Morton Park in Marysville is the location of the latest addition to the health and wellness scene.

The Outdoor Fitness Court had its grand opening on July 20th and the Marysville Recreation Department is receiving a lot of good feedback about the project.

The project was created by the National Fitness Campaign. They have over 100 similar playgrounds nationwide with a goal of bringing 1000 courts to communities across the country by 2022. They partner with Priority Health in Michigan to give grants to 15 cities and Marysville was one of the lucky winners.

Stefanie Schneider, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Marysville, said, “Our court is located at Morton Park, which is home to the St. Clair County Community College Soccer team and the skatepark.”

Schneider said that she has wanted to provide outdoor fitness equipment for years and when the opportunity came along, she jumped on it.

The equipment is meant for use by those ages 14 and up and is for physical fitness. It is considered an outdoor gym and has instructions and equipment for a good outdoor workout year-round.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

People’s Clinic Golf Outing Coming up In August

The People’s Clinic in Port Huron provides quality medical care for Medicaid patients and those who are uninsured.  This year’s golf outing hopes to raise awareness of the clinic while also raising funds for operational expenses, medical supplies, and pharmacy needs.

The 41st People’s Clinic Golf Outing will be held Thursday, August 12th at Solitude Links Golf Course. Fun events are planned along with a buffet-style lunch and raffles.

Registration is available at EventBrite <HERE> for individual golfers, teams, and corporate sponsorships.

Proceeds from the golf outing along with other fundraisers and help from the United Way of St. Clair County and Blue Cross Blue Shield ensure that the People’s Clinic will continue to support the healthcare needs of some of the most vulnerable residents of our community.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Warm, Stagnant Water Sets the Stage for Uptick in Legionnaires’ Cases

Don’t panic, but do take note that Michigan is experiencing an uptick in reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease. The respiratory infection can be spread through stagnant water and is more prevalent during warmer weather.

Buildings that have sat dormant for a time have the potential of spreading Legionnaires’ once they open back up, as the bacteria are sometimes found in man-made water systems like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and decorative fountains, along with natural lakes and streams. Warm water, stagnation, and low disinfectant systems can contribute to the growth of Legionnaires’ and possible infection.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that 107 cases have been reported in just the first two weeks of July. This is a 569% increase from last year at the same time and 141% increase from 2019.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Recent weather trends including rain, flooding, and warmer weather may be playing a role in the rise of reported legionellosis cases this summer. We want everyone to be aware of Legionnaire’s disease, especially if they may be at higher risk for illness and we ask that healthcare providers remain vigilant, and test and treat appropriately.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Marysville’s Jasen Hrisca Honored by Air Force

The Distinguished Flying Cross Medal is the United States Air Force’s highest honor for heroism in aerial flight, and a Marysville native just received the award.

Captain Jasen Hrisca received the award after his contribution to a flight that saved the lives of 88 American and Afghan service members. Hrisca and his crew from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron provided protective air cover which facilitated a safe evacuation for troops on the ground.

Hrisca said, “We were just doing our primary job. For gunship crews, this is keeping the ground force safe. The most rewarding part is knowing that we were able to get them all out alive. This isn’t always the case, and I’m thankful we were able to go to work and get them out.”

Captain Hrisca was honored in a letter from Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler who said, “While the meritorious achievement the Air Medal represents was a heroic and harrowing experience, I also want to commend you for what you have contributed through almost ten years of U.S. Air Force service. Through your role as an instructor, combat systems officer, navigator and AC-130J weapons and tactics officer, you undoubtedly save the lives of fellow fliers and protect us all.”