Flu season varies from year to year, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2017-2018 flu season was the worst in at least 40 years, resulting in 960,000 hospitalizations and 79,000 deaths. Influenza, or “flu,” is one of the most common yet serious infectious diseases, with up to 49 million Americans getting the virus each year.  The flu is highly contagious and is transmitted when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. Because it can spread easily from person to person, the flu can result in localized outbreaks, seasonal epidemics and global pandemics – representing a serious threat to public health. While flu viruses can be detected year-round in the U.S., they are most common during the fall and winter, with activity increasing in October and peaking between December and February.  As flu activity ramps up nationwide, it’s a critical time to raise awareness of how to best prepare for the flu and what the latest treatment options are for those who do get sick.   The local Health Department officials say the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

On February 19, City of Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp and Council will meet to explore the City’s goals and priorities to be carried out by the City Manager and his administration during the Fiscal Year 2019-2020.
The Mayor and Council are inviting all citizens of the City of Port Huron to be part of this process. Any suggestions or ideas for the benefit and advancement of the City may be emailed to the City Clerk at CommunityComments@porthuron.org.  According to Mayor Repp, responses will be shared with the entire City Council for consideration during the goal-setting session.

On Wednesday of this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released the final report detailing the findings from the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) deer testing in Michigan. The recommendations issued in October 2018 based on the initial data review remain the same, with only one ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory in place for deer taken within approximately five miles of Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda Township.  As part of the state’s effort to identify and address PFAS issues in Michigan, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) took samples from 128 deer across Michigan to test for PFAS. Only one of those deer came back with elevated levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) in muscle tissue. That deer was taken near Clark’s Marsh, which resulted in the ‘Do Not Eat’ deer advisory. The advisory encircles the five-mile radius around the Wurtsmith base property and covers what the DNR has estimated to be the expected travel range of deer living in or near the marsh. The area covered by the deer consumption advisory issued can be described as: From Lake Huron west along Aster Street, west on Davison Road, north on Brooks Road, east on Esmond Road, north on Old US 23, north on Wells Road, west on River Road, north on Federal Forest Road 2240, north on Lenard Road, north on Indian Road, and East on E. Kings Corner Road (along the county line) toward Lake to Lake Road, to Lake Huron.  Residents should not eat deer that came from within five miles of Clark’s Marsh. In addition to the Clark’s Marsh deer advisory, MDHHS continues to recommend not eating kidneys or liver from any deer because many chemicals including PFAS can accumulate in their organs. The advisory does not apply to cattle, chickens, or other livestock raised in the area.  The report released this week includes all of the finalized deer muscle, kidney, and liver data collected for the 128 deer sampled as part of this effort. DNR and MDHHS developed this investigation in response to questions from hunters concerned about harvesting deer in contaminated areas. This is believed to be first study of its kind and very little scientific information exists on white-tailed deer and PFAS chemicals.  It is unknown how PFAS could accumulate in deer. The State of Michigan is investigating the circumstances of the one deer with elevated levels and doing further analysis to learn more about PFAS in deer and other wildlife. In addition, the state will be doing further testing on deer from the Clark’s Marsh region and performing modeling studies to learn about PFAS consumption in wildlife. Michigan also regularly monitors fish in Michigan for PFAS, including PFOS.   A deer that has been exposed to PFAS may not show any signs or symptoms of being sick. If you see a deer that appears to be sick, contact the DNR hotline at 800-292-7800. If you have health related questions, contact MDHHS at 1-800-648-6942.   While PFAS testing is not possible locally, the State of Michigan did confirm three labs that will analyze PFAS samples from deer tissue. The State does not endorse or recommend any lab. Contact the following labs for information on the cost and how to send deer tissue:

• Vista Analytical Laboratory, 916-673-1520, www.vista-analytical.com
• Battelle, 781-681-5565, www.battelle.org
• GEL Laboratories, LLC, 843-556-8171, www.gel.com

PFAS are chemicals that are in Class B fire-fighting foam that was used at the air force base near Wurtsmith and other sites in Michigan. These chemicals are also found in stain and water repellants, personal care products, and many other consumer goods. Some health studies have linked PFAS to health issues such as thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, impaired immune system function, reproductive issues, high blood pressure in pregnant women, and increased chance of kidney and testicular cancers.  For more information about PFAS in wild game and fish, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse and go to the Fish and Wildlife button. For more information about wild game consumption in general, visitMichigan.gov/eatsafegame and go to the Eat Safe Wild Game button.

BWATC Headstart and Agencies routes 1- 22 Are not running 1/24/19 due to icy roads

Due to road conditions, there will be no agency transportation available for individuals attending the CIS or ABA programs Thursday, January 24 –CMH will be open, however the CIS and ABA programs will be closed. Employees are to report to work

SC4 Cros-lex Campus is closed today – Main Campus in Port Huron is open

Algonac Community Schools- Closed , Child Care Open

Almont Community Schools

Anchor Bay School District

Armada Area Schools

Capac Community Schools – Closed , See School Website

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High

Croswell-Lexington Comm Schools Closed Thu, See School Website

Dryden Community Schools

East China School District

East Shore-Leadership Acdmy

Imlay City Christian

Imlay City Schools  Closed , Child Care Open

Immaculate Conception Elem- Ira

Landmark Acdmy

Lapeer Co Ed-Tech Ctr

Lapeer Community Schools

Life Skills Bright Futures

Life Skills Voc Training Ctr.

Marysville Public Schools

Memphis Community Schools – Closed , Child Care Open

New Haven Community Schools Closed , Child Care Open

Port Huron Area School District

Richmond Community Schools

St. Clair TEC

St. Edward on the Lake Elem

St. Mary School-St. Clair

St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Acdmy

Woodland Develop Center

Yale School District Closed , See School Website

State Rep. Gary Eisen was recently appointed as Vice Chair of the Michigan House Transportation Committee for the 2019-20 legislative session, an important position to help improve the conditions of Michigan roads and bridges.  Committee assignments were announced by Speaker Lee Chatfield.  “As Transportation Vice Chair I will work with my House colleagues to prioritize roads and ensure families can travel safely across the state,” Eisen said. “We must work together to ensure road projects are done on time and on budget, so our investments are of the best possible value to Michigan residents.”  Eisen also will also serve as a member of the Agriculture, Local Government and Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committees.  Eisen represents the residents of the 81^st  District, which includes the communities of Lynn, Berlin, Emmett, Brockway, Greenwood, Gant, Clay, Clyde, Port Huron, St. Clair, East China, China, Cottreville and Mussey Townships, as  well the cities of Yale, St. Clair, Marine, Marysville and Algonac in St. Clair County.

The federal government shut down has affected many in St. Clair County, especially our military families. Local agencies have partnered to put together emergency food bags to cover the basic needs of these families by “Looking out for those who look out for us!”  How Can You Help? By donating food items to help feed affected families, or by making an online donation at midcitynutrition.org and they can do the shopping for you!
Shopping List – Feeds a family of 4 for a few days:
• Box of cereal
• Jar of peanut butter
• Box/bag of stuffing mix
• Box of mashed potatoes
• Box of macaroni and cheese
• Canned fruit
• Canned tomatoes
• Can of tuna
• Box of Jell-O or pudding
• Jar of applesauce
• Package of rice
• Package of oatmeal
• Box/bag of pasta
• Jar of spaghetti sauce
• Can of chicken noodle soup
• Can of tomato soup
• Can of mixed vegetables
• Can of green beans
• Can of corn
• Canned sweet potatoes
• Can of cranberry sauce
• Can of beans
• Box of crackers
• Toilet paper
*Please no out-of-date or expired items! Thank you!  Each bag will cost between $40 – $50. You may purchase all or some of the items on the list.  All goods may be dropped off at St. Martin Lutheran/Mid City Nutrition Program at 805 Chestnut, (at 8th and Chestnut) between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM., Monday – Friday.  You may also drop off your donations at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area at 1525 3rd St. from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturday, and from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Sunday. The YMCA will have drop boxes inside the facility.  For more information about the “Looking Out” Food Bag Project, contact Mid City Nutrition at
810-982-9261.