(LAPEER COUNTY) -- Monthly tests have been scheduled for Lapeer County communities with a tornado siren. The tests will be held Saturday's at 1 p.m. on the following dates: April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, and October 5. Officials say that if inclement weather is present at the time of testing, the test will be cancelled. Residents with questions should contact their local fire department.

(SANDUSKY) -- The Sandusky Arts Council is accepting entries for the annual Thumb Festival Button Contest. This year's contest is open to all Sanilac County residents. Designs are due by May 3. Contest rules are listed on the Sandusky Chamber's facebook page and at www.sanduskychamber.us The arts council will select five finalists and the public will vote on the Sandusky Chamber of Commerce Facebook page May 7-17. The winner will receive a $100 prize from A.B. Edwards Restoration, LLC. The winning design will be featured on the Thumb Festival button and on promotional items. Buttons will be sold around Sandusky on June 7.  Residents interested in volunteering during the Thumb Festival or helping during button sales are asked to call 810-648-4445.

(AREA) -- U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) was presented with the National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence at the General Motors Heritage Center Monday, March 11. The award honors members of the Congress for their leadership and work supporting our nation's manufacturers. Manufacturing employs nearly 12 million workers, contributes more than $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and is the largest driver of economic growth in the nation. Miller stated "I am from Southeast Michigan where manufacturing is what we do best, so making certain that we have a vital and successful manufacturing sector is truly fighting for the home team. The people of our state of Michigan know how to get up and work hard all day and every day, and as a result our state has been the heartland of American innovation for well over a century. Our manufactures in Michigan and across the nation have seen difficult days and we have all stuck together during these difficult times, management and labor, public and private sector, with everyone working to find a way to build a better future. It has been my honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with American manufacturing to pursue policies in Congress to move the industry and its workers forward. I am very proud to be recognized with the award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence by NAM for my work in Congress and I look forward to continuing to fight on behalf of American and Michigan manufacturing."

(SANDUSKY) -- Benjamin Eberhard of Sandusky was the winner of Right to Life of Sanilac County's 4th Annual Oratory Contest, held February 18 at the MSU Extension. Eberhard took the first place prize of $300 for his speech entitled "Viability." Ben is a homeschooled junior and son of Paul and Audry Eberhard. Second place and $200 went to Noah Jones of Lexington for his speech on "Euthanasia." Noah is the son of Todd and Jean Jones and is a homeschooled sophomore. Eberhard has advanced to the State Oratory Contest in Lansing on May 18 sponsored by the Right to Life of Michigan. In June, the state winner will compete with teens from across the nation at the National Right to Life Committee Oratory Contest. Right to Life of Sanilac County plans to hold this event annually, either in February or March. For details regarding the 2013 or 2014 contest please call Amy Roggenbuck at 810-376-8454, visit www.RTLSC.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Pictured: Benjamin Eberhard (left) and Noah Jones (left)

(MARLETTE) -- The staff of Marlette Regional Hospital recently hosted a reception honoring employees of the month for those who represent the mission, vision and values of the organization and truly deserve the recognition. Co-workers accredit these outstanding employees as being team players and leaders within their departments. Honored as the October 2012 employee of the month was Barb Peake of the foundation and marketing department. Brenda Harneck was honored as the November 2012 employee of the month. Brenda works in the materials management department. The December 2012 Marlette Regional Hospital employee of the month was Tammy Jones of the environmental services department and the January 2013 recipient was Laura Bigelow of the clinical informatics department.

PICTURED: Marlette Regional Hospital Employees of the Month left to right, Barb Peake was honored for October; Brenda Harneck was honored for November; Tammy Jones was honored for December; and Laura Bigelow was honored for January.