(SANILAC COUNTY) – Memorial arrangements have been made for two boys who died following a July 25 go-kart crash in Kenockee Township. An outdoor memorial service for the boys will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at Camp Cavell in Lexington. Renoir Houel, 13, of Avoca, died at McLaren Port Huron Hospital shortly after the crash while his cousin, Jacques, 9, of Lexington died July 27 in a Detroit area hospital. Investigators said the boys were southbound on Fargo Road when they disregarded a stop sign at Beard Road about 8 p.m. July 25th and were struck by a westbound vehicle driven by a Kenockee Township woman. Police say alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash.
(SANILAC COUNTY) – The landscape in Deckerville has taken on a new look, with the addition of the village’s new water tower. The tank, with a capacity of 300,000 gallons, sports the school’s Flying Deckerville “D” logo and is expected to be operational sometime in September. The old thank that has been removed had a capacity of 440,000 gallons, but large capacity was no longer needed, due to lack of industry within the village. $1.7 million dollars of the total cost of the project was covered by a State grant while the village will pay 10% in match money.
(THUMB) – Officials from multiple agencies met earlier this week in response to a rash of recent home invasions in the tri-county area of Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties. The meeting came in response to three home invasions happening on Wednesday July 24th in the Owendale area, and another in the Hurds Corner Road area of Tuscola County. They have the appearance of similarities to approximately six others throughout Sanilac, Tuscola and Huron that have occurred during daytime hours over the past 20 months. Police are asking residents to report suspicious vehicles or persons to their perspective county dispatches. It is believed, in some cases, that the subjects make up an excuse to tell a homeowner when they stop, in the event that someone is home.
(TUSCOLA COUNTY) – Residents in Cass City are going to have to be sure to pay their water bills, or face new consequences. Village council members approved a new non-payment policy at a recent meeting that includes a possible shut-off of water service. Like several communities, Cass City used to place unpaid bills on tax rolls. With the new policy, utility users with a past due bill of more than 45 days face a shut-off and if service is disrupted, they will have to pay a $25 re-connect fee and the previous balance before the water is turned back on. Village officials say unpaid utility bills now exceeds $100,000 dollars. Citizens are also able to make special payment arrangements by contacting village hall.
(SANILAC COUNTY) – Brown City council members have rejected a proposal by the city’s library folks to expand their services and facilities with a move across the street. In the proposal, library officials say they have outgrown their current location in city hall and suggested obtaining the former Tri-County Bank building along Main Street. According to meeting minutes, council went into closed session to discuss the possible purchase or leasing of real property and after returning to open session, voted to not pursue the matter further. City officials say the venture could prove to be too costly, including meeting State requirements and proposed renovations.
(LAPEER COUNTY) – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development say swine projects at the Eastern Michigan State Fair in Imlay City tested positive for swine flu last week. The agency says fair officials notified them Friday that one of the animals had a fever and was showing symptoms of the virus. The pig barn was subsequently closed to the public and all suspected hogs were removed. A total of 10 animals tested positive for swine flu. Although there are no reported human illnesses, officials are informing fair-goers to report any influenza like symptoms to their local health department. Swine flu was also detected at the Fowlerville Family Fair in Livingston County this past week as well. It was the second consecutive year that Fowlerville Fair officials took all swine off the fairgrounds due to the disease.
(SANILAC COUNTY) – Following a string of recent boating rescues, local law enforcement agencies and Michigan Coast Guard officials are urging extreme caution when using the state’s waterways. There have been more than 70 drownings on the Great Lakes in 2019 and Coast Guard officials say cold-water temperatures, rip currents, and boating without a life jacket are direct contributing factors to the deaths. Coast Guard officials from stations in Port Huron and Harbor Beach says preparedness is key. A prime example is a recent incident last week in Lake Huron where two fishermen were rescued 14 miles off shore of Port Sanilac after their boat capsized, but the men were prepared with life jackets and a float plan. Without proper preparedness, authorities believe the men likely would not have survived.
(SANILAC COUNTY) – The Sanilac Area Violence Elimination Council will be hosting a Self Defense program for “Little Shavers”, children 6 to 10 years of age Friday. The free training will be held at Deckerville Schools on Blackriver Street, in Deckerville from 10 a.m. until noon and attendees must pre-register and be accompanied by a parent. Participants will be taught the Stranger Rules checklist, People Smarts and Stranger Danger tips, calling 9-1-1, and simple striking, stunning and escaping techniques. Only 25 children will be included in the class and parents must be present at all times. To pre-register, call 810-648-5463.
