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Be safe this winter, keep your meters clear

Now that we are well into winter, you probably don’t have to be reminded to keep snow off your driveways and away from mailboxes. However, you might have to be reminded to keep your gas meter clear of snow and ice. It might be easy to forget, but it’s needed. Built-up snow and ice place stress on the regulators and meter piping, which could cause gas to leak into a home and create a hazardous situation. You also might want to clear a path to your meter so a reader can access it. But back to the potentially unsafe condition. Semco Energy Gas Co. asks customers to keep ...

Residents urged to get flu vaccine

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu especially while continuing to battle COVID-19. Getting a flu vaccine is critical this season because flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely be spreading simultaneously. Importantly, residents are able to get their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine. According to the CDC, those who are at higher risk for contracting flu are also at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19. ...

Good advice on avoiding frostbite

Advice on avoiding Frostbite is a serious tissue destroying disorder. It is also something that can be avoided. The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association has some advice to share during these winter months. “When you’re out in the cold, your body works hard to stay warm by altering blood flow toward your heart and lungs,” said Dr. Jodie Sengstock, MPMA Director of Professional Relations. “This leaves your extremities – arms, legs and feet – vulnerable to cold injury, especially toes and fingers.” Depending on the severity of the exposure, frostbite can affect the skin or ...

Lions have best chance to win Super Bowl

Saturday night marks the beginning of the Detroit Lions 2024-25 playoffs when they face the Washington Commanders. While the Upper Peninsula is evenly divided on the Packers-Lions rivalry, the Pack’s elimination to Philadelphia last week leaves just one Yooper-beloved team standing. It is no secret to anyone who has paid attention over the past half century that the Detroit Lions have been the laughing stock of not only the NFL, but of American sports in general. There is quite possibly no franchise who has had it worse than the Lions since the Eisenhower administration. The ...

Free snowmobiling a great opportunity

Starting today, the state of Michigan is offering free snowmobiling weekend. That means that Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride snowmobiles without registration or trail permit. The free weekend of snowmobiling is part of a Michigan legislature approved program to create an opportunity for experienced riders to introduce friends to the activity and hope they get hooked. “We hope to allow people who haven’t ridden in a while to or people who want to take their sleds out of the garage that have been in there for a few years to get re-interested in the ...

Be smart when recreating on ice

Staying active and having fun in the winter months is important, but never forget to use caution and be smart. With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey and other outdoor activities. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice. “Even during consistent cold stretches, pressure cracks in the ice can develop within hours,” said Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry, in a news release. “There is ...