Choze Powell

SONS Outreach Introduces Exciting New Culinary Program For Students

Get ready to please your taste buds as SONS Outreach launches its brand-new culinary course as part of their Trades Exposure program! Offering a delectable opportunity for students to explore the world of culinary arts, this 5-week course promises an exciting experience for all.

Led by local business owners, Heather Fagan and Carol Bublitz of Dona Marinas, David Rix of Club 21, and Alice Rieves from Mid-City Nutrition, this culinary journey kicks off on Tuesday, October 17th, running from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., at the new SONS Resource Complex – Entrance A.

For just $25 per student, participants can savor this culinary adventure. Don’t miss out on this flavorful experience!

To learn more or register, contact the SONS Outreach office at: (810) 989-SONS (7667) or visit: sonsoutreach.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

United Way Of St. Clair County Organizes Fall Clean Up At Blue Water Hospice Campus

United Way of St. Clair County is rallying the community for a Fall Clean Up event at the Blue Water Hospice Campus located at 2795 Edison, Marysville.

This day of volunteer service will take place on Friday, October 20th and promises to bring individuals together for a day of service while enjoying a sponsored lunch courtesy of the United Way.

Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., to kick-start the event, with clean-up activities beginning at 9 a.m. Clean-up will consist of power-washing, painting, and weed pulling amongst other duties.

This initiative not only promotes community involvement but also highlights the spirit of cooperation and support, making a positive impact on the Blue Water Hospice and the lives of those it serves

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Enforces New Laws To Protect Children From Abuse

This week, Michigan put into action a series of impactful laws designed to safeguard children from sexual abuse and enhance community safety.

The bills, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in July, demonstrate the state’s commitment to protecting young people and providing resources for survivors.

Among the enacted laws, Public Act 57 ensures middle and high school students receive age-appropriate materials and training to identify and prevent sexual assault and harassment. 

Public Act 58 aims to keep communities safe by imposing criminal penalties on health professionals who engage in sexual assault under the false pretext of medical treatment. 

The associated Public Acts 59, 60, 61, and 62 provide the necessary legal framework and sentencing guidelines to support these vital initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

PH Country Style Market - Photo by Jessie Wiegand

Country Style Market Announces New Business Hours Amid Slow Season

In an unexpected turn of events, downtown businesses have been grappling with a significant decline in foot traffic since Labor Day weekend, leading to staff reductions and altered operating hours. While a slight dip in sales during September is customary, the current situation is unprecedented.

Country Style Market, a staple in the area, has seen eight employees resign due to the dwindling hours and a bleak outlook for foot traffic recovery. Consequently, the market is forced to adjust its hours of operation.

Effective immediately, Country Style Market will be closed on Sundays and Mondays, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Recovery Center Celebrates To Host 3rd Annual “ROC With Us” Banquet

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) is delighted to announce a significant milestone, having assisted more than 5,000 individuals in their journey toward recovery from addiction. 

As a token of their appreciation, BWROC invites the community to their 3rd annual “ROC with Us” Banquet Fundraiser, scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th, at Alexander’s Banquet Hall located at 1200 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville.

The event, set to kick off at 5:30 p.m., will highlight the remarkable work being done at BWROC while expressing gratitude to all involved. Additionally, the inaugural ROC AWARDS will honor outstanding contributors in four different categories. 

Guests can anticipate a delightful evening with dinner, live music by local musician Julianne Ankley, a video presentation, silent auction, and updates on BWROC’s “Partners in Recovery” Program. 

For sponsorship inquiries or RSVPs, contact BWROC at (810) 689-4858 or email Angela Valdivia at avaldivia@bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Challenges Bill Stripping Local Control Over Solar and Wind Projects

State Representative Jaime Greene, a Republican from Richmond, has strongly criticized House Bill 5120-5123, recently introduced by House Democrats, which seeks to diminish local communities’ control over the development of large-scale solar and wind energy projects.

The proposed legislation would transfer the authority to permit such projects to the unelected Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), sidelining local governments. The MPSC, comprised of governor appointees, has received support from the governor for a plan to expand wind and solar farms in rural areas.

Greene argues that this move would infringe upon local residents’ rights to have a say in developments occurring in their communities, potentially undermining environmental, economic, and quality-of-life concerns. The proposed bill has faced significant opposition from communities across Michigan, and many local boards and voters have rejected similar initiatives in the past.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell