Choze Powell

Creative County Grant Program Opens Applications For 2024, Offering $75k To Boost Arts, Culture, And Heritage Across Lambton County

The Creative County Grant Program, born from the County of Lambton Cultural Plan in 2013, is set to empower local arts, culture, and heritage initiatives. With a focus on fostering uniqueness and innovation. 

In the 2024 intake, the Creative County Committee has allocated $75,000 for projects in specific quadrants: Central Lambton, South Lambton, North Lambton, and Sarnia, with each quadrant eligible for up to $10,000.

The remaining $35,000 is reserved for projects that exhibit cultural benefits across all areas of Lambton County. The initiative aims to enrich the county’s identity, strengthen the creative community, and elevate the quality of life for all residents. 

Applications are open now until 4 p.m. on November 14th.

For more information, visit: lambtononline.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sen. Ruth Johnson Proposes Prescription Importation System To Alleviate Medication Costs In Michigan

Senator Ruth Johnson has reintroduced crucial legislation aimed at establishing a prescription importation system in Michigan, offering significant savings on doctor-prescribed medications. 

Concerned about the financial strain on Michigan families due to skyrocketing prescription costs, Johnson emphasized the stark price difference between medications in the U.S. and Canada, with some drugs being up to 537% cheaper across the border. 

Senate Bill 563 proposes a Canadian drug importation program, requiring collaboration with the federal government to ensure safety measures. The move follows the lead of eight states that have already enacted similar laws, with six awaiting FDA approval. 

Johnson’s initiative seeks to provide relief to Michigan consumers struggling to afford essential medications, fostering accessibility and affordability.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson Advocates For Electronic Vehicle Title Transfers In Testimony Before Senate Committee

In a pivotal testimony, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson passionately urged the Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to endorse SB 533, a groundbreaking bill facilitating electronic transfers of vehicle titles in Michigan. 

Asserting a commitment to enhancing citizen convenience, Secretary Benson highlighted the Michigan Department of State’s progress toward efficient online services. She emphasized that passing the bill would revolutionize the department’s ability to serve Michiganders by providing a swift online avenue for transferring vehicle titles. 

SB 533 proposes the establishment of a secure electronic system, enabling seamless online transactions between private sellers and buyers, thereby eliminating the need for in-person visits.

The bill also seeks to empower the Michigan Department of State to issue electronic titles, further streamlining processes in line with modern digital practices.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Small Businesses Set To Flourish With $5.2 Million Federal Grant Awards

In a major boost for Michigan’s small business landscape, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II has announced the recipients of federal grants from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) grant program. 

Nine organizations will share the $5.2 million funding to provide crucial technical assistance offering legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to bolster small businesses. Some of those businesses include ACCESS, Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, and ProsperUs Detroit Micro Lending. 

With over 60 applicants vying for a portion of the $94 million in funding requests, the competitive nature underscores the program’s significance. Lt. Governor Gilchrist emphasized that the initiative aims to empower Michigan’s backbone—the small businesses—to thrive, grow, and “Make It in Michigan,” fostering economic resilience over the next three years.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MDOT Announces Inspection Of I-94 Business Loop Bridge Over Black River In Port Huron

In a proactive move to ensure public safety, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the I-94 Business Loop (Military Street) bridge spanning the Black River in Port Huron. 

The inspection is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October  9th, with an anticipated completion by Thursday, Oct. 12th.

During the assessment, traffic will be managed with one lane open in each direction. Some delays are expected due to intermittent full closures required for lift testing. This meticulous inspection is aimed at allowing bridge staff to perform routine checks, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the vital transportation artery.

For more information, visit: michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Freshwater Jellyfish Found In Michigan’s Lake Huron

This weekend, a routine sailing expedition on Lake Huron led the crew of Chippewa to an astonishing discovery, the presence of Craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as the Peach Blossom jellyfish. 

Measuring no larger than a quarter, these exotic invertebrates, originating from China, were spotted in the calm waters of the lake. The harmless jellyfish, believed to have entered North America through the aquarium trade a century ago, aren’t deemed invasive to native ecosystems.Despite their jellyfish-like traits, these creatures, resembling marine counterparts, wield stinging tentacles to capture small prey, with stingers too minuscule to affect humans.

Port Huron resident and Owner of The Write Company and Blue Water Woman magazine, Patti Samar, says “There were thousands of them in the water on Saturday, I’ve been sailing Lake Huron for years and had never seen them before, and neither has anyone else at the Yacht Club.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell