Choze Powell

The Book Keeper Hosts Charity Book Reading Event

In a heartwarming initiative, The Book Keeper, located at 500 Exmouth St. in Sarnia, is set to host a special book reading event for all ages on September 23rd, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

The event will feature a special guest who will bring the pages of the “Smash Hits” book to life, captivating the audience with engaging storytelling. The event promises a fun-filled experience for children, with various activities and refreshments available. 

“Smash Hits” books will also be available for purchase, and the proceeds from the event will be donated to Noelle’s Gift to Children, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children in need. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy literature and contribute to a noble cause.

For more information, visit the Facebook Page: Noelle’s Gift To Children.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join Lake Huron Retreat Center For A Delicious Labor Day Community Breakfast

Lake Huron Retreat Center extends a warm invitation to the public for a delightful Labor Day Community Breakfast on Monday, September 4th, running from 8 to 11 a.m. The event promises a delectable spread, including a made-to-order omelet station, waffle station, pork sausage, fruit and yogurt bar, and a selection of assorted breads.

The mouthwatering feast is not only a treat for the taste buds but also contributes to a good cause, as all proceeds directly support the ministry of Lake Huron Retreat Center. Admission stands at $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 to 10. For youngsters aged 5 and under, it’s absolutely free! Payment options include cash, checks, and credit cards. No reservations are necessary for this scrumptious morning gathering.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Lake Huron Retreat Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

450 Illegal Guns Taken Off The Streets Through Operation Safe Neighborhoods

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that over 450 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods.

Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted 4,145 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to 450 illegal guns taken off the street. During sweeps, officers have also recovered illegal drugs and ammunition.

Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history.

Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. This initiative builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Celebrating Black Ingenuity: From Folding Chairs To Airplane Propellers, Remarkable Inventions By Black Inventors

Black inventors have rarely received credit for some of the items we use in everyday life, or that help make our lives more enjoyable. It doesn’t have to be Black History Month to highlight these inventors, so here are just a few of the contributions you may not have known about.

John Purdy’s folding chair revolutionized seating at picnics and graduations, while Dr. George Grant transformed golf with his invention of golf tees. Alfred L. Cralle’s ice cream scooper delighted kids with larger scoops, and John Albert Burr’s lawn mower enhancements brought precision to lawn maintenance.

Joseph A. Smith’s lawn sprinkler combined practicality with fun, and Thomas Elkins elevated bathroom comfort with the modern toilet. Thomas W. Stewart’s mop lightened household chores, and William Richardson’s reversible baby stroller simplified parenting.

These creations, along with a host of others, including paper, chess, medicine, and the alphabet, underscore the monumental contributions of Black inventors. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tuskegee Memorial Marker Ceremony To Be Held In Port Huron

On September 16, 2023, the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Tuskegee Memorial Marker Ceremony at the International Flag Plaza in Port Huron. The event will begin at 11:00 AM and last until 11:45 AM. 

The ceremony will include the dedication of a new marker, which will be placed next to the Tuskegee Memorial in the International Flag Plaza. The current memorial was dedicated on August 28th, 2021.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in World War II. They were known for their bravery and skill, and their contributions to the war effort helped to break down racial barriers in the military. The Tuskegee Memorial currently at the plaza was dedicated on August 28th, 2021.

The marker ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Join in honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and their important contribution to our country.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Restaurant To Bring 20 New Locations To Eastern Michigan

Fast casual restaurant sensation Big Chicken, founded by basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, is making its grand entrance into Michigan.

H&D Group Investments, the visionary restaurant operators, have signed a franchise deal to establish 20 Big Chicken outlets across multiple Michigan regions, including Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mount Pleasant.

An H&D Group Investments spokesperson raved about the taste, stating that bringing this concept to Michigan was a no-brainer. Big Chicken CEO, Josh Halpern, hailed H&D Group Investments as ideal partners to fuel the brand’s growth. 

The first location, slated to debut by early 2024 will be located at 11476 N. Linden Road in Vienna Township. This surge in eastern Michigan adds to the 300-plus national locations in the brand’s pipeline, underlining Big Chicken’s soaring popularity.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell