Choze Powell

Eastern Michigan Small Business Hub Unveils 2024 Small Business Grant Program

The Eastern Michigan Small Business Hub has launched its 2024 Small Business Grant Program, aimed at fostering growth for small businesses in the region. 

The program will provide grants of up to $20,000 to businesses across six Michigan counties, with a total fund of $213,158 available. Most awards will fall between $5,000 and $10,000, with grants distributed competitively based on the highest scoring applications in each county.

To be eligible, businesses or their owners must be located in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, or St. Clair counties. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including equipment purchases, consulting services, and employee certification fees. 

The application window closes on Sept. 24, 2024, giving businesses just under a month to submit their proposals.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

United Way Of St. Clair County Celebrates 100th Anniversary And Launches 2024 Campaign

The United Way of St. Clair County is marking its 100th anniversary with a special celebration and 2024 campaign kick-off. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Solitude Links Banquet Center located at 5810 Flinchbaugh Rd. Kimball, MI. Guests can enjoy a plated dinner, cash bar, and a historical exhibit showcasing the organization’s century of impact. The program will also feature the introduction of the 2024 Campaign Chair and plans for the upcoming fundraising efforts.

Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, and attendees are encouraged to wear casual to cocktail attire. Online registration is available at uwstclair.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Friends Of The St. Clair River Hosts Annual Native Plant And Rain Barrel Sale

Friends of the St. Clair River is hosting its annual Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale Sunday, Sept. 8, noon – 3 p.m., offering an ideal opportunity to enhance your garden. 

Native plants, adapted to Michigan’s climate, are easy to maintain, resist pests, and provide vital food for wildlife. Available for purchase are wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and pre-assembled garden kits for butterflies, pollinators, and rain gardens.

The event also features 55-gallon rain barrels from Upcycle Products to help conserve water and reduce stormwater pollution. Rain barrels must be pre-ordered for pick-up on Sept. 8. Proceeds support pollinator-friendly gardens in the community.

Whether you’re planting a pollinator garden or starting with a rain barrel, this sale promotes sustainable gardening practices while benefiting local ecosystems.

For more information, visit: scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Unilever Recalls Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confections Due To Undeclared Milk Allergen

Unilever U.S. is recalling 137,000 cases of Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pops (single-serve) because they may contain milk, which is not listed on the label. This poses a serious risk for individuals with milk allergies or sensitivities.

The affected products were sold through ice cream trucks, concession stands, and grab-and-go freezers nationwide between Feb. 1 and Aug. 15, 2024. The recall does not impact the 18-count multi-pack sold in grocery stores.

There have been two reported allergic reactions. Consumers should not consume the recalled products, other Unilever or Popsicle products are not affected by this recall. 

For more information concerning details on the recall, visit: PopsicleRecall.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Andrew Kercher Joins WGRT As The New Host Of “Limelight”

WGRT is thrilled to welcome Andrew Kercher as the new host of “Limelight,” the station’s popular show highlighting the people who influence culture, commerce, and community in the Bluewater area. 

Kercher, known for his time as the Community Engagement Manager at Port Huron Museums, is a professional historian with a passion for storytelling. He is the founder of Andrew Kercher Lectures & Tours and has worked in museums across Michigan.

A graduate of Albion College with a degree in History and Philosophy, Kercher also holds a Master’s in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. He now resides in Port Huron with his wife, Lauren, and their two cats, Gilbert and Sullivan. 

Tune in to “Limelight” weekdays at 12:20 and 6:20 p.m. on 102.3 FM WGRT.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

REAL ID Act Enforcement Begins May 2025 For Federal Facility Access And Air Travel

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, will require state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet federal security standards for certain official purposes. These include accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards, which feature a star marking, at airport security checkpoints. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also valid for these purposes, even without the star.

Travelers should ensure their identification meets the REAL ID requirements before the enforcement date to avoid disruptions when flying or accessing federal sites.

For more information, visit: dhs.gov/real-id.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell