Choze Powell

Michigan Residents Rally For Local Autonomy In Industrial Energy Zoning

Michigan residents are uniting in a grassroots movement to reclaim local control over the siting of renewable energy installations. 

Responding to Public Act 233 of 2023, which centralizes power over utility-scale wind and solar projects at the state level, citizens are advocating for the restoration of local decision-making authority. 

Spearheaded by Citizens for Local Choice, a bipartisan coalition, efforts are underway to overturn the act through a ballot initiative. The initiative aims to ensure that local governments retain their traditional zoning and land use authority. With the outcome of this fight poised to set a precedent for future energy policies and local governance nationwide, organizers are urging residents to support the cause by signing the petition and participating in upcoming events, including a day of action on May 4th.

 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

WGRT’s Vickie Lemonis Triumphs At 2024 Community’s Choice Awards, Best Of The Blue Water Area

The winners of the 2024 Official Community’s Choice Awards, Best of the Blue Water Area, were revealed in a dazzling ceremony at City Flats Hotel Port Huron on Wednesday, April 24th. 

WGRT’s Sales Manager, Vickie Lemonis, secured the title of local best in Advertising/Marketing, further adding to her impressive accolades. Lemonis, who also clinched Alignables’ 2024 Local Business Person of the Year earlier this year, expressed her astonishment upon receiving the honor, having attended the event as a last-minute guest. “I had no idea I was going to win an award; I was just going to show my support, and I’m extremely grateful to be a winner,” Lemonis stated. 

Thankful for the votes, Lemonis dedicated the award to WGRT and its dedicated team, emphasizing their collective effort in shaping a remarkable local business. Congratulations to all of the night’s winners, celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

LaFontaine Ford St. Clair Donates 2015 Ford Fiesta To St. Clair County Technical Education Center

St. Clair County Technical Education Center (TEC) received a significant boost to its Automotive Technology and Collision Repair programs with the generous donation of a 2015 Ford Fiesta from LaFontaine Ford St. Clair. 

The unveiling of the vehicle took place during a special presentation at TEC on April 23, attended by representatives from LaFontaine Automotive Group, Ford, educators, and students.

Lesley Murphy, principal at St. Clair TEC, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its impact on students’ hands-on learning experience and future career prospects in the automotive industry. The partnership with LaFontaine will equip students with the latest automotive technology knowledge and skills, further enhancing the county’s workforce development efforts. The Ford Fiesta will be a valuable addition to TEC’s programs, empowering students for success in their chosen automotive careers.

Reporting for WGRT _ Choze Powell

St. Clair County Sheriff’s K9 Receives Protective Vest Through Charitable Donation

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the addition of a vital piece of equipment for their K9 unit, as K9 Brock receives a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to the generosity of non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

The vest, sponsored by Carolyn Chrissotimos of Colorado Springs, CO, is embroidered with the heartfelt sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” Established in 2009, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has made it their mission to provide lifesaving body armor to law enforcement dogs across the nation. With over 5,514 vests provided to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million, the organization’s impact is profound. 

This program, open to eligible U.S. law enforcement K9s, ensures these dedicated four-legged officers receive the protection they need to continue their vital work.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

C.J. Barrymore’s Unveils Michigan’s First-Of-Its-Kind Indy SkyTrack In Upcoming Grand Opening

Excitement is soaring as C.J. Barrymore’s, located at 21750 Hall Rd, Clinton Township,  prepares to unveil the state’s inaugural Indy SkyTrack with a grand opening event on May 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. 

The Indy SkyTrack promises an unparalleled adrenaline rush, spanning three stories and stretching 1,500 feet in length, reaching dizzying heights of 30 feet. Thrill-seekers are invited to mark their calendars for this extraordinary occasion, where they can experience the twists and turns of this groundbreaking go-kart adventure. 

C.J. Barrymore’s is set to redefine entertainment with this thrilling addition. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to conquer the Indy SkyTrack and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

NFL Shop In Detroit Offers Exclusive Draft Merchandise And Special Guest Appearances

Football fever is hitting Detroit hard as the NFL Draft frenzy sweeps through the city. The NFL Shop presented by Visa, situated at 1001 Woodward Avenue, is set to be the go-to destination for fans looking to snag exclusive merchandise and catch a glimpse of their favorite players.

From April 20th to the 27th, the shop will be bustling with activity, offering a vast array of officially licensed products from all 32 NFL teams. Exclusive items, including the coveted Draft x Detroit Lions collection, will be up for grabs.

Highlighting the week’s festivities is an autograph signing session featuring Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on April 26th. Fans can secure an autograph card with a purchase of $50 or more. There will also be six NFL Shop pop-up locations within the NFL Draft Experience footprint, along with one location at the Draft. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell