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Local News

NFL Flag Football Registration Coming Soon To Sarnia

It’s springtime, which means the weather is beginning to warm up and our youth are looking to get out and be more active. If you live in the Sarnia area NFL Flag Football is starting its registration soon!

NFL Flag Football is the official Flag Football program of the NFL. They serve youth athletes ages 4 – 17. They are a no contact league that gives boys and girls a chance to develop their skills in an inclusive environment. 

Flag football has become one of the fastest growing sports for youth. The number of children participating has increased 38% since 2015. NFL Flag Football is the largest flag football league with more than 1,600 leagues in North America. 

Early Bird Registration (until March 31st) is $250 plus tax, and late registration is $300.00 plus tax. 

For more information on registration dates, visit: NFLFlag.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Adult Easter Egg Hunt At Blake’s Orchard Square Coming Soon

It’s Easter time again, so there will be plenty of Easter egg hunts and parties for the little ones coming soon, but what about the adults? Why can’t the adults celebrate with an Easter egg hunt of their own?

Well now they can, at the Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Blake’s Orchard Square located at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is located at 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada. 

The event will be held April 6th & 7th. Happy hour is from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., and the egg hunt begins at 8:30 p.m. Must be 21 and up to participate.

Guests will search for 6 easter eggs with flashlights, each egg is redeemable for a can of hard cider to take home. 

Tickets are $35 per person, which includes 1 donut, 1 pint, and the egg hunt. 

For more information, visit: blakesfarms.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Frozen Fruit Recall Due To A Potential Hepatitis A Contamination

Food is one of the essentials of life itself, so when a possible contamination occurs it has the potential to affect the lives of numerous people across the nation. There has been a recent recall involving frozen fruit that may be on your local grocers shelf. 

The Scenic Fruit Company is recalling their Simply Nature brand along with others, such as Vital Choice.

The Scenic Fruit Company is recalling their frozen Organic Strawberries which were sold to Costco, Aldi, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets. They will also be recalling the frozen Organic Tropical Fruit Blend sold to Trader Joe’s all due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A. 

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool.

For more information, visit: iwaspoisoned.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Young Professionals Initiative Offers Youth Job Skills And More

The children are our future sounds so cliche, but it is the absolute truth for a prosperous society. Governor Gretchen Whitmer feels strongly about growing the talent pool in Michigan, and what better way than to train our youth through government funded programs.

Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the recipients of Young Professionals grants totaling $3 million to provide under-represented youth with an introduction to the workforce. 

Young Professionals supports those ages 14 – 24 who face barriers to obtaining employment by exposing them to career and educational opportunities, earning a short-term training certificate, and obtaining work experience. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Giving young Michiganders the tools and access they need to get high-skill, in-demand, and good-paying jobs helps us build a brighter future in Michigan.”

For more information, visit your local Michigan Works! Agency. michiganworks.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$10 Million Microloan Fund For Women, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs of Color

When it comes to business loans and funding available for start-ups, minorities often get left out of the equation, or are not equally represented in certain cases. A new microloan seeks to provide the needed funds for those who may not be eligible or have access to other means of funding their small business. 

Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II joined with several public and private partners to announce the launch of the new $10 million Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund. 

The fund is in partnership with Michigan Women Forward (MWF), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Huntington Bank, and the Ballmer Group. It is a loan program for women and entrepreneurs of color, as well as veterans. 

Individuals will be able to apply for up to $50,000 with the average loan managed by MWF being $25,000.

For more information, visit: miwf.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Applicants Wanted For Home Heating Credit

If you live in Michigan and need a bit of help with your energy bills you can apply now for the Michigan Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The home heating credit is geared towards low-income, deaf, disabled or blind persons, disabled veterans and senior citizens. Applicants do not have to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit. 

All applications for the credit must be received by Sept. 30th.

Over the past five years approximately 257,500 individuals have received an average credit of $209. 

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks says, “This credit can provide assistance on heating bills during our cold seasons, allowing individuals to spend their hard-earned dollars on other necessities.”

You can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system. 

For more information about available resources, visit: michigan.gov/heatingassistance.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell