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Local News

Do You Know Who The First African American Pilot Was?

The contributions African Americans have had in this country are many, so let’s find out more about the little known, first African American pilot.  

Bessie Coleman, born January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, was described as a daring woman due to the acrobatic tricks she performed in her plane which earned her the nicknames “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess.”

After being denied attending flight school in the U.S., Coleman went off to France where she earned her pilot’s license. It wasn’t a walk in the park being a woman and also being “black,” but Coleman accomplished what she set out to do.

She later returned to the U.S. where she would perform at certain airshows as long as “blacks” were allowed to watch. Coleman had dreams of opening a flight school to teach other “black” women to fly before her untimely death in 1926. 

Source: Smithsonian Institute

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

1st U.S. Based Business For Canadian Firm Coming To Capac

The City of Capac will soon be home to Ontario-based company, Axiom Manufacturing when they open their doors for business within the next few weeks. 

After months of lying vacant, the building held by former tenant Keihin North America was purchased by Axiom Manufacturing which plans to invest $13.3 million into the business venture. Axiom has already secured $50 million in new business.

The plastic manufacturing company plans to open sometime in March. The company could provide a much needed boost to the economy of Capac by creating new jobs, as well as providing jobs for residents who were laid off by the previous owners. 

This will be Axiom Manufacturing’s first U.S. based business. Capac Village Manager, Travis Youatt says, “Council has agreed to give the company a 12-year tax break, which was key in making this deal happen.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Jeep Owners Club 4th Annual Polar Bear Run

It’s time for the Blue Water Jeep Owners Club (BWJOC) to put on their 4th Annual Polar Bear Run, a worthy cause geared towards helping our local children. 

The Blue Water Jeep Club began in 2012 when a group of strangers came together to meet for coffee. Since then they have been helping raise money for causes such as the annual Roof Sit in Port Huron, The Salvation Army, and Blue Water Community Action. 

Their annual Polar Bear Run is used to help raise funds to continue supporting these organizations and the well being of our children. 

The Polar Bear Run is a free event that takes place Saturday, February 25th, at the Fieldhouse Sports Bar and Kitchen located at 1106 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville. The event will be held from 12 noon – 4 p.m.

The 4th Annual Polar Bear Run will feature live music, ice-carving, raffles, games, and more!

For more information visit: bluewaterjeepowners.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Goodwill Industries Celebrates Success In Passing ISO-9001 Audit

Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County has something to celebrate and be proud of with their passing of the ISO 9001 Audit. 

Goodwill Industries is required to maintain ISO 9001 certification to maintain their manufacturing clients in the automotive industry. This certification affects their revenue and employment opportunities. 

After meeting with a member of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center), it was suggested that they perform an internal audit. The audit was performed, which simplified their documentation burden and helped maintain adequate records.

As a result of passing the ISO 9001 third-party audit with zero issues, Goodwill Industries has managed to retain sales of $200,000 as well as retaining 40 jobs.  

Goodwill Industries Operations Manager, Dan Blue says, “Working with the Center has been extremely helpful. We can now focus more time on meeting our customers’ needs.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Outside The Box Creations Paint And Sip

If you’re in the City of Sarnia or plan on visiting soon, be sure to check out the upcoming Paint and Sip event by Imperial City Brew House.

On Sunday, February 26th, Imperial City Brew House located at 1330 Exmouth Street, Sarnia, will be hosting the event which begins at 1 p.m. 

Guests will be given their own 3ft. tall wooden Easter bunny to paint, which is available in multiple colors, while enjoying a 16 oz. Imperial City brew to sip. People of all artistic levels are welcomed and encouraged to come and enjoy a good time.

The cost is $70 per person, with all sales being final. There are limited spots available so be sure to register as soon as possible.

For more information, visit: imperialcitybrew.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Share Your Support Of MSU Students And Spartan Broadcasters

In light of the tragic event that took place on the campus of Michigan State University earlier this week, we are working to help show support for those affected by the tragedy and sending our well wishes. 

There was a shooting on campus that led to a loss of lives and has negatively affected the survivors emotional and mental health. General Manager of Impact 89 FM WDBM, Jeremy Whiting, has sent a notification asking for the community to come together and share kind words in support of those affected.

Whiting says, “ I’d like your help with a small show of support. I am collecting encouraging words to share with our radio station staff. They will be printed out and placed throughout the station. I have been overwhelmed by the kind words thus far and would like to thank you all for your support of our students when they need it most.” 

You can visit our website at WGRT.com for the link if you would like to show your support.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell