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Local News

Mario Day Party Coming To The St. Clair County Library System

The St. Clair County Library System is putting together a fun filled, family friendly event next month to bring something different and unique to the community.

The Mario Day Party, based around the characters from the video game Super Mario Bros. will take place Saturday, March 11th so make sure you mark your calendars. The fun begins at 11 a.m until 1 p.m. and will be at the Donald E. Dodge Auditorium located at 200 Grand River Ave #203, Port Huron. 

There will be plenty of Mario themed activities for children and teens of all ages. There will be crafts and games such as, creating your own Yoshi egg and Piranha Plant, the “floor is lava” area, Goomba stomp, and Bowser ring toss. Visitors will also be able to play Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch and a live-action Mario Kart track. Participants of the live-action Mario Kart must sign a waiver. 

For more information, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Participate In The Great Backyard Bird Count

Are you a bird watcher or know someone who is a bird watcher? Every February people from all over the world participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, so get out your binoculars and join the fun!

This month between February 17 – 20th, you can be a part of the four day event. The free community science project creates a real-time snapshot of bird populations worldwide. Participants are asked to spend at least 15 minutes bird watching in their favorite place such as a park, forest, or your own backyard.

Participants are asked to take photos, videos, and to report their findings at birdcount.org. You can also use the Merlin Field ID app or eBird app to help you with identifying birds in your area. Each checklist submitted helps researchers learn more about how birds are doing in that area and how we can protect them.  

There is also a free Audubon webinar today, February 15th for you to check out. Happy Hunting!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Receives Federal Funds To Support Challenger Learning Center

St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Challenger Learning Center has received $955,000 in federal funding that will contribute to the unique learning experience it has to offer. 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters allocated the funds to support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning opportunities available at the Challenger Learning Center and Experience Center.

The Challenger Learning Center is the only one of its kind in the state of Michigan, and one of 40 Challenger Learning Centers globally and nationwide. It provides a space-themed, simulated learning experience that teaches visitors of all ages critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. 

Senator Peters says, “After visiting the Center and seeing the exhibits firsthand, I know this is a meaningful investment in St. Clair County and will provide invaluable learning experiences for its visitors.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Service Industry Employees Suffer Negative Effects Of Unpredictable Scheduling

If you or someone you know has ever worked in the service industry, such as fast food or retail, you know how difficult it can be at times. A new study shows that unpredictable work schedules have a negative impact on employees as well as their children.

Researchers at The Shift Project, located at the Harvard Kennedy School have discovered the adverse effects of unpredictable scheduling practices. The study was performed at the request of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). 

The study showed that Michigan employees in the service sector experience increased economic insecurity, decreased access to affordable child care, and heightened levels of stress and exhaustion. Workers also reported worse sleep quality and more hunger hardships.

As of 2022 there were approximately 560,000 individuals employed in this industry, making up 13% of the labor force. The study was based on a group of 5,000 service sector workers.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Could Detroit Be The Next Silicon Valley?

The City of Detroit is known as the Motor City, being that it provided the model for mass production of automobiles. Ford, General Motors (GM), and Chrysler were all based in Detroit during the 1920’s.

It seems that in today’s world Detroit may become the next silicon valley, according to U.S. automakers. With the rise of electric vehicles (EV) becoming more and more popular, computers are becoming more and more a part of the future of the automotive industry. 

Manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are setting their sites on dominating the EV market. These companies have made very large investments to pivot and focus on the future of the automobile industry. 

Ford purchased the Michigan Central Station in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit in 2018 for $90 million. Ford plans to turn it into a hub that merges automation, mobility, and electrification. These investments will help create more than 3,200 new jobs. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Geographically Disadvantaged Businesses To See Improvements Under New Directive

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) called for state leadership to help Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) overcome barriers that prevent them from fully participating in contracting opportunities.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is an advisory body in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are Michigan firms owned and operated by people of color, women, and businesses located in underserved areas, such as small towns and inner cities. 

The plan of the new Executive Directive 2023-01, is that 20% of total expenditures from state departments and agencies must go to GDBEs.

Gov. Whitmer says, “Expanding our pool of contractors, creates more opportunities for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses and creates a more competitive bidding process that helps ensure the state receives the most cost-effective, higher quality bids for goods and services.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell