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Local News

Michigan Ranked 6th In Favorite Christmas Traditions

With Christmas just around the corner we all have our own family traditions that we enjoy participating in each year. Some of our traditions involve the way we decorate the tree, a particular food or drink that we prepare, or maybe some totally unique and original tradition that only your family does for the holidays.

According to Mixbook, they polled 1,500 Americans to decide what was the most popular Christmas tradition in the country. Coming in at number one on the list was Ohio, with their peanut butter and chocolate Buckeyes candy. Number two was Texas, and their Riverwalk located in San Antonio, which gets decorated with over 100,000 lights. 

As we go further down the list, Michigan comes in at 6th with our sugar cookies. Frosted, sprinkled with sugar, or just plain fresh out of the oven, it appears that we are known for more than just our mitten shape and automotive industry.  

For a full list visit: Mixbook Infographic.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For MIOSHA Training Institute Courses

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is urging individuals interested in their January MTI courses to register as soon as possible.

MIOSHA is offering a variety of its MTI courses and training seminars that will provide individuals with further knowledge in protecting the health and safety of Michigan workers. There are three learning formats to choose from including: traditional classroom setting, online, or virtual classroom. 

All students attending MTI courses are eligible for scholarships that will pay 50% of the cost. A brief list of courses available include:

  • General Provisions
  • Asbestos and Lead Awareness
  • MIOSHA Record Keeping and Cost of Injuries
  • Health Hazards In Construction

Those interested should select a class that is more than three weeks away, but not more than three months away from today’s date.

For a full list of courses available or more information, visit: michigan.gov/miosha.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Hand Washing Helps Prevent Spread Of RSV And Other Illnesses

There is a new outbreak of illness sweeping the country by the name of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Although RSV isn’t a new illness, it appears to be affecting many over the past few weeks. To keep you and your family safe and to prevent contracting RSV or any other illnesses this winter, effective hand washing is a must. 

Hand washing has been proven to prevent the spread of germs. Knowing when to wash your hands is just as importance as to how, so here are a few tips to make sure that your hand washing routine is as effective as possible:

  • Wash before and after preparing food.
  • Before and after caring for a sick individual.
  • After using the restroom.
  • After blowing your nose, and after coughing or sneezing into your hands.
  • After touching animals, waste, or garbage of any kind.

For more tips on handwashing visit the CDC link: When and How To Wash Your Hands.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Yale Students Showcase Technology At States Capitol

On December 7th, the 21st annual AT&T/MACUL Student Technology Showcase was held in Lansing at the Heritage Hall Visitors Center with students from 25 different schools.

The purpose of the showcase is for students to demonstrate cutting edge technology ideas and platforms, such as app development, robotics, web design, and many other branches of technology. Some of the state’s most talented students attended the event to show off their projects that blend science, math, social studies, and language arts, with the latest technology. 

Three students from Yale Junior High School were a part of the showcase, so a big congratulations goes out to our local students Blake Landrum, Travis Wahoske, and Ben Kendrick.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” Says County Sheriff Office

The Christmas season brings all sorts of festive activities to partake in. There’s Christmas parties at work, family events, and much more. Drinking is often involved, so be sure to drink responsibly. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alongside the St. Clair County Sheriff Department will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement. From December 16th, 2022 thru January 1st, 2023, officers will be on the lookout for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Michigan if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, but if an officer feels that you are impaired, you can still be arrested. In 2021 nearly 47 percent of car related fatalities involved alcohol or drugs. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

DTE Retires Two SE Michigan Coal Plants

In another step of DTE Energy’s plan to deliver affordable, clean energy, they have announced the retirement of two more coal plants in Southeast Michigan. 

The decision to retire the two facilities was accomplished without losing or laying-off any of their workforce. Workers employed at either of the two facilities affected will be trained for opportunities elsewhere in the company. The coal plants, located in Trenton and St. Clair had been in operation for nearly a century. 

Under their CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, DTE has the goal to have net zero carbon emissions by 2050, along with the development of more than 15,000 megawatts of wind and solar energy sources. Jerry Norcia, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy says, “These steps today will lead to a cleaner environment and energy future for Michigan families, communities, and businesses.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell