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Local News

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

Pistons Owner Providing Christmas Gifts For The Community

The holiday season is the time of year when people tend to become more thoughtful, more giving, and spreading good cheer amongst their fellow man. Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores is celebrating the holiday spirit with a special donation for children in the local community. 

More than 10,000 toys, tablets, and bikes were distributed to families in Detroit, Flint, and the surrounding communities on Tuesday, December 13th. Volunteers from the U.S. Marines, as well as those from the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, provided a helping hand with the special event. Gores will also be supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25k donation.

When asked the reason for such a generous donation to the community, Gores says, “All children should experience the joy of receiving gifts during the holiday season. There’s nothing better than children smiling and experiencing real joy.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sarnia Christmas Karaoke With Brian MacDonald

What could be more fun than a night of Christmas karaoke? The answer is, a night of Christmas Karaoke with Brian MacDonald and our friends across the Canadian border. 

Join the Imperial City Brew House (ICBH) in Sarnia on Thursday, December 22nd, at 8PM for a unique karaoke experience. There will also be a prize awarded to the individual who wears the ugliest Christmas sweater that night. 

The Imperial City Brew House will be collecting donations that will go toward The Sarnia & District Humane Society up until the day of the event. Gift cards that can be used by the humane society are preferred. Donations of $10 or more will receive 10% off purchases at ICBH.Cafe Mexico will be serving food for the evening.

To reserve a table or find out more information, call: (519) 491-5191.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell