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Local News

Elevators Wouldn’t Be The Same Without Alexander Miles

We all use, or have used an elevator in our daily lives at some point. They make our lives easier by eliminating the use of stairs and granting ease of access to those who may use a wheelchair, crutches, or the like. 

Elevators of old didn’t have automatic doors, they would have to be manually closed before riding. Due to human error, many individuals lost their lives by falling down elevator shafts. 

A man by the name of Alexander Miles, an African American inventor, almost lost his daughter to such an incident. That incident inspired Miles to develop a solution to the elevator door problem, and in 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes the elevator doors. 

So the next time you hop on an elevator and don’t fall down the shaft, thank Alexander Miles. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Source: history.com

Michigan Reconnect Program Celebrates Two Year Anniversary

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II met with officials from Delta College to celebrate the success of Michigan Reconnect, and its two-year anniversary.

Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history that ensures residents of Michigan, ages 25 and up will have a tuition-free opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate. Individuals may attend any of Michigan’s public community colleges, as well as its three tribal colleges. 

In addition to assistance with tuition, Michigan Reconnect students may also be eligible for wraparound services such as: cost of transportation, books, housing, broadband, childcare, and food.

In the 2023 State of the State address, Gov. Whitmer proposed lowering the age of applicants from 25 to 21, which would open the program to approximately 400,000 more residents.

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist says, “Higher education and skilled credentials open so many doors, and we want the number of eligible applicants to grow so that more Michiganders can secure rewarding careers, bigger paychecks, and a higher quality of life.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Enter Stage Right Valentine’s Dinner Theater

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast. If you are looking for some creative and romantic ideas to celebrate, look no further than Enter Stage Right’s Valentine’s Day Theatre. 

Enter Stage Right, in conjunction with The Borderline Theatre Group will be presenting the play “Love Letters,” by A.R. Gurney at The Citadel Stage located at 609 Huron Ave, Port Huron. 

The dates for the play are February 10, 11, 12, & *14th. Show time begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sunday’s show time begins at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, February 14th, which is Valentine’s Day, they will hold their special Valentines Day Dinner Event which begins at 7 p.m.

The dinner event will be catered by Big River BBQ. Tickets for the dinner event are $65 per person. If you are only interested in watching the play, tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children if purchased in advance. At the door prices are slightly higher at $20 and $15 respectively. 

For more information, visit: enterstageright.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Public Health Alert Issued For Ready-To-Eat Stuffed Chicken

When you’re out grocery shopping for your family the goal is to pick up foods that are healthy and nutritious. We expect it to be safe to eat, but sometimes there can be issues out of control of the manufacturer. 

The U.S Department of Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) stuffed chicken products due to the possibility of it not being fully cooked due to under processing.

There has been no recall issued due to the product being no longer available for purchase, but FSIS is ensuring that it should not be consumed if you have it at home.

The product is produced by Vanguard Culinary Group, LTD. The 16. Oz (1 lb.) vacuum sealed trays containing “Park Street Deli Broccoli Stuffed Chicken” Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Hand Stuffed With Broccoli & Cheddar Au Gratin,” have an establishment number of “P-8334.”

For more information, visit: fsis.usda.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

East China School District Chili-Heart 5k Coming Soon

The East China Educational Foundation (ECEF) is hosting its 11th annual Chili-Heart 5K run and 2-mile walk this month. 

The goal of the event is to provide an endowment fund through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, to be utilized for enrichment activities for the students of East China Schools District. Proceeds from the race will support ECEF grants for district teachers and staff.

The race will take place in a hybrid style, either in-person or virtually. Last year’s race was done entirely virtual, so with the success of that, it was decided to bring it back as an option this year. There will be chili and bread/snacks available to keep the runners warm and energized. 

The event begins February 12th, at 9 a.m. Registration is now open, with the cost of $15 for youth 17 and younger, and $25 for those 18 and up. Onsite registration is $30. 

To register online, visit: runsignup.com/race/mi/saintclair/chiliheart5k.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Funding Will Help Train Nearly 750 Michigan Businesses

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a plan to revitalize the job market in Michigan that would possibly help 27,000 workers across the state secure employment.

Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that $47,000,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to nearly 750 Michigan businesses. The funds will support their in-demand, high-skill talent needs. 

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, create unparalleled economic opportunity, and empower more people to make it in Michigan.” 

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell