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Local News

Boy Band Tribute Coming to McMorran

Brian Bender was a 90s kid, so he experienced the origin of the boy band craze firsthand while watching N SYNC, Backstreet Boys, and New Kids on the Block live shows.

Now, he and his band mates make up the group Boy Band Review, a full-production boy band tribute show complete with all of the songs and dance moves that fans love.

In an interview, Bender said the band started out playing 90s covers and felt like they found their sweet spot when they decided to do an entire show featuring boy band covers.

“[The show] sold out immediately and it was the most people we ever played in front of, and we had an “aha” moment like, no one’s doing a boy band tribute, and we’re really good at it…we’re going all in on boy band music!” said Bender.

Boy Band Review has been paying around the country including at Planet Hollywood casino in Las Vegas. Bender said the shows are like big parties where the crowd gets a chance to relive their favorite moments through the music they love.

“It’s an eclectic crowd that sings louder than the P.A. system usually,” said Bender. “We’re having a great time, and I’m smiling ear to ear because it’s gonna be a great time this weekend.”

Boy Band Review will be at McMorran Place on Friday, January 14th at 7 pm. Tickets are available at mcmorran.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

 

SC4 Presents MLK Day Celebration “Where Are We Now?” Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed in Port Huron with a celebration hosted by St. Clair County Community College. The “Where Are We Now?” event will be held on Monday, January 17th, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre on the main campus.

Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated with songs, dance, and videos. There will also be a selection of Dr. King’s own words shared with the audience.

There will be panel discussions about health care disparities and racism and investing in small businesses. There will also be a discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in education, along with other topics.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Jessica Brown, who leads SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The annual event is free but reservations are required by emailing SC4. It will be live-streamed also.

Admission is free and can be reserved by emailing dei@sc4.edu. Seating is limited. Masks required inside campus buildings. The event also will be livestreamed at sc4.edu/dei-live for those unable to attend in person.

For questions, call SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (810) 989-5564.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New License Plate Features Kirtland’s Warbler

Michigan auto-owners have a new way to support local wildlife conservation efforts. There is a new license plate option that features the Kirtland’s Warbler, a bird that was once in danger of extinction but has now been removed from the endangered species list.

Bird lovers helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the availability of the nesting habitat for the little yellow and gray songbird. The Kirtland’s warbler only nests on the ground in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. They winter in the Caribbean.

Once down to just an estimated 400 birds, the count is now at about 4500, with ongoing habitat protection and careful management of the delicate nesting areas.

Those who purchase the special designation on their license plate will be supporting the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust. The license plate program has generated over $3.9 million since starting in 2006 with the Loon icon.

The license plate will cost $35 with $25 of the price going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Seeks Public Input on Algonac State Park

If Algonac State Park is your go-to camping spot, you might want to get involved in making the 1,550-acre scenic St. Clair County park even better. Algonac State Park is the topic of an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is gathering public feedback on a new management plan for the popular state park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20th, from 6-7 p.m.

Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “Public input is a critical part of the planning process. We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

The DNR reports that the meeting will feature a review of the draft management plan, proposed improvements, and planning process, and will give the public an opportunity to share feedback and questions.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterward. There will also be an opportunity for additional public input after the meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan-Ontario Air Mobility Corridor Being Studied

Imagine having a drone fly a delivery from a supplier in Ontario to a customer in Michigan. That could be a real scenario with the development of the air mobility corridor in Michigan and Ontario.

Cooperation between both U.S. and Canadian entities has launched the aerial mobility corridor study to test the feasibility of commercial drones and other aerial systems.

The study will look at a proposed commercial drone skyway in three areas of Michigan including an international connection.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “Ontario has a strong and strategically important economic connection with the State of Michigan. We welcome this opportunity to further deepen that relationship and foster new jobs and economic opportunities in developing industries now and well into the future.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Considering the density of auto suppliers, logistic companies, technology start-ups, and consumers in the region, it is a natural fit to test this cutting-edge aerial technology here.”

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification was created in 2020 to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Using Carbon Fiber to Reinforce State Bridges

Bridges take a beating in Michigan, with a damaging freeze-thaw cycle, de-icing chemicals, and heavy traffic in many places. The Michigan Department of Transportation is using pioneering technology to reinforce bridge components in an effort to strengthen and increase the lifespan of the state’s bridges.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “The aim is bridges that last a century with minimal maintenance. This technology, developed here in Michigan, is becoming wildly popular all over the country.” 

The new technology is carbon fiber reinforcements that have a tensile strength comparable to steel but are resistant to corrosion. The longer-lasting bridges require less maintenance and could save taxpayer dollars on life-cycle maintenance.

MDOT Chief Bridge Engineer Matt Chynoweth said, “Rusting of steel elements is the leading cause of deterioration in our bridges. Since carbon fiber is non-corrosive, we are eliminating that potential for damage. Using a material that will not corrode is a real game-changer.”

A carbon-fiber fabrication plant has been built in Michigan. Two new bridges on I-94 and one on I-75 in Detroit are part of the innovative technology.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland