Michigan Faces Surge In Deer-Involved Crashes

Michigan has witnessed a concerning rise in deer-related accidents, reaching the highest count in a decade, with 58,984 incidents reported in 2022—a 13% increase from the previous year. 

As firearm deer season kicks off, there is a call for heightened driver awareness, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer activity peaks. November, 2022 has been cited as the worst month with 10,923 crashes. Kent County leads the list with 2,250 reported incidents. 

Safety tips to avoid deer-related accidents include watching for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as there may be more out of sight. Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas, and always wear your seat belt. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and then proceed to steer your vehicle off the roadway.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

OptOutside Hike Offers Refreshing Alternative To Black Friday Shopping Tradition

In a break from Black Friday consumerism, Friends of the St. Clair River and St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission are partnering to present the OptOutside Hike on Friday, November 24th, at 10a.m. at Columbus County Park in Columbus Township. Families are encouraged to trade shopping bags for hiking boots and embrace the outdoors.

The St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission and Friends of the St. Clair River has observed this tradition for five years. 

Melissa Kivel, Friends Education Manager, emphasizes the event as a laid-back alternative to the holiday shopping rush, inviting participants to kick off the season with a guided hike in the picturesque 400-acre county park. The hike concludes with a cozy bonfire featuring s’mores and hot cocoa. The event is free, promoting a festive and eco-friendly start to the holiday season. 

For more information, contact Melissa Kivel at (810) 531- 6906.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Excessive Digital Entertainment Hinders Children’s Creativity, Clinical Psychologist Warns

A 2019 pediatric study in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics reveals a correlation between social media use and diminished creativity in adolescents, linking it to low academic outcomes and reduced concentration. 

Clinical psychologist Stephanie Lee highlights the crucial role of boredom in fostering creativity among children and teenagers. Lee, specializing in optimizing education and mental health for youth, asserts that excessive digital entertainment robs kids of the boredom essential for generating their ideas, hindering imagination.

This study aligns with a growing body of research demonstrating the detrimental impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health, including a 2021 study indicating deficiencies in problem-solving and resilience skills among social media-addicted teens.

Lee suggests that diverse forms of entertainment, such as watching documentaries or attending concerts, can stimulate creativity, encouraging children to generate ideas independently.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4’s Jessica Brown Honored As A Notable Leader In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion By Crain’s Detroit Business

In a remarkable achievement, Jessica Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), located in Port Huron, has been named a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Crain’s Detroit Business. 

This recognition acknowledges Brown’s exceptional leadership in SC4’s DEI Office, recruitment efforts, the TRIO program, the Strive Mentorship initiative, Women in Sports panel discussions, and her contributions to the adaptive wheelchair basketball team. 

Brown’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity has left a lasting impact on the college community. The prestigious accolade from Crain’s Detroit Business highlights Brown’s significant role in advancing DEI initiatives at SC4.

For more details, visit: crainsdetroit.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Learn A New Skill As Michigan Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Michigan takes pride in its status as a leader in Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide participants with paid work experience, relevant classroom instruction, and a nationally recognized credential from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). 

Michigan, ranking among the nation’s top states for such initiatives, is committed to broadening access to Registered Apprenticeships, particularly for underrepresented populations, including individuals with disabilities.Registered Apprentices not only earn a paycheck from day one but also benefit from hands-on training in high-wage, high-skill career pathways under the guidance of experienced mentors. 

The state encourages all interested individuals to explore the opportunities and resources available, emphasizing inclusivity in apprenticeship programs. Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships and how to kickstart your journey at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Study Shows Lack Of Sleep May Lead To Women Developing Diabetes

As World Diabetes Month unfolds, a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that chronic insufficient sleep can heighten insulin resistance, especially in postmenopausal women. 

Published in Diabetes Care, the research emphasizes the critical role of adequate sleep in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes development, hampers the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.

Marishka Brown, Ph.D., Director of the National Center on Sleep Disorder Research at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, underscores the importance of understanding sleep’s impact on women’s health, particularly postmenopausal women. The NIH-funded study sheds light on the long-term consequences of sleep disturbances, linking them to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell