Gov. Whitmer And Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist II Work To Bring Tech Hub To Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II have written a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, urging the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to establish a regional technology and innovation hub in Michigan. This initiative is part of a $500 million national investment, and the Michigan Tech Hub aims to generate well-paying, high-skill jobs in the state’s emerging industries.

Gov. Whitmer says, “Michigan is home to a talented, skilled workforce that is ready to lead the way in emerging industries, including tech.” She highlighted the state’s recent achievements, securing over $16 billion in investment and creating 16,000 high-paying jobs in battery technology, clean energy, and advanced mobility manufacturing. 

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist echoed these sentiments, noting Michigan’s position as the top emerging startup ecosystem, a hub for mobility innovation, and the fastest-growing clean energy sector in the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Amazon Customers Beware Of A New Scam

Be on the lookout for a new Amazon scam known as “brushing,” where fraudulent sellers ship packages to unsuspecting individuals using publicly available names and addresses.

Customers who receive unordered packages are urged to exercise caution and take immediate action. The first step is to confirm that the package is not a gift that may have been sent by a well-wisher.

It is advised to reach out to friends and family to check if they have placed any unexpected orders on your behalf. Once it is established that the package is unsolicited, it is crucial to report the incident promptly.

Brushing allows the sender to write reviews in your name with the purpose of falsely boosting the ratings or reputation of a company.

To report an unwanted package, individuals can view the Report Unwanted Package form available online. Customers can also contact Customer Service, who will assist in filing a report with the investigations team.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Make A Splash With The Blue Water YMCA Swimming Programs

Swimming is known for helping to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. The Blue Water Area YMCA offers a variety of swimming programs for all ages to ensure you and your family have a safe summer as you participate in water related activities.

The Blue Water YMCA’s swimming program instills vital life skills such as water safety and rescue techniques. 

YMCA Lifeguard, A.J Coody can vouch for the skills the program has taught her. Coody had a bad experience as a child that made her feel swimming was not the activity for her. She now helps other young kids obtain the confidence and skills necessary for proper water safety. 

“I’ll take kids with the most experience and pair them with ones who have less, which helps them build up their confidence,” says Coody. 

If you would like to help support the swimming programs, or other programs  at the Blue Water YMCA through their Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SCCHD Discontinuing COVID-19 Tests

As the public’s concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic begin to fade away, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) will discontinue COVID-19 testing services starting June 2nd.

The announcement comes as the demand for testing has declined and free home test kits are now widely available.

The health department has conducted an estimated 18,000 COVID-19 tests since the pandemic’s outbreak. However, as the federal public health emergency declaration is ending, health department officials have announced that it’s an appropriate time for a change.

Individuals interested in free COVID-19 home test kits can pick them up at the health department’s front reception area during regular business hours. 

If you would like additional testing resources, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends visiting: testinglocator.cdc.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Adaptive Sports Wheelchair Basketball Coming To SC4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will launch a wheelchair basketball team for the 2023 fall semester. The team will be open to both SC4 students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied and enthusiastic about wheelchair basketball, with priority given to SC4 students.

SC4’s new co-ed wheelchair basketball team will expand the college’s collegiate athletic offerings to 16 teams, including baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, dance, Esports, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos says, ” Our Skippers Athletics Program continues to grow and flourish, and the addition of adaptive sports at SC4 is a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community. We’re thrilled to offer this new opportunity for both athletes and fans.”

Individuals interested in joining the wheelchair basketball team for 2023-24 can visit:  sc4.edu/athletics, or send an email to: mjwhittredge@sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

“Dirty Nirty” Gardening Workshop Excitement With Seed & Soul Society

The Seed & Soul Society invites gardening enthusiasts to its “Dirty Nirty” workshop that promises to unlock the secrets of soil and plant nutrition. 

Ben Krenke, the gardening rockstar and soil guru, will lead the workshop on May 20th, from 10:00am to 11:30am at Soulstice Garden located at 2401 North Blvd, Port Huron. 

Participants will learn how to take their gardening game to the next level using techniques straight from the pros. The workshop will offer participants an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of soil and plant nutrition.

The first 30 people to register will receive a surprise gift from Ventana Plant Science. These special gifts promise to put a smile on the faces of participants and give their gardening endeavors an extra boost.

RSVP and find out more here: https://s3ph.norby.live/event/6db20c20-099d-400a-93e7-250399e3a383

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell