Lansing Constructing Music and Arts Center

The City of Lansing is constructing a new facility in its downtown area. The Ovation Music and Arts Center is set to transform and energize the area with live performances, events and concerts.

The two-story arts center will feature a main stage with a capacity of holding approximately 2,000 individuals. It will also house retail and office space for art organizations and creative businesses. A rooftop bar and restaurant space will also be a part of the new venue. 

The Ovation Music and Arts Center will create up to 160 full-time jobs for the community and is expected to open by 2025. The project is supported by a $5 million MSF performance-based grant, $2.75 million in state and federal allocations, as well as $8.5 million in city bonds.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Election Results For St. Clair County

With the 2022 election behind us, we can now take time to see how our efforts have helped shape the future of our community. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers from St. Clair County and the results of the election from ElectionReporting.com.

Out of the registered 138,846 voters there was a 54.18% voter turnout, with 75,224 voters casting their ballots. The race for governor saw Tudor Dixon/Shane Hernandez taking the majority of the votes with 42,731 compared to 30,170 votes for Governor Whitmer/Garlin D. Gilchrist II. In spite of Tudor Dixon’s victory in St. Clair County, Whitmer retained her seat as Governor of the State of Michigan.

The race for Judge of Circuit Court 31st Circuit Incumbent position between Robert Crosby and Cynthia Lane saw Lane taking the victory with 36,612 votes to Crosby’s 22,513. CEO of the Blue Water Area YMCA Josh Chapman won the seat of Board Member for Port Huron Schools with 10,679 total votes.

To review all of the candidates, proposals and more election result information, visit ElectionReporting.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Weird Michigan Laws That Are Still On The Books

With election day now behind us, we can look forward to new laws and regulations being rolled out over the next few years. Our political leaders are often viewed as competent and wise people who have our best interest at heart, but sometimes the laws they come up with will leave you scratching your head.  Some of these may be offensive to certain individuals, but that’s what reaching out to your Congressional leaders is for right?

Now let’s take a look at some of the strangest laws from around Michigan that are still on the books. 

  • The first one is obviously not a good one, but there is a law in Michigan that says women may not cut their hair without their husband’s permission first. Again, we didn’t make the laws so take it easy on us. 
  • In Detroit, it is illegal for your pig to run free in public unless it has a ring in its nose.
  • In Rochester, it is required that all bathing suits be inspected by the head of the police department.
  • Last but not least, it is illegal in Harper Woods to paint a sparrow to look like a parakeet to sell under false pretenses.

The Great Lake State is a beautiful place, albeit with some strange and odd laws still on the books. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Tiny Tots Music Class Offers Small Children A Unique Experience

With children and parents both still adjusting to being in social settings again after the pandemic, many are looking for activities outside of the home to get their small child involved in. The Sal Community Center is offering a unique experience for parents with children between the ages of newborn and 5 years old.

The Tiny Tots Music Class is held every Thursday, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Located at 2000 Court St. in Port Huron, Tiny Tots Music Class participants will sing, dance, make instruments, and experience different genres of music. The class is free, but spaces are limited.

Science says that music helps a child’s body and mind work together, improving language, overall literacy, and social-emotional awareness. Activate your child’s creativity and meet new friends at this fun event.

For more information visit: Bluewaterparent.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Local Organizations Partner For Turkey Giveaway

The holidays are fast approaching, and everyone is getting their shopping done for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to afford a Thanksgiving dinner this year. 

With the help of local businesses and nonprofits coming together, you or your loved ones can attend the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. On Saturday, November 19th, from 11 AM – 1 PM there will be a drive-through food giveaway located at the Marysville Fire Department. The event is on a first come first serve basis with 500 turkeys available, so make sure you arrive early. 

The giveaway is possible through the combined efforts of SOS Marysville Food Pantry, Marysville Meijer, Beacon Wealth Group, City of Marysville Fire/Police Department, and Community Wesleyan Church.

For more information visit their website at: SOS Marysville Food Pantry

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Bottled Water For Benton Harbor Residents

The city of Benton Harbor will be giving away free bottled water to its residents during the month of November, due to severe lead contamination caused by old water lines.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are making an effort to provide as much clean water as possible for residents to use for their everyday needs such as cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, etc. In addition to the bottled water, they will also be providing residents with lead-reducing filters. 

If transportation is an issue you can arrange for delivery by calling 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can also pick up water at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor Fettig Youth Campus, as well as the Southwest Community Action Agency. 

For more information on how to get your water lines replaced visit: dtmb.state.mi.us Water Service Line Replacement Agreement

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell