business news

Environmental Cleanup Funding To Support New Housing Space In Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids has been approved to receive funding that will cover the cost of environmental cleanup for the redevelopment of a contaminated site.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) provided $20.7 million in brownfield funding in 2022 which has been used to fund 67 projects statewide. 

Brownfields are vacant or abandoned properties with known or suspected contamination. When these sites are cleaned and developed, it increases property values at the site, as well as those of other nearby properties. “The Lofts on Grove” project is expected to generate $24.3 million in investment.

The project will see new apartments and commercial space in the city. When finished, the Lofts on Grove will be a four-story building with 110 apartments and more than 3,200 feet of commercial space. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Two Michigan Locations To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, and many are making plans to celebrate with their significant other. Check out these two locations in Michigan that may suit your tastes. 

 The Whitney

The Whitney, located at 4421 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, is world famous for upscale dining. They have a Valentine’s Day event that takes place this weekend beginning Friday, February 10, 11, 12, and 14th. They are offering a four-course dinner menu complete with a strolling violinist and souvenir red rose for each couple. Tickets are $99 per person with prepaid reservation. 

Huron House

If you’re interested in a bed and breakfast romantic getaway, check out Huron House, located at 3124 North US-23, Oscoda. Huron House is a luxurious lakefront destination that features king beds, fireplaces, private hot tubs, jetted tubs, and lake views. Breakfast is delivered directly to you, so that you can relax and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your luxury room.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Festival Fire, Ice & Spice Coming To Marine City

If you’re looking for some outdoor winter fun, you have to check out the 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Festival Fire, Ice & Spice event in Marine City!

Fire, Ice & Spice will take place at 300 Broadway St. It begins Saturday, February 11th from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is free to the public.  

The event will feature ice skating and fire performances, a chili cookoff between local restaurants and organizations, music, raffle basket, and more! Guests can keep warm at one of the fire pits or with a warm beverage. It’s $8 for a taste test wristband that allows you to sample all entries and vote for your favorite chili. 

The event is sponsored by the Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce. Restaurants and organizations who would like to join the chili cookoff can find more information by emailing chamber@visitmarinecity.com or by calling (810) 765-4501.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Arc Of St. Clair County 1st Annual Dinner Dance

Are you looking for an exciting Valentine’s Day event to attend for a good cause? If the answer is yes, then The Arc of St. Clair County has something for you. 

On Thursday, February 9th, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Arc of St. Clair County will be hosting its 1st Annual “Show The Love Dinner/Dance & Virtual Auction.” The event will be held at Alexander’s Banquet Center located at 1200 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville.  

The dinner/dance will feature a DJ, photo booth, virtual auction, 50/50 raffle, booze pull, dash for cash, and more! 

The event is part of an effort to raise $20,000 for The Arc of St. Clair County. Their mission is to support and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and advocating for their full inclusion and participation in the community.

Tickets are $40 per person, if you would like more information or would just like to make a donation, you can visit: thearcscc.org 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

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