business news

What To Do With Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us once again, we can all get back to our regularly scheduled lives. Time to sit back, and enjoy all of the gifts we have received from family and friends, but what do you do if you didn’t enjoy the gift you received this holiday season?

Seven in ten Americans say they have felt disappointed with gifts they have received, according to foxbusiness.com. So what do you do with those unwanted socks that you got from grandma for the fifth Christmas in a row? Instead of throwing them in the trash or setting them on fire, you can try one of these more thoughtful ideas:

  • Re-gift it.
  • Return or Exchange it.
  • Sell it. 
  • Or donate it to charity.

There’s no need to throw away your unwanted gifts or let them collect dust when there may be other uses for it, unless it’s fruitcake.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Currency Readers Now Available For The Blind Or Visually Impaired

For those Michiganders in the population who suffer from blindness or are visually impaired, there is a new currency reader available to assist you in counting your cash.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced the introduction of the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier. The iBill is a small handheld device that will identify the value of specific denominations of cash. It accomplishes this in one of three ways: a pattern of tones, a pattern of vibrations for privacy, or a clear natural voice. The iBill can identify all U.S. currency in circulation from the single dollar bill, up to the $100 bill.

Those who are blind or visually impaired can apply to receive the audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library. After the application process, the currency reader will be shipped out to the individual the next business day.

For more information on how to apply, contact the library by calling 1-800-992-9012, or by emailing: turnerb9@michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Blue Water Feed The World Project Looking For Volunteers And Donations

Feeding the hungry, and helping the less fortunate is something that we can all be a part of. If you don’t have the finances to donate to a good cause, many organizations would greatly appreciate your time.

The Blue Water Feed The World Project is a nonprofit organization that helps deliver food to those less fortunate, not only in the local community but across the world as well. On Saturday, January 14th, volunteers will be at Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron packing and preparing food to be delivered to local food pantries. A portion of the packaged meals will also be shipped to Haiti, Poland, Romania, Texas, and Florida. 

The project is still in need of monetary donations, with the goal of raising $30,000 to pack 100,000 meals during the course of the event. 

If you would like to make a monetary donation or volunteer in helping package and prepare meals, visit: KCAH.Info.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Recall On Igor Brand Gorgonzola Affecting Canada

Before you break out the wine and cheese this holiday season, you may want to learn about a possible Listeria contamination in your area, involving a particular brand of cheese.

Igor Brand Gorgonzola Dolce, is being recalled due to a possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Food contaminated with this pathogenic bacteria can cause listeriosis, which produces symptoms such as: vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches and neck stiffness. In severe cases death may occur. 

The recalled product has been sold in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. If you have purchased Igor brand Gorgonzola Dolce, you are urged to throw the product away or return it for a refund, but do not consume. If you show signs of any of the symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Wins Deals To Create Or Retain 1,846 Jobs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce the approval of a wide range of projects by the Michigan Strategic Fund. 

The Michigan Strategic Funds approval will create or retain 1,846 jobs and generate more than $1.2 billion in investment in Michigan. The projects will build on statewide leadership in advanced EV (Electric Vehicle) manufacturing, help increase growth opportunities for businesses from start-ups to established companies, bring good jobs to Michigan, and to compete for business attraction opportunities. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “From Marquette to Monroe, we will elevate our growing outdoor recreation, create good-paying jobs, expand leadership in future mobility, and invest in our communities.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For MIOSHA Training Institute Courses

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is urging individuals interested in their January MTI courses to register as soon as possible.

MIOSHA is offering a variety of its MTI courses and training seminars that will provide individuals with further knowledge in protecting the health and safety of Michigan workers. There are three learning formats to choose from including: traditional classroom setting, online, or virtual classroom. 

All students attending MTI courses are eligible for scholarships that will pay 50% of the cost. A brief list of courses available include:

  • General Provisions
  • Asbestos and Lead Awareness
  • MIOSHA Record Keeping and Cost of Injuries
  • Health Hazards In Construction

Those interested should select a class that is more than three weeks away, but not more than three months away from today’s date.

For a full list of courses available or more information, visit: michigan.gov/miosha.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell