business news

St. Clair Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Free Concert Series At Riverview Plaza Park

Spice up your Labor Day weekend with St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza at Riverview Plaza Park located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. in St. Clair. From Sept. 6-8, this event will be hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

This free summer concert series features performances by local bands including Dusk Til Dawn on Sept. 6 (7-11 p.m.), Northbound on Sept. 7 (7-11 p.m.), and BlueBlaze on Sept. 8 (2-6 p.m.).

Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets, though seating is available in the courtyard and nearby restaurants. Enjoy food from local restaurants such as War Water Brewery, Hamlin Pub, and The Anchor Pointe Bistro.

For more information, visit: the St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza event page on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Awards $20.5 Million In Grants For School Mental Health And Safety

Children in 76 Michigan intermediate school districts, public school districts, and public charter schools will benefit from nearly $20.5 million in grants from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed by President Joe Biden, the grants aim to expand mental health services and enhance school safety initiatives.

“These grants will make our schools safer and more supportive for our students,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.

Funds from the Stronger Connections Grant Program will be used to foster safe, healthy, and supportive school environments, provide mental health services, implement anti-bullying plans, and train educators. The goal is to improve student well-being, aligning with Michigan’s Strategic Top 10 Education Plan.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Leads Midwest In Employment Services, Ranks #2 Nationally

Michigan has emerged as a leader in job placement, serving more participants than any other Midwestern state and ranking second in the nation for helping adults secure employment, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) 2023 Employment and Training Annual Report. 

LEO’s Office of Employment and Training works closely with Adult Education providers, Community Rehabilitation Programs, and the Michigan Works! network to ensure local access to job training and career opportunities. 

Partnerships with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Workforce Development and Operations play a critical role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities also benefit from these employment initiatives. 

LEO’s programs are supported by nearly 800 employees across 40-plus services and initiatives, which account for 26.5% of the department’s budget, totaling $760 million. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Sheriff Warns Community Of Bitcoin Scam Posing As Law Enforcement

Sheriff Mat King is alerting St. Clair County residents about a scam involving a local 810 number impersonating law enforcement. 

The scammer, claiming to be “Deputy Mark Williams” or “Lt. McMillan,” informs victims that they have outstanding warrants and must pay via a Bitcoin kiosk to avoid arrest. The caller uses official-sounding language and local names to appear legitimate, and the voicemail mimics that of the St Clair County’s Sheriff’s Office.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that it will never contact individuals about warrants or demand payments, especially via Bitcoin or gift cards. Residents are urged to be cautious when answering unfamiliar calls and to avoid sharing personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money—contact the Sheriff’s Office at 810-987-1700 to verify its legitimacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair Kennel Club Invites Community To Annual Dog Show At Goodells Park

The St. Clair Kennel Club is excited to invite dog enthusiasts and the community to its annual dog shows, set to take place on Sept. 13, 14, and 15, at Goodells Park. 

This highly anticipated event will feature approximately 700 dogs, each accompanied by their handlers and exhibitors, drawing participants from across St. Clair County, neighboring regions, other states, and even Canada.

Throughout the weekend, spectators can enjoy a variety of competitions, including judging based on the structure and movement of the dogs, with special awards for owner-handled entries. The event also offers obedience and rally trials, FETCH trials on Friday, and a Junior Showmanship competition for youth aged 9-18. A special activity is planned for children aged 5-9 on Sunday, making the event fun for the entire family.

For further information, contact: Club Secretary Barb Hahn at (586) 306-1027.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Announces Launch Of PitchMI, $100K Mobility Innovation Competition

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially opened applications for PitchMI, a statewide pitch competition offering $100,000 for an innovative solution to transform Michigan’s transportation. 

Aimed at enhancing safety, affordability, and efficiency in mobility, PitchMI is part of the Whitmer administration’s broader efforts to spur innovation, support entrepreneurs, and build a more prosperous future for the state.

PitchMI aligns with Michigan’s historic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation, reinforcing the state’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing and research. The competition is open to Michigan-based companies with ready-to-demonstrate solutions and will take place on October 24 at the MI Future Mobility Conference in Detroit.

“PitchMI will unleash Michigan’s innovative spirit,” said Whitmer. “I look forward to seeing the creative ideas that emerge.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell