business news

Blake’s Annual Sunflower Festival: A Blooming Celebration With 200+ Artisans, DIY Workshops, And U-Pick Sunflowers

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill’s Annual Sunflower Festival returns this August, offering a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages. 

On Aug. 16-18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival invites guests to explore over 200 artisans showcasing handcrafted products and more. Attendees can enjoy free classes on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, and the benefits of local honey. For hands-on fun, DIY workshops allow participants to create with real sunflowers (additional charge). 

The festival also offers U-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables, along with endless photo opportunities in the scenic sunflower fields. Admission includes access to Barnyard Funland and free parking. Children aged 2 and under enter free, making this a perfect outing for families. 

For more information, visit: blakefarms.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Deadline Approaches For Michiganders Wrongly Accused Of Receiving Unemployment Benefits

Time is running out for Michiganders to qualify for a class action lawsuit against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The Bauserman v. UIA lawsuit contends that the UIA wrongly accused some claimants of fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits between 2013 and 2015.

Monday, Aug. 19, is the final day for potential members to submit a signed release to Analytics Consulting, the independent Claims Administrator. Failure to return the release may result in losing the right to a payment from the $20 million settlement, approved by the Michigan Court of Claims in January 2023. The lawsuit addresses wrongful collections, wage garnishments, and tax intercepts resulting from errors by the UIA’s Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) system. 

For more information, visit https: bwclassactions.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association Of St. Clair County Gears Up For 5K Run & Walk

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County is set to host its annual 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 21, at Kiefer Park in Port Huron. 

This event, a staple in the community’s efforts to raise awareness and funds, kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at 9:15 a.m. Registration fees range from $20 to $35, with special rates available for children and early registrants. Participants can choose to forgo a t-shirt for a reduced fee. 

The funds raised will provide crucial support to local caregivers through the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association (DAA) Respite Grant and Educational Speaker Series. Additionally, a portion will help fund ongoing research at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. 

For more information and to register, visit: DAASCC.org or call (810) 990-9558.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Deadline Extended For Michigan Municipalities To Register For $1.2 Billion Kroger Opioid Settlement

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced an extension to the deadline for counties and local municipalities to register for payments from the $1.2 billion national Kroger settlement. The new deadline is now Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. This settlement will provide approximately $42 million over 11 years to Michigan’s state and local governments to combat the opioid crisis.

AG Nessel, who has prioritized addressing the opioid epidemic since taking office, urged all eligible municipalities to submit their participation paperwork. “This settlement cannot erase the profound impact of the opioid epidemic, but it is a significant step toward holding companies accountable,” Nessel said. The funds will be used for opioid use disorder treatment and other remediation efforts. 

For more information, visit: the Opioid Settlement Distribution website at michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

FedDev Ontario Opens Second Intake For Tourism Growth Program In Southern Ontario

In Nov. 2023, the Honourable Minister Filomena Tassi, responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, launched the first intake of the Tourism Growth Program, offering funding to businesses and organizations to enhance tourism attractions in the region. Building on this initiative, FedDev Ontario has now opened the second intake, with applications being accepted until Sept. 17, 2024.

Priority may be given to small- and medium-sized enterprises, and stakeholders are encouraged to promote the program within their communities. Businesses interested in applying can visit the FedDev Ontario website for detailed eligibility criteria.

To assist potential applicants, FedDev Ontario will host an informational session on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 10-11 a.m. via MSTeams. 

For further information, contact FedDev Ontario at: info@feddevontario.gc.ca or 1-866-593-5505.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan AG Dana Nessel Warns Residents To Protect Personal Data After McLaren Health Care Cyberattack

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information following a cyberattack on McLaren Health Care. 

The breach, reported on Aug. 6, has disrupted the healthcare provider’s IT systems, raising concerns about the exposure of sensitive data. While McLaren assures the public that its facilities remain “largely operational,” Nessel warns that cybercriminals may have accessed private information.

Nessel highlights the importance of monitoring for signs of identity theft, such as unexpected medical bills, errors in insurance statements, and unrecognized debt collections. She emphasized the lack of Michigan state laws requiring notification of significant data breaches, leaving many consumers vulnerable. 

Nessel advises residents to consult her office’s consumer alert at Data Breaches: What to Do Next for guidance on responding to data breaches and protecting personal information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell