business news

New Executive Director Michael Hensley To Lead Blue Water Area Convention

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Hensley as its new Executive Director. Hensley, a seasoned professional in the tourism industry, is set to take the reins from Marci Fogal, who is retiring in mid-2024 after 25 years of dedicated service.

With extensive experience gained during his tenure as the Director of Tourism Marketing at the Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB since 2017, Hensley brings a fresh perspective to Michigan’s Thumbcoast tourism landscape. Raised in Warren, Michigan, and with fond memories of summers spent along the Thumbcoast, Hensley is eager to contribute to the area’s ongoing growth and development.

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau serves as the official destination marketing organization for Michigan’s Thumbcoast, dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination and contributing to its economic prosperity.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota Expands U.S. Safety Recall To Include 43,000 Additional Vehicles Due To Airbag Issue

Toyota has announced an expansion of its non-compliance safety recall in the United States, now encompassing an extra 43,000 vehicles from the 2023 model year. 

The affected models include the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross hybrid, Highlander, Highlander hybrid, and Tacoma, bringing the total number of recalled vehicles in the U.S. to approximately 153,000. The Highlander has recently had an additional 751,000 vehicles recalled for potentially loose bumpers. 

Part of the mass recall is initiated due to a potential issue with the spiral cable assembly in the steering column, which could disrupt the electrical connection controlling the driver’s airbag. 

To check if your vehicle is part of a safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

This Historic Port Huron Building Has Had Rumors Of Paranormal Activity

Situated at 420 Huron Avenue in Port Huron stands a historic corner building that has seen its fair share of transformations over the years, from a Subway to Bradford’s Restaurant and an unnamed eatery in the 1940s.

The building’s creepy history dating back to the late 1940s has cast a haunting shadow. The owner, who was involved in the risky business of bootlegged liquor, met a gruesome end in the building’s cellar, a murder that went unsolved.

One former employee recounted an incident in 1987 when she heard her name called from an empty kitchen. Spooked by the supernatural encounter, she and her coworker ventured into the kitchen, only to find no one there.

Today, the building houses Cedar Sub & Salad, those who venture there can savor a delicious chicken shawarma along with other delicious Mediterranean menu items, but make sure you watch out for things that go bump in the night.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

BWROC’s Executive Director Discovers Connections To Famous Ancestor

GEDkin Inc, a non-profit organization involved in determining genealogy has made an exciting discovery about a local resident and his ties to the Civil War. 

Community leader and BWROC Executive Director Patrick Patterson, has uncovered a direct connection to Civil War hero Thomas Henry Sheppard, who is known for his gallant actions during the war. Sheppard is Patterson’s third-great grandfather whose extraordinary story includes carrying an oversized U.S. flag into numerous battles, even after being wounded and captured during the Battle of Gettysburg. 

Michigan Legislature aims to honor Sheppard posthumously with a Congressional Medal of Honor. The Sheppard flag is now a cherished artifact at the Dearborn Historical Museum.

Patterson says, “This truly touches my heart as it might anyone. It’s amazing to find out there was a recommendation to Congress for a Medal of Honor in 2017, which was my first year in recovery. It’s a great story. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

MMA Showdown: Gary Ward Vs. Jack Molinaro Set To Ignite Wrigley Hall

In a much-anticipated event, Wrigley Hall in Port Huron will play host to a night of live MMA action on December 2nd. Rebel Combat is proud to present a headlining battle between two determined fighters, Gary Ward and Jack Molinaro.

The doors are set to open at 6:00 p.m., with the event beginning at 7:00 p.m., promising fans an action-packed evening. General admission tickets are available for $35, while the first five rows offer an up-close experience for $65. For those seeking the ultimate VIP experience, special VIP tickets are available for $100.

Attendees should be sure to check out all that Wrigley Hall has to offer prior to the event, from its restaurants and shops to the beautiful rooftop view. MMA enthusiasts and fight fans won’t want to miss this epic showdown. 

For more information, visit: eventbrite.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Retreat Center To Host ‘A Safe Place To Heal’

In a bid to provide solace and healing for those grappling with grief, the Lake Huron Retreat Center in Burtchville is set to host a unique transformational event, titled ‘A Safe Place to Heal – Grief Retreat.’ 

Running from November 10th – 12th, this retreat offers a safe haven for individuals seeking profound personal wellness through a series of paradigm-shifting experiences.

The retreat will feature workshops and sessions designed to promote personal growth, including the Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), grief support, practical skills, and Indigenous Andean traditions. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore rejuvenating practices such as yoga, reiki, art therapy, sound healing, dance therapy, and meditation.

Accommodations, meals, and beverages are included in the package, with options for single to quad occupancy. The organizers encourage participants to consider sharing a room to foster a sense of community and mutual support during the retreat.

For more information, visit: inspiredbyjen.info.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell