environment

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grants $500,000 To SONS Outreach, Fueling $750,000 Capital Campaign For Building Renovation

In a significant boost for Port Huron’s SONS Outreach, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has allocated a generous $500,000 grant. This grant kick-starts a $750,000 capital campaign aiming to renovate the recently acquired former Harrison Elementary School building. 

SONS Outreach, owning the property outright thanks to community support, plans to utilize the funds to address immediate needs like a security system, roof replacement, ADA-compliant restrooms, and parking lot renovation.

The campaign, initiated in October 2023, seeks to secure funds for future maintenance, working in collaboration with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The MEDC grant underscores the state’s recognition of SONS Outreach’s vital youth programming, motivating ongoing efforts to meet the campaign’s January 31st, 2024 deadline.

For information on how to donate, visit: sonsoutreach.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Post-Thanksgiving Safety: Tips for Handling Leftovers to Prevent Food Poisoning

After the Thanksgiving feast, we all look forward to those delicious  leftovers, which some may argue taste better the next day, but safe handling is crucial to avoid food poisoning. 

Remember these essential tips for storing and reheating Thanksgiving dishes to keep you and your family out of the emergency room. 

Leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking, ensuring they are divided into smaller portions for quick cooling. Contrary to common practice, there’s no need to let food cool to room temperature before storing—place leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer promptly. 

Leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for three to four days, with the FoodKeeper app offering reminders for the ‘use or freeze’ deadline. When reheating, reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C), and ensure even heating, especially in microwaves. With proper handling, your post-Thanksgiving meals can be both delicious and safe.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

United Auto Workers Seal Historic Contracts With Big Three Automakers After Prolonged Strike

Following a momentous six-week strike by workers at the Big Three automakers earlier this fall, United Auto Workers (UAW) union members at Ford have ratified a tentative contract, joining their counterparts at Stellantis and General Motors. 

Preliminary results reveal that 68% of Ford’s nearly 35,000 union members voted in favor of the agreement. Similarly, over 68% of the more than 26,000 Stellantis union members approved their contract. GM’s agreement, ratified earlier, garnered approximately 55% support from nearly 36,000 voting union members. 

While some plants are still voting, the overall outcome is unlikely to change. The historic strike, spanning nearly 50 days, sought improved wages and benefits for UAW members at Stellantis, Ford, and GM.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Thanksgiving Turkey Fryer Safety: Essential Tips To Avoid Fires And Injuries

As Thanksgiving approaches, the wonderful aroma of fried turkeys fills the air, but it comes with a side of safety concerns. Each year, thousands of fires, injuries, and even fatalities occur due to turkey fryer mishaps. 

To ensure a hazard-free holiday, follow these crucial safety tips before firing up your turkey fryer. 

First, set up the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home, keeping kids and pets at a safe distance. Place it on flat ground to maintain steady oil levels and prevent spills. Only fry a thawed and dry turkey to avoid being splashed with hot oil. Be sure not to overfill your fryer with too much oil to prevent overflowing. Caution is key when handling the fryer, as lids and handles can become extremely hot. Finally, be prepared with a multipurpose, dry-powder fire extinguisher in case of emergencies.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Lake Huron Medical Center Earns Multiple Five-Star Ratings For Specialty Care from Healthgrades

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC), a distinguished member of Prime Healthcare, proudly announced its recent attainment of several five-star ratings for specialty care, as unveiled by Healthgrades, the foremost consumer resource for hospital and doctor selection.

LHMC’s remarkable five-star distinctions encompass Treatment of Pneumonia (4 years consecutively), Gallbladder Removal Surgery (4 years consecutively), and Treatment of Diabetic Hospitalizations (2 years consecutively). These accolades underscore LHMC’s unwavering dedication to consistently delivering top-tier specialty care, placing the medical center among the nation’s elite hospitals.

In addition to these accolades, Lake Huron Medical Center has also secured the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for five consecutive years, being named among the Top 5% and Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety for the same duration. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

International Fraud Awareness Week Prompts Vigilance Against Scams, Unveils Protective Measures

As International Fraud Awareness Week unfolds from November 12th – 18th, global attention turns to combating prevalent scams with practical safeguards. To shield against financial scams, experts advocate critical steps for consumers. 

Caution reigns supreme—think twice before clicking any link or downloading attachments, especially in emails or on websites, even from familiar sources. Public Wi-Fi users are urged to exercise extra caution. Slow down to thwart scammers who exploit panic; breathe before responding to threatening calls demanding immediate payments.

Seek opinions from trusted contacts on suspicious transactions or emails. Research proves paramount; a quick online check can unveil a company’s reputation. Enlist in the National Do Not Call Registry to fend off telemarketers, and safeguard personal information zealously. 

International Fraud Awareness Week inspires global resilience against evolving scams, reinforcing the public’s armor against fraudsters.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell