environment

Michigan Faces Surge In Deer-Involved Crashes

Michigan has witnessed a concerning rise in deer-related accidents, reaching the highest count in a decade, with 58,984 incidents reported in 2022—a 13% increase from the previous year. 

As firearm deer season kicks off, there is a call for heightened driver awareness, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer activity peaks. November, 2022 has been cited as the worst month with 10,923 crashes. Kent County leads the list with 2,250 reported incidents. 

Safety tips to avoid deer-related accidents include watching for deer, especially at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. If you see one deer, approach cautiously, as there may be more out of sight. Slow down when traveling through deer-populated areas, and always wear your seat belt. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and then proceed to steer your vehicle off the roadway.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4’s Jessica Brown Honored As A Notable Leader In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion By Crain’s Detroit Business

In a remarkable achievement, Jessica Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College (SC4), located in Port Huron, has been named a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Crain’s Detroit Business. 

This recognition acknowledges Brown’s exceptional leadership in SC4’s DEI Office, recruitment efforts, the TRIO program, the Strive Mentorship initiative, Women in Sports panel discussions, and her contributions to the adaptive wheelchair basketball team. 

Brown’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity has left a lasting impact on the college community. The prestigious accolade from Crain’s Detroit Business highlights Brown’s significant role in advancing DEI initiatives at SC4.

For more details, visit: crainsdetroit.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County’s EDA Secures $2.5M For Regional Small Business Boost

The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County celebrates its $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Hubs program (SBSH). The awarded funds are earmarked to enhance the Small Business Development Center’s services in Region 6, fostering growth in the Port Huron SmartZone Hub and the affiliated Underground Incubator for tech and non-tech startups.

This initiative extends its reach to Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac Counties, establishing counseling and training hubs. Co-working spaces in St. Clair’s Village of Capac and Huron’s Bad Axe will emerge through local community foundations.

The EDA plans to expand its Emerge Fund across Region 6, seeding it with grant funds of around $426,000 for eligible small businesses over three years. Collaboration with service providers aims to provide essential support in legal, accounting, marketing, and other vital areas, fostering entrepreneurial success and regional economic growth.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Century Art Gallery Awarded $25,000 In Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program

Main Street America and American Express revealed the recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program on Wednesday, November 1st, with New Century Art Gallery in Marine City emerging as one of the winners. 

The $25,000 grant aims to bolster small businesses, and Jeanne Burris Johnson, expressing gratitude, outlined plans to expand classes, community programs, and collaborations in the St. Clair County area.

Twenty-five small business owners nationwide, including New Century Art Gallery, were awarded these grants, totaling $625,000. With this announcement, the program’s contributions in 2023 reach over $2.3 million, supporting 680 small businesses. 

Launched in 2021 to aid post-pandemic recovery, the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Program exemplifies American Express’ commitment to empowering independent business owners through various initiatives, including the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Genomic Studies On European Ancestry Questioned: NHGRI Researchers Reveal Flaws In Previous Findings

In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) have challenged the accuracy of previous genomic studies on individuals with European ancestry. 

The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the oversight of treating Europeans as a genetically homogenous group in large-scale studies. By acknowledging mixed genetic lineages, known as admixture, the NHGRI team discovered that inferred connections between a genomic variant influencing lactose digestion and traits like height and cholesterol levels may be invalid.

Lead author Daniel Shriner, Ph.D., emphasizes the need to reevaluate prior genome-wide association studies, urging researchers to account for admixture in their analyses. The findings underscore the intricate genetic diversity within European populations, prompting a more nuanced approach to deciphering the links between genomic variants and traits.

For more information, visit: genome.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Community Unites To Grant Terminally Ill Child One Last Christmas Wish

The Tires and Treads Community Project is rallying local support to fulfill the heartfelt Christmas wish of Leo, a terminally ill 8-year-old boy. Leo’s mother, with the hope of giving her son one more Christmas, is seeking assistance from kind-hearted individuals willing to provide gifts for Leo and his three siblings, aged 15, 3, and 2.

The project organizer, Fran Morris, is urging the community to come together and help make this Christmas celebration a reality for Leo and his family. Gifts can be donated in person by contacting the organizer for pickup, or they can be sent via Amazon to the Tires and Treads Community Project at 7114 Imlay City Rd. Clyde, MI 48049. 

As the community unites to bring joy to Leo and his family during a challenging time, the spirit of giving shines brightly, showing the power of compassion and support.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell