local news

New Emerge Fund/Entrepreneurial Grant Program Launched For St. Clair County Businesses

Applications are now open for the Emerge Fund/Entrepreneurial Grant, offering financial support to budding entrepreneurs and small businesses in St. Clair County. 

The grant targets startups and existing ventures with less than two years since incorporation, ten or fewer employees, and revenue under $1 million. With a maximum request of $5,000 per applicant, funds can be utilized for diverse purposes including market feasibility studies, website development, patent filings, marketing, equipment purchase, and legal or CPA services. However, salary or income expenses are excluded. 

Funding, facilitated by the City of Port Huron, is available exclusively to recipients within the city limits, while grants for St. Clair County applicants are made possible through donations from Huntington National Bank and Fifth Third Bank, aimed at nurturing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply before March 22nd, for a chance to accelerate your business growth.

For more information, visit: edascc.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Daniel Hale Williams: Founder Of America’s First Black-Owned Hospital And Pioneer Of Heart Surgery

Born in 1858 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Daniel Hale Williams carved an enduring mark in medical history as an African American. Williams’s journey from shoemaker to surgeon exemplifies resilience and determination.

Following his pursuit of education, Williams apprenticed under a former surgeon general, paving his path to medical studies at Chicago Medical College. His career flourished in Chicago, where he established himself as a prominent surgeon and educator, advocating for racial integration in healthcare.

In 1891, Williams realized his vision by founding Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses, the nation’s first interracial medical institution. This groundbreaking endeavor provided a platform for both black and white medical professionals, cementing Williams’s legacy as a pioneer in medicine and champion of equality in healthcare. He was also the first person to perform a successful open heart surgery in 1893.

Dr. Williams died in 1931. The Daniel Hale Williams Medical Reading Club in Washington, D.C., commemorates his achievements.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Toyota Recalls 280,000 Pickups And SUVs In The US Over Engine Disengagement Concerns

Toyota has issued a recall for approximately 280,000 pickups and SUVs in the United States due to a potential issue where the engine may not completely disengage when in neutral, the Japanese manufacturer announced Wednesday.

According to Toyota, certain components of the transmission may not disengage immediately upon shifting into neutral, allowing residual engine power to continue reaching the wheels. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, particularly on flat surfaces without the application of brakes, posing an elevated risk of accidents.

Affected models include specific Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles, along with Lexus LX 600 models produced between 2022 and 2024.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by late April, with Toyota planning to provide software updates for the transmission to address the issue.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Introduces New Driver’s License And State ID Designs, Mackinac Bridge Image Replaced For Enhanced Security

Michigan’s iconic Mackinac Bridge image is being replaced on the state’s new driver’s licenses and state IDs as part of compliance with federal regulations, with enhanced security features incorporated into the updated designs, officials announced.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized that the new designs prioritize security, aiming to protect residents from identity theft and fraud. The transition to the new cards will occur gradually as residents renew or obtain their licenses and IDs.

While existing cards featuring the Mackinac Bridge remain valid until expiration, they will be phased out over the next five years to meet federal standards. The updated cards feature engraved data and other security elements, including multicolored text displaying the names of the Great Lakes and intricate shading to deter counterfeit attempts.

These changes align with federal mandates, ensuring that Michigan IDs meet requirements for domestic flights and access to regulated facilities by May 7th, 2025.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Summer Forecast Shifts As El Niño Fades, Making Way For Potential La Niña Conditions

As winter wanes, meteorologists are eyeing a significant shift in Pacific Ocean temperatures, marking the anticipated end of the robust El Niño phenomenon and the potential emergence of its counterpart, La Niña. 

El Niño, characterized by warmer equatorial Pacific waters, has dominated this winter’s weather patterns. However, forecasts now indicate a transition towards neutral conditions, followed by the onset of La Niña sometime this summer. This shift holds implications for global weather patterns, with La Niña heralding cooler equatorial waters and potential alterations in upper-air flows across the United States. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has integrated this transition into its long-range forecasts, recognizing the historical significance of such shifts, which have occurred six times since 1950. As the seasons evolve, so too will the atmospheric dynamics, shaping the climate outlook for the coming months.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Parks & Recreation Presents Paint Along With Kara

Port Huron Parks & Recreation is set to launch a creative activity entitled, “Paint Along With Kara,” this engaging event invites participants to delve into the world of artistry under the guidance of seasoned instructor, Kara Kaercher. 

Aspiring artists will have the opportunity to master the techniques of painting a cozy winter scene on an 8×10 canvas. The event takes place on Saturday, March 9th, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., at the Lower Level of Palmer Recreation Center located at 2829 Armour St, Port Huron. “Paint Along With Kara” promises an immersive experience for attendees aged 9 and above. 

With a registration deadline of March 1st, residents can secure their spot for $30, while non-residents can participate for $60. Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity and bring your winter dreams to life!

For more information, visit: rec.porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell