St. Clair County

St. Clair Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Free Concert Series At Riverview Plaza Park

Spice up your Labor Day weekend with St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza at Riverview Plaza Park located at 201 N. Riverside Ave. in St. Clair. From Sept. 6-8, this event will be hosted by the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce. 

This free summer concert series features performances by local bands including Dusk Til Dawn on Sept. 6 (7-11 p.m.), Northbound on Sept. 7 (7-11 p.m.), and BlueBlaze on Sept. 8 (2-6 p.m.).

Guests are invited to bring chairs or blankets, though seating is available in the courtyard and nearby restaurants. Enjoy food from local restaurants such as War Water Brewery, Hamlin Pub, and The Anchor Pointe Bistro.

For more information, visit: the St. Clair’s Rockin’ in the Plaza event page on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

National Be An Angel Day Promotes Acts Of Kindness On August 22

On Aug. 22, National Be an Angel Day encourages people to perform good deeds and spread kindness to others. This day is dedicated to supporting those in need and recognizing the “angels” in our lives who have offered comfort or assistance during difficult times.

Whether it’s a kind word, a hug, or simply listening, small gestures can make a big impact. On this day, be someone’s angel by offering patience, understanding, and compassion. Recognize the struggles beneath the surface, and offer a hand to those who need it.

Founded in 1993 by Jayne Howard Feldman, the day inspires acts of generosity and gratitude. Use #BeAnAngelDay on social media to share your stories and thank those who have been angels to you.

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

Reporting to WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Sheriff Warns Community Of Bitcoin Scam Posing As Law Enforcement

Sheriff Mat King is alerting St. Clair County residents about a scam involving a local 810 number impersonating law enforcement. 

The scammer, claiming to be “Deputy Mark Williams” or “Lt. McMillan,” informs victims that they have outstanding warrants and must pay via a Bitcoin kiosk to avoid arrest. The caller uses official-sounding language and local names to appear legitimate, and the voicemail mimics that of the St Clair County’s Sheriff’s Office.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that it will never contact individuals about warrants or demand payments, especially via Bitcoin or gift cards. Residents are urged to be cautious when answering unfamiliar calls and to avoid sharing personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money—contact the Sheriff’s Office at 810-987-1700 to verify its legitimacy.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Wins $750,000 To Boost Clean Energy Workforce Development

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office has secured $750,000 from the Families & Workers Fund as a winner of the Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge. 

This funding will strengthen Michigan’s workforce to support over $10 billion in federal clean energy and infrastructure investments, creating quality jobs for residents impacted by economic shifts. Jonathan Smith, LEO’s Senior Chief Deputy Director, emphasized the significance of the award in positioning Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and workforce development. 

The funds will be used to enhance job quality standards and ensure workers have access to good-paying, high-skill jobs in emerging sectors. This award highlights Michigan’s ongoing success in leveraging federal funding for climate and energy initiatives.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Nonprofit And Volunteer Fair Set To Take Place At Birchwood Mall

Community members are invited to the annual Nonprofit and Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Birchwood Mall, Fort Gratiot Township. 

Hosted by the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Birchwood Mall, the event aims to connect local nonprofits with eager volunteers. Nonprofits from St. Clair County are encouraged to register online at BlueWaterChamber.com. 

Free and open to the public, the fair is ideal for students, professionals, and retirees looking to contribute their time and skills. Ally Birkett of A Beautiful Me, Inc. highlights the fair’s role in strengthening community bonds. The fair will be located near the movie theater and Kay’s Jewelers. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference. 

For more information, contact the Blue Water Chamber at (810) 985-7101.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan’s STEAM Ahead Program Breaks Records, Doubling Internship Participation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) rebranded “STEAM Ahead” program is setting new records, funding over 570 summer internships in the first half of 2024 alone. This achievement more than doubles the program’s previous best semester in 2022, when 272 internships were funded. 

Originally launched as the STEM Forward initiative in 2021, the program was rebranded earlier this year to better incorporate roles that blend arts with science, technology, engineering, and math, such as front-end web development and industrial design. The revamped program offers increased financial incentives and a streamlined employer-reimbursement structure, attracting a growing number of participants. 

MEDC’s STEAM Ahead initiative is part of a broader effort to support Michigan’s priority industries, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the state’s future. Companies interested in participating can submit funding requests for fall 2024 internships beginning Aug. 12.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell