George James

SC4 and WMU Sign Health Transfer Agreement

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and Western Michigan University (WMU) have signed a major agreement to create a smoother process for SC4 graduates who transfer to WMU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public health.

Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from WMU now can take a pre-public health pathway at SC4, which includes the first 60 credits of the program and results in earning an Associate of Science on their way to the four-year degree. Students would then transfer to WMU to take the 62 minimum remaining credits of the bachelor’s degree program.

Unlike many other health care careers, public health professionals do not focus on individual patients or clients. Instead, they seek ways to prevent diseases, change people’s behavior, pass laws, increase access to health services, and increase awareness to at-risk populations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WMU to offer SC4 students a clearer and more concise path to a career in public health,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “This agreement and partnership will help students seamlessly transfer to WMU by minimizing the loss of credits and duplication of coursework.”

Prospective students can learn more about and apply to St. Clair County Community College online. Contact the SC4 team with questions at starthere@sc4.edu or 810-989-5571, or schedule an advising appointment online.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

New Michigan DNR App for Licenses, Harvest Reporting

The new Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting and fishing app is now available for download to Apple and Android devices. Introduced in July after months of development and testing, the free Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app offers a convenient way for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to:

  • Buy hunting and fishing licenses and trail permits.
  • Report deer or fish harvests.
  • Look up regulations and download guides and digests.
  • Find their license history, including point and chance balances.
  • Check out maps with multiple layers, showing features such as shooting ranges and boat launches.
  • Get timely notifications from the DNR.

“I like the app; it’s easy to use and has everything right there,” said Mike Koziara, owner of MQT Adventures and Guide Service, which provides guided fishing and other outdoor excursions in the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available:

If you have any questions about the app, call DNR licensing customer service at 517-284-6057 during normal business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Going PRO Talent Fund Changes in Store for 2023

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

Some of these changes include:

·  Streamlined abbreviated applications

·  New/Current trainee funding is being raised from $1500 to $2000 per person

·  USDOL Registered Apprentice funding of $3500 1st year through completion

·  Bi-annual application and award cycles (late fall & early summer)

Going PRO Talent Fund information sessions are expected to be near the end of September but now is a good time to start thinking about your application.

For more information and to find applications visit the Michigan Works website at macomb-stclairworks.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Border Chambers of Commerce ask Government of Canada to “Scrap the App”

A coalition of Chambers of Commerce representing border communities across the country is calling on the Government of Canada to lift the remaining COVID-related border restrictions and to suspend use of the ArriveCAN app.

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran said, “The border measures are not only slowing down border crossings, but they’re also having a major deterrent effect on visitors from the USA.”

US visits through land ports are still down significantly across the country. Statistics Canada reports that border crossings from the United States in June 2022 were little more than half the number made in June 2019. Tourism spending in Canada is still more than a third below pre-pandemic levels. Wait times at land border crossings have lengthened by up to two hours since 2019 despite traffic being cut in half, and bridge authorities attribute this entirely to restrictions and the ArriveCAN app. The average processing time for arriving passengers at airports has increased by 400%.

Chambers of Commerce have repeatedly asked for the Government of Canada to provide supporting data indicating that ArriveCAN has a positive impact on public health. No data has yet been offered.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

MAB Recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) presented its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, welcoming outstanding individuals into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The highest award given by the MAB – the Lifetime Achievement Award – honors Michigan broadcast pioneers who have dedicated most of their professional careers to broadcasting in the state of Michigan and have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of service as a top manager or owner through excellence in broadcasting.

MAB President Sam Klemet said, “The MAB is proud to recognize broadcasters who have made a difference for decades and those who are laying the foundation for long careers in the industry. This year’s honorees have and continue to make Michigan a better place to live, work, and explore through their commitment to sharing news and information with and connecting to the communities they serve.”

The 2022 MAB Lifetime Achievement Award went to Karole L. White. Karole is the Immediate Past President of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Under her 36-year leadership, the MAB grew to one of the largest and most well-respected state broadcast associations in the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – George James