George James

Going PRO Talent Fund Gearing Up for 2023

Does Your Company:

  • Spend money on employee training & skill development?
  • Need an effective training plan for new hires?
  • Want to upskill existing workers & prepare them for higher responsibilities?
  • Need to reduce skills gaps in the workplace & boost morale? 

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, your company is a candidate for the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF). 

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! is gearing up for the improved Going PRO Talent Fund application. GPTF is a competitive grant that awards funding to employers to assist them in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development awards the funds to employers via their local Michigan Works! Find out how you can become a part of the program and capitalize on an invaluable opportunity to improve your skilled workforce.

2023 Orientation Dates

  • September 15 (Virtual) – 12:30 pm
  • September 20 (Virtual) – 8:30 am
  • September 27 (In Person) – 8:00 am
    Macomb County Location
    Robert A. Verkuilen Building
    Assembly Room A/B
    Entrance E or F
    21885 Dunham Rd
    Clinton Twp, MI 48036
  • September 28 (In Person) – 8:30 am
    St. Clair County Location
    Municipal Office Center
    Conference Room 408 (4th Floor)
    100 McMorran Boulevard
    Port Huron, Michigan 48060

These sessions will last for approximately one hour.

For more information visit macomb-stclairworks.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Pure Michigan Travel Guide Now Available for Memorable Fall and Winter Travel Ideas

The release of the Fall and Winter Travel Guide is a sign that the weather is starting to cool, spectacular fall colors are near, and snow-laden playgrounds are right around the corner.  For those looking to start planning their fall and winter getaways, the free 2022 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide is available in print and a digital and universally accessible format, allowing travelers to access the guide from their desktop and mobile devices while on the go.  Hard copies of the guide can also be found at the 14 Michigan Department of Transportation Welcome Centers across the state.

The Guide highlights stunning sights to see, exciting places to go, and fun activities to experience for visitors and travelers alike. Michigan has a wealth of opportunities to enjoy throughout the fall season, whether it’s taking a fall color tour, or exploring any number of our trails across that state.

In addition to ordering the Fall/Winter Travel Guide online, color tour fans can also sign up to receive a weekly fall color update at michigan.org/fall. The page also features family travel ideas, brilliant fall color hikes, pet-friendly trails, and fall fishing opportunities, among other travel-inspiring information.

Fans can follow along for seasonal travel ideas and inspiration on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Boating Safety Tips for Fall Boating

Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are some boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

  1. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. A float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing. Additionally, leaving a note under your vehicle’s windshield wiper at the launch ramp can help trigger an alarm.
  2. Got a way back into the boat? Falls overboard may be ranked #5 on the 2021 U.S. Coast Guard’s list of the “Top Five Primary Accident Types” with 273 accidents, but they also led to the highest number of deaths, as well as more fatalities than all the other 4 top accident types. Your boarding ladder should be functional and accessible as cold water can quickly sap strength.
  3. For life jackets, camo styling hides a danger: Dark green, tan and black camo patterns are remarkable at doing exactly as designed, blending you into your surroundings. However, that’s not a benefit if you happen to be floating in the water and rescuers are searching. Make their job easier and wear a life jacket with high visibility.

For more information visit boatus.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Update On 120-Inch Water Transmission Main Break

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has an update on the August 13th break to the 120-inch water transmission main that distributes finished drinking water from its Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility to communities in the northern part of GLWA’s drinking water service area.

With the 120-inch transmission main now fully closed, GLWA’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility has begun producing the 81 million gallons of water it will take to fill the 26 miles of main. Once the transmission main is filled, GLWA will work with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to implement a flushing and disinfection plan. Due to the size and length of the transmission main, GLWA expects this flushing and disinfection to take some time and is estimating a return to normal operations by September 21st.

GLWA will share more information as it becomes available.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Sign Up Now for Hunter Safety Education

Fall is on the way – that means youth and archery deer hunting, trapping, and waterfowl seasons are quickly approaching. Don’t wait for opening day; register now for a hunter safety education course or a field day.

These courses are available in either a traditional classroom setting, online, or take-home program. The online and take-home programs are great for busy hunters who want to learn but need a flexible schedule to complete the course at their own pace, followed by a single-session field day.

“We encourage interested hunters to check the website daily, as new classes continue to be added. Keep in mind that the closest class or field day might be located outside your county or postal code,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety, education and enforcement officer.

Participants completing the online or take-home program must pre-register for a field day.

Interested in sharing your hunting knowledge? Consider becoming a volunteer hunter education instructor.

Learn more about hunter safety education and volunteering as a hunter education instructor or search for classes at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Reporting for WGRT – George James