George James

U-M, MSU Requiring Covid Booster Shot for Returning Students

Going back to college campuses after winter break could mean also getting a third COVID shot. Some colleges and universities are requiring the shot in an effort to stem the predicted spread of the highly contagious omicron variant of the COVID virus.

Both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are requiring students to get the booster as soon as possible.

The omicron variant has been detected in the U of M community. All faculty, staff, and students on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses of U of M have until February 4th to get the shot. Testing and masking protocols have been tightened up as well as the university tries to keep in-person classes going for the next semester.

Michigan State University is also requiring the booster shot and is continuing to allow for exemptions for religious or medical reasons while maintaining masking requirements and other safety protocols.

St. Clair County Community College requires students to be fully vaccinated but has not issued a booster shot requirement.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Law Continues Funding for 911 Service, Increases Surcharge

House Bill 5026 was passed and signed by the Governor last week. The bill amends and streamlines the Emergency 9-1-1 Enabling Act. 

The legislation, introduced by State Representative Julie Calley, a Portland Republican, funds the 9-1-1 system until the end of 2027. It also increases the prepaid wireless 9-1-1 surcharge. The surcharge will go from 5% to 6%.

Calley said, “Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government. If we fail to take action, we’d be shirking our responsibility and letting down every single Michigander who relies on 911 to be at the ready when an emergency occurs.”

Calley explained the rate increase, saying, “The software and technology we have today to support the trained experts on the line is truly incredible – but it’s not free. It’s absolutely essential to make sure this fund is sustainable long into the future.” 

According to fiscal analysis, the surcharge increase would result in increased revenue to counties and the Department of State Police.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Firefighters, Survivors Benefit from New Laws

Two bills have been signed into law to support First Responders and their children in Michigan.

House Bill 4172 was signed into law last week to allow for current and former firefighters to be covered for certain cancers under the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. This includes full-time, part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “We owe our state’s firefighters endless thanks for their selfless acts of service.” 

Republican Jeff Yaroch of Richmond sponsored the bill. Yaroch said, “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us – that’s why it’s important we ensure they’re taken care of when their work leads to injury and illness.”

Yaroch said he appreciates the bipartisan support for taking care of firefighters.

House Bill 4247 was also signed into law to streamline the Survivor Tuition Grant tuition assistance programs for children of fallen officers. The law removes the need to prove financial need.

Sponsor Matt Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, said, “With this action, we’re honoring the memories of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by honoring their commitments to their families after they pass.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Going PRO Talent Fund Awards Grants to Local Businesses

Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded grants to Michigan Businesses to support high-demand, high-skill employment. The fund has been credited with creating 145,000 jobs.

In St. Clair County, grants were awarded to several businesses and municipalities including Medilodges of Port Huron, St. Clair, and Yale; BioPro, Inc. and Dunn Paper of Port Huron; Magna Electrical Vehicle Structures of Marysville, and Selective Industries of Marine City. Ira Township, Marysville, and Avoca also received grants from the fund.

Stephanie Beckhorn, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Office of Employment and Training said, “With professional trades accounting for 530,000 jobs in Michigan through 2028, with approximately 47,000 openings expected annually, this fund plays a vital role in helping Michigan employers meet their talent needs by investing in their current and future workers.”

The program was launched in 2014. More than 5,000 Michigan entities have received funding, with over 1,000 getting funding this year.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron High School Students Make Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

The future is now for students in the Principles of Engineering class at Port Huron High School. The students created a Hydrogen Fuel Cell car.

The high school students are part of the “Project Lead the Way” STEAM course, where they learned about energy sources and completed a project on energy application.

The result of the work was a vehicle that runs off of a hydrogen fuel cell. The students built the car, wired the circuit boards, and engaged the motor. They compared the hydrogen fuel-cell car to a car run off of AAA batteries.

As part of the learning process, students calculated the speed and power output of the hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen-powered cars are in development by many automobile manufacturers. Hydrogen fuel is much more expensive than gasoline but is also much more efficient. Hydrogen-powered buses are in use in some parts of Europe.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland