George James

Industry 4.0 Initiative Underway for Area Manufacturers

The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance has announced the launch of the I-69 Thumb Region’s Industry 4.0 Initiative.

The Initiative exists to drive Industry 4.0 readiness in small and mid-sized manufacturers. At least half of Michigan manufacturers are expected to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025. The technologies include automation and advancements that prepare Michigan industry for the future.

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County said, “There are several key benefits for our region’s manufacturers to implement Industry 4.0 small changes to their business systems and processes. Smart factory changes can reduce material waste, help to solve labor shortages, create efficiencies and increase production. Most importantly, by becoming an early adopter of I4.0, a manufacturer is creating a competitive advantage for their business.”

Assessments are underway to gauge the level of readiness in the region. The I-69 Thumb Region covers Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawasee, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SPARK 2.0 Keeps Students Learning and Growing Through the Summer

Port Huron, MI — Summer school has been a tremendous success, according to Port Huron Schools. The SPARK 2.0 program was financed with federal Covid relief money and is involving the whole community with the innovative learning experience.

The program helps students recover academically after a challenging year of online and hybrid learning where some kids fell behind. The elementary through high school program is even getting some kids back on track to graduate on time. 

Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said, “To say we are incredibly proud of our high school summer students, teachers and staff is an understatement. Their hard work and efforts are leading us all in recovery from the pandemic.”

Referring to the many off-site learning experiences, such as field trips and collaboration with community organizations, Catherine Woolman, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services for Port Huron Schools said, “They aren’t just working on their math and reading skills to ensure they are prepared for returning to school this fall, but they are having fun and learning life lessons in the process.”

Students have been taking trips to places like the YMCA, SC4, and Port Huron Museums. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

GSRP Free Preschool Available for Qualifying 4-year-olds

Even though it’s the middle of summer, it’s time to look ahead to back-to-school time. Free preschool is available to qualifying families in St. Clair County and the time to sign up is now. The Great Start Readiness Program, or GSRP, is a state-funded preschool offered at no cost to families.

GSRP is for four-year-olds and is designed to ensure every child is prepared to thrive when they enter kindergarten. There are locations throughout St. Clair County.

Students must be four years old on or before September 1st of this school year to apply now. Eligibility is based on 2021 income guidelines. A family of four qualifies for GSRP if their yearly income is below $66,250, according to the St. Clair County RESA website.

Families can apply to GSRP by completing an online application. Parents will need to provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate; proof of residency, and proof of income. Prospective GSRP students will need to have a health appraisal with vision and hearing tests, as well as vaccination records.

A link to more information:

http://sccresa.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=496562&pageId=13039156

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Drug Makers Could Pay $26 Billion in Historic Opioid Lawsuit

The Blue Water area is no stranger to the opioid addiction crisis, but money for help could be coming in soon.

The opioid crisis has its roots in the over-prescription of pain pills and drug companies could soon be made to pay. A historic $26 billion settlement has been proposed by a coalition of states.

A lawsuit was filed against the nation’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. Part of the settlement would include industry changes to prevent history from repeating itself.

Michigan could receive nearly $800 million over the life of the settlement. Michigan has already received around $16 million from a previous settlement. Michigan is the first state to sue the drug companies.

The settlement has been agreed upon in principle, but the details are still being hashed out. If the state attorneys general get their way, the drug companies will shell out $26 billion over 18 years to go toward opioid addiction prevention and treatment.

Over 1700 Michigan residents died from opioid overdoses in 2019. Preliminary 2020 data shows no improvement.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Senior Millage Provided $4.7 Million Worth of Services in 2020

Senior citizens in St. Clair County have a lot of resources for maintaining a high quality of life in their later years, as do their caregivers. Much of that is due to the county’s support of the Senior Citizens Millage.

While not on the ballot this year, the Senior Millage renewal will be on the August primary ballot in 2022. Jennifer Posey, Administrative Services Manager and Senior Citizens Millage Administrator, shared with us all the services that are funded by the Senior Millage.

Posey explained that services are provided for residents aged 60 and over. Over $4.7 million worth of services were provided to county seniors in 2020. Those services cover everything from adult daycare to meals on wheels to foster grandparent programs through the Council on Aging, and partnerships with community agencies like Catholic Charities, Hunter Hospitality House, and Visiting Nurses Association.

Taking care of seniors is a point of pride for the county, as St. Clair County is thought to be the first county in Michigan to authorize a Senior Citizens Millage. Posey said that the community has a long history of caring for and supporting senior residents. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland