George James

Whitmer, Legislature Could Pay People to Get Back to Work

Time to get to work, Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the legislature to ramp up incentives for people to get off of unemployment and get back to earning a paycheck.

The “Back-to-Work Incentive” could expand to give a $300 per week bonus to those who were laid off and are now returning to work. The incentive could last through September 4th of this year. The federal subsidy that adds another $300 per week to unemployment checks is being used as an incentive to fill the jobs that employers are scrambling to fill.

Susan Corbin, Acting Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said, “Expanding the incentive would allow Michigan to take advantage of even more federal dollars flowing into our state to support local businesses and grow our economy.”

Corbin went on to say, “The program offers employers of all shapes and sizes the flexibility to address their specific business needs and an expansion would provide even greater work schedule flexibility for everyone as we work to defeat COVID-19 together.”  

The Back-to-Work Incentive could apply to new hires as well as former workers who have been collecting unemployment during the pandemic. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

International Organization Chooses Michigan Law Enforcement Officer for Bravery Award

Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Fletcher was selected as the 2020 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year for the North Central Region. The Michigan State Police just released the details of the recognition.

The incident for which Fletcher was recognized was a hostage situation in Comstock Township, near Kalamazoo. A family was confronted by an armed intruder and a resident of the home was taken hostage. A shot was fired and troopers entered the home only to be shot at through the floor and walls. Three officers were shot, including Fletcher.

Fletcher administered first aid to an injured officer while injured himself and applied a tourniquet to his own leg. The gunman was captured by police.

Colonel Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police said, “Trooper Fletcher’s bravery while under fire and his concern for others over himself is admirable and in keeping with the highest standards of our profession. His selfless and courageous actions are what we hope to instill in our troopers when they find themselves in such harrowing circumstances.”

A virtual ceremony was held this year to honor the finalists.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Grand Opening of Black History Exhibit Saturday

The Port Huron Museums’ Carnegie Center is hosting the Grand opening of the “From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area” exhibit on Saturday, June 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Grand Opening coincides with Juneteenth. 

Juneteenth honors June 19th, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. 

The Grand Opening of the new “From Whence We Came” permanent exhibit includes a book signing of the first 100 copies of the book that inspired the exhibit. The books are expected to sell out, so it is recommended to get there early to get a copy. 

The permanent exhibit tells the story of Black History in the Blue Water Area and features the James Sr. & Marguerite Stanley Legacy Wall. The wall honors those who have followed the call to “love your fellow man” and have contributed positively to the Blue Water Area. 

A donation to the Museum is all that is needed to gain admission. Live entertainment is planned. 

Museum Juneteenth “From Whence We Came” Exhibit Grand Opening: https://www.facebook.com/events/507108970318317

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Policies Enacted to Prevent Elder Abuse

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The Elder Abuse Task Force was launched in 2019, consisting of more than 55 different organizations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said, “In order to properly protect our aging population, we must be able to recognize the signs of abuse. Our Elder Abuse Task Force has a number of resources available online to help identify physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors.” 

Legislation was recently signed into law to protect seniors. House Bill 4325, introduced by Republican State Representative Matt Hall, amends the Older Michiganians Act to require Area Agencies on Aging to maintain criminal background checks on anyone who comes in contact with vulnerable seniors.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “When we work together, we can craft great legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders. House Bill 4325 codifies important protections for seniors that MDHHS implemented in October 2020.”

To report elder abuse, call 855-444-3911. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Invites Community to “Free-ish”

St. Clair County Community College invites the public to attend a webinar called “Free-ish”, held on Thursday, June 17th from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Juneteenth refers to June 19th, 1865, when slaves in Texas were finally freed under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

SC4’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is holding a virtual Juneteenth Celebration called “Free-ish” that will feature speakers discussing the history of Juneteenth, bridging the gap between the African and Black Community and the current state of Black America.

Guest speakers at the webinar include Alphonso Amos, Lead Organizer of Black Lives Matter Port Huron; Kevin Totty, Program Coordinator with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County; and Kevin Watkins, President of the Port Huron Branch of the NAACP. 

The panel discussion will include several local and regional leaders discussing the current state of Black America. SC4’s Jessica Brown said the webinar is open to everyone, near and far. 

SC4 “Free-ish” Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7fDNncWcSry51BK-9aVgCg

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gypsy Moth Caterpillars Wreak Havoc; County Looks to 2022 Prevention Strategy

The gypsy moth caterpillar invasion continues to spread through St. Clair County. The evidence can be seen in the disappearing leaves on giant oak trees. Drought conditions are no help as the trees are under tremendous stress.

Greenwood Township resident Karen Vincent told us that she and her husband, Tim, have watched the little caterpillars decimate the leaves on over forty towering oak trees on their ten-acre property over the past three weeks. They wondered why there is no county-wide mitigation strategy.

While Macomb County sprayed for gypsy moths on May 19th this year, covering entire townships as well as parks and golf courses with a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills young caterpillars, St. Clair County has not sprayed.

St. Clair County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin said there hasn’t been an infestation to this extent in decades and the Board of Commissioners is discussing what they could have done differently. They are looking at how to detect an outbreak and take action for 2022. Baldwin said they are working with the MSU Extension and discussing partnering with Macomb County to work together on preventing future outbreaks.

More information about caring for damaged trees and dealing with the infestation can be found at: 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/gypsy-moth-around-home

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PHOTO CREDIT: KAREN VINCENT