George James

Millions of Free KN95 Masks Being Distributed

If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on a bigger and better face mask, there are now millions for the taking in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be distributing KN95 masks through community organizations, health departments, and Area Agency on Aging offices. The thicker and tighter fitting masks are thought to be superior to medical masks and cloth masks at fighting the latest strain, Omicron, of the Covid-19 virus.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, “We are urging Michiganders to mask up to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19. Wearing masks are important in helping limit the spread of COVID-19, particularly the easily spread omicron and delta variants.”

In addition to the MDHHS masks, there are 400 million free masks being distributed throughout the country to stores like CVS, Meijer, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local EMS Services Make Plans to Address Staffing Shortages

EMS service is at a crossroads, according to Tri-Hospital EMS CEO Ken Cummings. The pandemic shut down many EMT and paramedic training programs and many of them have never resumed business. There are no new graduates to fill the positions for ambulance service providers.

Cummings said that at this point service in St. Clair County has not been affected, but that there have been widespread reports of impacts to service in other areas of the state. Tri-Hospital EMS is down ten or twelve employees but has been making it work.

Ambulance, Fire Chief, and EMS trade associations have asked the legislature and the governor to provide at least $20 million for training programs. Cummings said that is only part of the solution.

Cummings said that increasing wages to make the career attractive to prospective EMTs and paramedics is critical. He is working with local officials to draft language for an emergency services public millage ballot proposal for the August election.

Cummings said that voter support of the millage will solidify ambulance service in the area by ensuring long-term funding.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

$7 Billion GM Investment Could Give Local Economy a Boost

The announcement of a $7 billion investment by General Motors into electric vehicle assembly plants in Michigan is welcome news for local auto suppliers.

Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, said, “GM’s investment in Michigan to support its electric vehicle platforms will create a significant spin-off in the supplier base.  In St. Clair County, we’re already hearing from companies that expect to win contracts supporting one or more of GM’s EV platforms.”

Casey said that this investment is tremendously important for Michigan in maintaining its leading position in the mobility sector.

GM’s investment is expected to retain and create 5,000 jobs at the Orion Township assembly plant and the Ultium battery cell plant in Lansing.

Over the next two decades, the GM investment is expected to generate $28.8 billion in personal income for GM workers, suppliers, and local small businesses. Michigan’s extensive supply chain, some of which is located in the Blue Water Area, has the potential to benefit.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair Comes to Goodells Park April 29-30

Covid will not be stopping the St. Clair County Earth Fair this year. The 20th annual Earth Fair is being planned for Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th at Goodells County Park. The 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to COVID concerns.

The Earth Fair is the largest event of its kind in Michigan. Many vendors will be on hand to interact with students and visitors about healthy, sustainable, and green living.

Past events have featured over 70 vendors and thousands of visitors. It’s time for vendors and volunteers to start applying and for school classrooms to plan their field trips. Teachers of 3rd through 5th grade can register for the free field trip that features interactive science lessons in a hands-on environment.

The Earth Fair is also the backdrop of the Green Guardian Award that recognizes environmental champions from the business world, schools and groups that have shown an initiative to enhance, preserve, and protect the Blue Water Area.

www.EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blankets With Care Serves Those In Need in St. Clair and Macomb Counties

The Blankets With Care non-profit has been working to wrap the homeless, elderly, and veterans in warmth and love since January 2020. The organization is run by five local volunteers who want to reach out to those in need in St. Clair and Macomb counties.

The group got started in 2020 and has been busy collecting donations and taking those donations to those experiencing homelessness and to agencies that serve vulnerable people.

Blankets with Care has many volunteer opportunities including Blessing Bag packing events and direct service to the homeless with the distribution of hot meals. They also have a wish list of needed items for donations.

After several successful fundraisers with community partners in 2021, Blankets with Care is working with Coordinated Crafters Connection, LLC at the New Creative Market at the Meadows in Casco in the summer of 2022.

More information on how to get involved with helping the homeless, veterans, and the elderly with Blankets with Care can be found at the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeMarketattheMeadowsfeaturingBWC

https://www.facebook.com/BlanketswithCare

https://www.ccconnectionllc.com/blankets-with-care

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New Program Can Help Pay for Household Internet

Working from home is commonplace for both students and employees in a variety of occupations. One thing they all have in common is the need to have reliable internet access.

A new program has been launched to help households pay for internet access. The Affordable Connectivity Program is being administered by the Federal Communications Commission.

The new program follows the Emergency Broadband Benefit that temporarily helped almost nine million people afford internet service during the pandemic.

The new program covers $30 of the monthly bill and gives a one time $100 credit toward a connecting device.

To qualify, families must meet income requirements of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of four, the income threshold is $53,000. Receiving federal benefits like SNAP or Free and Reduced Lunch can also be factored in qualifying for the internet assistance.

Most Michigan internet access providers participate in the program. To get the full details and to sign up, go to the link below.

https://acpbenefit.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland