George James

Futures for Frontliners Program Logs 60,000 Applicants in Two Weeks

The Futures for Frontliners program, which has the goal of providing tuition-free college and technical training for essential workers, has reached 60,000 applicants in its first two weeks.

Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said, “Good paying jobs and a stronger Michigan economy require more of us to have an education beyond high school. The strong interest in Futures for Frontliners shows us that Michiganders are ready to build a brighter, more secure future for themselves and their loved ones. With the economic uncertainty that comes with the COVID-19 pandemic and the thousands of high-skilled jobs going unfilled, there’s no better time to add new skills.” 

The state’s goal is to have 60% of the state’s workforce gain an industry recognized certificate or college degree by 2030. Virtual Town Hall sessions are scheduled to answer questions about Futures for Frontliners and explain how essential workers can take advantage of the program. The Southeast Michigan session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. More information can be found at michigan.gov/Frontliners.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Manufacturing Week Highlights High Skill, High Paying Jobs

It’s Manufacturing Week in Michigan. From September 28th to October 2nd this year, the impact of manufacturing on the state economy is recognized.

It is estimated that manufacturing produces $98.64 billion annually while providing 626,000 jobs from 11,368 manufacturing firms. The Blue Water Area is home to many manufacturing firms, including Tier I automotive suppliers, and advanced manufacturing that supports everything from the medical field to aeronautics. It also supports extensive energy generation and distribution, along with a strong mobility and logistics sector that is uniquely positioned on the I-69 NAFTA international corridor.

For local residents looking for careers in manufacturing, they can explore high-tech, high-skilled, and well-paying careers at going-pro.com. There is financial assistance for job training with the Futures for Frontliners program.

Michigan leads the nation in creating manufacturing jobs, which have increased 42.8% in the last eleven years.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

U.S. Reps Choose Region Over Politics in Urging Selfridge as Space Force HQ

A possible United States Space Command Headquarters in the region has brought together U.S. Representatives Paul Mitchell and Elissa Slotkin. The rare collaboration across party lines has Mitchell, a Republican, and Slotkin, a Democrat, lobbying the Air Force to locate the HQ at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County’s Harrison Township.

Congressman Mitchell, who represents the 10th District, said. “The road to military readiness starts in Michigan, and Selfridge is the optimal location that would best serve the mission of USSPACECOM and Air Force personnel. I urge the Air Force to select Selfridge as home to the new USSPACECOM Headquarters.”

Congresswoman Slotkin, who represents the 8th District, said, “I’m glad to partner with Representative Paul Mitchell and our colleagues in the Michigan congressional delegation in a bipartisan push to bring these jobs and opportunities here to Michigan.”

 The letter to the Air Force highlighted the strong manufacturing business climate in the region, the defense industry corridor, and the infrastructure already in place at Selfridge.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Community Improvement Plan Making Progress

Sarnia, ON — The City of Sarnia is making progress with its Community Improvement Plan modernization project. The plan lays the groundwork for public investment that stimulates private investment to reach specific community goals.

The background report is now completed. The report addresses crime, affordable housing, pedestrian and bike-friendly paths, streets and traffic, redevelopment opportunities, preservation of heritage, and the importance of talking to residents. The residents who helped craft the report also mentioned the “need to be bold” and focused on Mitton Village, Northgate, and the Downtown and waterfront district.

The next part of the Community Improvement Plan process is the Virtual Online Workshop which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  After the workshops, the preliminary recommendations will be presented to Sarnia’s City Council as part of this Council Strategic Planning Session. Then, a meeting will be held to receive public comments on the proposal program before the final plan is presented for consideration in December.

The full details of the Community Improvement Plan can be found at speakupsarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Area Mourns Passing of Jim Whymer, Beloved Local Sportswriter and Advocate

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is mourning the loss of Jim Whymer, who passed away on September 24th, at the age of 64. Whymer had been a fixture in the local sports reporting scene since the 1970s.

Whymer has been lauded as an advocate for area youth sports and a genuine friend to athletes, who went out of his way to connect with individual athletes and tell their stories. He was often seen officiating youth sports and recently worked as part of the athletics department at St. Clair County Community College.

Local parent, Stacy Thompson, recalled the special quality that Whymer had, saying, “He never forgot a kid he wrote about. He was an amazing man- such a loss for the community.” Thompson said that Whymer referred to her son with his team nickname, long after he had graduated. Such a story is common throughout the entire region as those who were involved in youth sports recall Mr. Whymer’s ability to make connections and reach out.

Mr. Whymer fought cancer for six years. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Patty, along with three children and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

$500 Scholarships Given at Blue Water College Access Network Webinars

The Blue Water College Access Network is offering a series of webinars for students interested in career and college planning. In-person meetings are on hold due to social distancing, but the webinars keep local high school students on track with their college planning process.

The next webinar pertains to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and it is scheduled for September 30 from 7-8 p.m. The FAFSA is a vital part of the financial aid process and students need to know how to fill it out correctly and on time so they can get the aid that they need for college.

The October 21st webinar is about Scholarships and Paying for College and the November 11th webinar is about Career Exploration. Industry experts will be sharing their expertise with students.

Students can register for the webinars at www.bwcan.org. Registration is open to all St. Clair County families and is free. At the end of each webinar, a $500 scholarship is awarded to a high school junior or senior participant.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland