George James

Local Businesses Benefit from Small Business Restart Program

Many small businesses in St. Clair County have gotten a share of $100 million in relief money through the Michigan Small Business Restart Grant program.

The grants were chosen by local Economic Development Organizations. In the Blue Water Region, it was the Flint and Genesee Chamber. Grants topped out at $20,000, with most businesses getting at least $5000. The program is funded with CARES Act money.

At least 30% of the recipients were required to be women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned. Michigan’s allocations exceeded the requirement. The grants are estimated to have retained at least 97,000 jobs.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton praised the payouts, saying, “The Michigan Small Business Restart Program has provided significant support to small businesses and nonprofits helping to get them through this critical time and on the path to economic recovery. We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development partners, who worked to deliver these vital financial resources within their regions and create a path toward economic recovery for small businesses throughout Michigan.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDHHS Child Services Reports to Federal Court on Improvements to System

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services made a federal court appearance to report on the efforts made to improve the system over the last six months. Because of a lawsuit filed by the group “Children’s Rights”, Michigan’s child welfare system is under federal court oversight.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon reported that the Department is making good progress. The improvements shared in the report given to the federal judge were “modest but real”, according to Gordon. He said the department’s focus over the past six months was to “develop strategies to set the stage for more rapid improvements in the months to come- particularly in the area of child safety.”

Child Services Director JooYeun Chang reported on three focus areas: eliminating a previous backlog of 1,300 Children’s Protective Services investigations, taking steps to reduce maltreatment of children in foster care, and providing increased support to relative caregivers. MDHHS now provides financial support to relative foster families even if they are not licensed.

To view the latest federal court monitor report and other information, go to www.michigan.gov/ChildWelfareAgreement.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Veterans Supported with State Programs

As Veteran’s Day was celebrated this week, the Michigan Legislature and several state agencies rolled out new efforts to support veterans. Bi-partisan legislation was introduced that reduces barriers to professional licensure to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Major General Paul Rogers, the adjutant general and director of Michigan’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said, “This program will remove significant barriers of employment and economic hurdles for our military members and their families and is an added benefit to serving in Michigan. As the state continues to invest in programs like this, we collectively show that Michigan is a great place for military and veterans to live, work, raise a family and retire.”

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has certified ten state agencies as being “Veteran-Friendly Employers”. The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan State Police have reached Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Status.

Additionally, the State Treasury reminds veterans that they are eligible for tax exemptions, tax deferments, and tuition grants. 

MichiganVeterans.com. 

To learn more about tax relief and other benefits for current and past military members, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Black Friday Sale to Benefit Riley Gleason Memorial Scholarship

The Riley Gleason Memorial Scholarship will be getting a boost in funds from Kimball Appliance’s Black Friday Sale. Kimball Appliance in Port Huron is teaming up with Woman’s Life Chapter 814 of St. Clair to honor the memory of Riley Gleason, who passed away in a tragic boating accident in 2019.

Nick Bondarek, of Kimball Appliance, said that they support a charity every year and chose to support Riley’s Scholarship this year because of their strong ties to the St. Clair community, which was devastated by the tragedy.

Bondarek said that Woman’s Life Chapter 814 is planning to match up to $500 in contributions from the sale, but he expects to far exceed that amount. A portion of every sale on Friday, November 27th between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 28th, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. will go toward the scholarship fund. Donations are also accepted.

The scholarship was started earlier this year by Woman’s Life Chapter 814 and awards the scholarships to graduates of St. Clair High School, from which Riley graduated and made an impact. More information about the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/693809127928271

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

 

SC4 Offers Futures for Frontliners Presentation

Port Huron, MI — Frontline workers who are interested in taking advantage of the Futures for Frontliners state scholarship program can get started by signing up for a Zoom presentation offered by St. Clair County Community College.

The Zoom presentation is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18th. The deadline for signup is November 17th. Attendees will hear from SC4 admissions and financial aid staff, and will get an overview of the application qualifications and process. Certificate and degree programs are available.
The scholarship program is intended for frontline workers who were employed in essential industries at least part-time for eleven of the thirteen weeks between April 1st and June 30th 2020.

Eligible students are those who currently do not have a degree. Essential workers are defined as those who worked in a job outside of the home that required putting themselves at risk of exposure to Covid-19, in sectors such as critical manufacturing, food service, health care, and others.

To reserve your spot and receive Zoom login information, email recruitment@sc4.edu by Tuesday, Nov. 17.
For eligibility information, go to https://www.michigan.gov/frontliners/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

 

 

Local Couple Starts “Inspire” Gift Basket Program to Thank Essential Workers

Port Huron, MI — A local outreach program, “Inspire”, is providing baskets of snacks to essential workers while also providing some inspiration to the organizers.

Joe and Jean Sabo, new to Port Huron, spearheaded a mission to recognize and thank those who are keeping things going in their new community in the midst of the pandemic. Jean Sabo said the idea started with her granddaughters suggesting they take donuts to the fire station. The idea grew into the Blessing Baskets, a collaboration with their pastor and fellow members of The Cornerstone Church in Clyde.

The Sabos have taken the baskets to eight local fire stations as well as several public schools. The idea has become so popular and well-supported that they are expanding to local high schools this month and to EMS and Dispatch stations in December.

Sabo said that “2020 can be a discouraging, chaotic time and we could all use some encouragement”. As often happens, the blessing was returned to the organizers. Sabo was herself inspired when “something so small turned into something so exciting.”

Donations of pre-packaged single serving non-perishable snacks, as well as cash donations are being accepted to help the “Inspire” team expand their work. Contact The Cornerstone Church at (810) 982-8720 to donate.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland