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Local News

Young Professionals Initiative Offers Youth Job Skills And More

The children are our future sounds so cliche, but it is the absolute truth for a prosperous society. Governor Gretchen Whitmer feels strongly about growing the talent pool in Michigan, and what better way than to train our youth through government funded programs.

Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the recipients of Young Professionals grants totaling $3 million to provide under-represented youth with an introduction to the workforce. 

Young Professionals supports those ages 14 – 24 who face barriers to obtaining employment by exposing them to career and educational opportunities, earning a short-term training certificate, and obtaining work experience. 

Gov. Whitmer says, “Giving young Michiganders the tools and access they need to get high-skill, in-demand, and good-paying jobs helps us build a brighter future in Michigan.”

For more information, visit your local Michigan Works! Agency. michiganworks.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

$10 Million Microloan Fund For Women, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs of Color

When it comes to business loans and funding available for start-ups, minorities often get left out of the equation, or are not equally represented in certain cases. A new microloan seeks to provide the needed funds for those who may not be eligible or have access to other means of funding their small business. 

Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II joined with several public and private partners to announce the launch of the new $10 million Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund. 

The fund is in partnership with Michigan Women Forward (MWF), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Huntington Bank, and the Ballmer Group. It is a loan program for women and entrepreneurs of color, as well as veterans. 

Individuals will be able to apply for up to $50,000 with the average loan managed by MWF being $25,000.

For more information, visit: miwf.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Applicants Wanted For Home Heating Credit

If you live in Michigan and need a bit of help with your energy bills you can apply now for the Michigan Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The home heating credit is geared towards low-income, deaf, disabled or blind persons, disabled veterans and senior citizens. Applicants do not have to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit. 

All applications for the credit must be received by Sept. 30th.

Over the past five years approximately 257,500 individuals have received an average credit of $209. 

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks says, “This credit can provide assistance on heating bills during our cold seasons, allowing individuals to spend their hard-earned dollars on other necessities.”

You can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system. 

For more information about available resources, visit: michigan.gov/heatingassistance.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Harbor Impact Ministries Awarded Organization Of The Year

There are many organizations in the Blue Water Area striving to make the community a better place. Some provide food and other resources, while others offer programs that educate or teach a variety of skills and knowledge. 

St. Clair County Community Mental Health has awarded Harbor Impact Ministries as their Organization of the Year. 

Harbor Impact Ministries provides individuals with a variety of services to meet their needs such as: food, clothing, household goods, medical supplies, computer training and much more! All of their services are free to the public 

They also have Impact Day once a month that allows individuals to visit every room in the Harbor House to find things they may need.

CEO of SCCCMH, Deb Johnson paid a visit to Harbor House Director, Barb Hanneke to personally announce the award.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Now Accepting Housing Applications For The 2023-24 School Year

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is an excellent place for future, or current college students to get their education. If you plan on attending in the next academic year and are interested in living on campus, SC4 is currently accepting applications for their on campus housing.

The student residence halls are located in downtown Port Huron and offer fully furnished units and amenities. They are located within walking distance of the area’s dining and entertainment options such as Sperry’s Moviehouse, Country Style Marketplace grocery store, The McMorran Plaza, and more.

Students who live in the SC4 residence halls pay in-district tuition rates at SC4. To be eligible students must meet ongoing academic and enrollment requirements.

For more information, or to submit an application, visit: sc4.edu/housing.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Local Historian Finds Mistake In Chevy Dealers Ad Involving The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

A Michigan Chevy dealer association made a mistake in its recent advertising campaign that was caught by one of our local historians. 

The advertisement featured a photo of a Chevy Silverado with the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse in the background. The problem with the photo was the inaccuracy of the color emanating from the lighthouse. The photo featured a white light coming from the lighthouse, but those who are familiar with the landmark recognized that the light should have been green. 

Many who are familiar with the Lighthouse noticed the mistake, but Andrew Kercher, the community engagement manager at the Port Huron Museums was one of the first to notice and mention it on Facebook. 

“Anyone who is familiar with the Fort Gratiot Light knows all about our unique green light, so their photoshopped white beam stood out like a sore thumb. It was a great opportunity to share online and see if those who like our facebook page caught the mistake as well. It was great that Chevy fixed it and thanked us for being fact checkers,” says Kercher. 

The mistake has since been corrected by the dealer association who originally ran the ad. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell