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Local News

Going PRO Talent Fund Changes in Store for 2023

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

Some of these changes include:

·  Streamlined abbreviated applications

·  New/Current trainee funding is being raised from $1500 to $2000 per person

·  USDOL Registered Apprentice funding of $3500 1st year through completion

·  Bi-annual application and award cycles (late fall & early summer)

Going PRO Talent Fund information sessions are expected to be near the end of September but now is a good time to start thinking about your application.

For more information and to find applications visit the Michigan Works website at macomb-stclairworks.org.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

St. Clair County Animal Control Offering Lower Adoption Fees For Animals In Shelter

Do you have a fondness for dogs? Perhaps you’re more of a cat person? Well if you’re looking for a new family pet, the St. Clair County Animal Control is offering lowered adoption fees for a limited time. 

Due to an unprecedented number of intakes this August, many animal shelters are finding it more difficult to care for their animals as spaces are filling up quickly. To combat this issue, SCCAC is lowering adoption fees to $50 for dogs and $25 for cats and kittens. All animals are examined, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped by a veterinarian. 

The SCCAC will be having an emergency adoption event from 10 – 2 PM on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

“Your support and donations through this unimaginable demand on our small community shelter this summer has been truly lifesaving,” says Director Melissa Miller.

For more information, call (810) 984-3155.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Mainstreet Memories Donates $30,200 to Council on Aging Serving St. Clair County

Executive Director of Council on Aging Serving St. Clair County Scott Crawford expressed gratitude to members of the Mainstreet Memories Car Show committee on Tuesday night after being presented with a check for $30,200. The gift was contributed after another successful year for Mainstreet Memories, the group behind the biggest car show in Port Huron.

This year’s car show happened on July 30, 2022, and drew 866 vehicles to the grassy area near Vantage Point. One hundred years of car history were represented at the show from a 1922 Ford to a 2022 Corvette.

Ron Steward, President of Mainstreet Memories, said car enthusiasts showed up from Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Canada along with 147 cities and communities in Michigan.

The event had 138 sponsors which helped them raise a total of $63,750. After settling their costs and setting aside funds for the 2023 car show, the group was excited to pass the rest to the Council on Aging.

The Council on Aging provides a variety of services for St. Clair County seniors including Meals on Wheels, transportation to doctor appointments and stores, chore services, and home repairs. They also run the Foster Grandparent program that places classroom aides in Head Start and other programs that work with at-risk children.

Scott Crawford said that although the agencies funding and millage support goes a long way to provide their services, donations like the one from Main Street Memories helps cover the gaps. It allows them to provide more meals to more seniors, fix and replace items at their downtown Port Huron Senior Center, and other unforeseen costs that arise.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Border Chambers of Commerce ask Government of Canada to “Scrap the App”

A coalition of Chambers of Commerce representing border communities across the country is calling on the Government of Canada to lift the remaining COVID-related border restrictions and to suspend use of the ArriveCAN app.

Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran said, “The border measures are not only slowing down border crossings, but they’re also having a major deterrent effect on visitors from the USA.”

US visits through land ports are still down significantly across the country. Statistics Canada reports that border crossings from the United States in June 2022 were little more than half the number made in June 2019. Tourism spending in Canada is still more than a third below pre-pandemic levels. Wait times at land border crossings have lengthened by up to two hours since 2019 despite traffic being cut in half, and bridge authorities attribute this entirely to restrictions and the ArriveCAN app. The average processing time for arriving passengers at airports has increased by 400%.

Chambers of Commerce have repeatedly asked for the Government of Canada to provide supporting data indicating that ArriveCAN has a positive impact on public health. No data has yet been offered.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Beeler Issues Statement on Whitmer’s Tax Cut Vetoes

State Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Port Huron, who serves on the House Tax Policy Committee, issued the following statement criticizing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new call for a sales tax suspension on school supplies after she previously vetoed three bipartisan tax relief plans passed by the Legislature:

“Gov. Whitmer consistently wields her veto pen like a sword to dispose of tax relief. As we’ve now seen, she’ll also occasionally have her team write up statements about taxes to try to shift the narrative. For someone who claims to want tax cuts, she sure has vetoed a lot of tax cuts.

“Taxpayers face an economy in the throes of inflation, and I’ve voted for several plans to slash people’s taxes. The governor has only been interested in slashing apart any relief plan sent her way. She should be more committed to actually cutting taxes than simply talking about them.”

Beeler and his legislative colleagues earlier this year approved two different plans for income tax relief, with increased savings for seniors and families, as well as a plan to pause the state’s gas tax of 27 cents per gallon for six months. Whitmer vetoed all three, despite the bipartisan support they received in the Legislature.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s office

Looking To Serve Your Community? Volunteer Recruitment Fair Brings Resources and Awareness To Local Nonprofits

Have you had the desire to serve your community but not sure where or how to get started? The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its fourth annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair at St. Clair County Community College. The event will be held September 30th from 10 – 2 PM and is free to people of all ages. 

After a two year hiatus, the event returns featuring up to 25 local charities, ensuring that those in attendance will find an opportunity fitting their abilities and interests.

Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House, Tracy Willard, says, “It’s the perfect place to start if you’ve been thinking about volunteering, but want more information.”

For more information, call the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce at (810) 985-7101.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell