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Local News

Nine St. Clair County Companies Awarded Go Pro Grants

The Going PRO Talent Fund was established to improve the skill level of Michigan’s workforce and help employers train their employees. Nine St. Clair county companies applied for the grant, and a total of $243, 900 was awarded to them by the state.

Dan Casey, CEO of the EDA of St. Clair County, said, “The EDA and our workforce development partners worked together to market the program and encourage companies to apply for Going PRO Talent Fund grant funding. The funds awarded will provide industry-recognized training for St. Clair County residents and help companies reduce talent skill gaps.”

Two Port Huron companies received the Going PRO grant, PJ Wallbank Springs and Dunn Paper. The funds will be used for customized training that leads to a credential or skill that is transferrable and recognized by the industry. The investment in training ensures that Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Rep. Beeler Appointed to Committees for 21-22 Term

State Representative Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) has been named Vice Chair of the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee for the current legislative term. He was also chosen to serve on the Health Policy, Tax Policy and Education committees.

Prior to his election to the House, Beeler spent five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service aboard the USS Decatur (DDG 73). Prior to receiving his commission, he attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 

“As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices our military heroes and their families make for their communities and country,” Beeler said. “It’s an honor to be in a position to help our returning service members get the benefits they deserve.” 

Rep. Beeler made it clear that he was “very excited” with the committee assignments announced earlier today.

“I am very excited that Speaker Wentworth and the House leadership team have given me this opportunity to fight for the taxpayers of Michigan,” Beeler continued. “I look forward to working for Michigan’s students, developing a coherent strategy to the COVID-19 response and giving taxpayers a voice in the legislative process.”

Beeler is in his first term representing the 83rd House District, encompassing all of Sanilac County and parts of St. Clair County, including Port Huron.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Preliminary Ruling Issued for Flint Water Crisis Payouts

Flint residents who were affected by contaminated water are one step closer to getting their share of the $641.25 million settlement, but there are still some details to be worked out. An approval order was issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, effective January 27th, 2021.

The settlement is effectively a class action process through which Flint residents can file claims. A final ruling is pending upon completion of a fairness hearing scheduled for July. While getting the actual restitution is still many months away, the steps are finally in place to resolve the crisis, which started in 2014.

Flint residents will have sixty days to file the claim and then 120 days after filing to submit the necessary paperwork.

The State of Michigan is paying $600 million in the settlement, while the City of Flint, which was under emergency management at the time of the crisis, is paying $20 million through its insurer. McLaren Regional Medical Center, the epicenter of the Legionnaires outbreak, is paying $20 million, and Rowe Professional Services, a contractor involved in the switch to drawing water from the Flint River, is paying $1.25 million.

A link to the full ruling:

Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Approval – Flint (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Drug Task Force Releases 2020 Incident Map

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office has released the Drug Task Force incident map. The interactive map shows DTF cases countywide, with the ability to zoom in to street level and see details of the activity.

2020 was a busy year for the Drug Task Force. They took 2,606 grams of crystal meth, 180 grams of cocaine, and 121 grams of heroin off the streets. The DTF also executed 34 search warrants and 183 drug related traffic stops. In all, 218 people were arrested, with 262 felonies and 145 misdemeanors charged.

Sheriff Mat King said, “The St. Clair County Drug Task Force faced new challenges in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the members of the DTF continued to fight to get drugs and weapons off the streets and bring criminals to justice.” King said he was proud of the work done by members of the Drug Task Force for the community.

The Drug Task Force relies on tips from community members. Tips can be left anonymously at (800) 243-DRUG. 

A link to the map:

https://scc-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=3a00cf874b944e8c87052eaa1dd78ca3&extent=-82.4664,42.9569,-82.4209,42.9861

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer: Indoor Dining Resumes Feb 1st

In a press conference today, Governor Whitmer stated that due to positive trends in COVID-19 cases MDHHS is lifting the ban on indoor dining as of February 1st.

Restaurants must limit the amount of people indoors to 25% of their normal capacity along with collecting names and phone numbers of their patrons for contact tracing purposes. Ventilation systems must be in working order, and the state is providing grant money for businesses that need to update their systems.

Along with opening indoor dining, concessions at entertainment venues may also resume, and gathering limits will be increased at funerals and outdoor gatherings. The only activities that will remain closed after February 1st are night clubs, contact sports, and water parks.

A full reading of the order with detailed guidelines and restrictions is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Kasey Wolak McLaren Port Huron Employee of the month

McLaren Port Huron December Employee of the Month

Kasey Wolak has been named the Employee of the Month for December. Wolak has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 13 years and is currently a unit assistant on 4 South.

Wolak was nominated by her peers because she exemplifies the hospital values. Her customer service skills are amazing. She goes above and beyond to help patients and visitors, making their visit to the hospital better. Wolak is sincerely compassionate and caring, ready and willing to help anyone who needs it. Her coworkers look forward to working with her because she is always happy, helpful, and a joy to work with. Wolak is friendly, happy, bright, has a positive attitude and smiles all the time. She is an example of what all employees should strive to be and is without a doubt worthy of this award.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron.