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Local News

Huntington Bank Announces $5 Billion Lending Program

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a private lending investment program on Wednesday. While the whole state anxiously awaited a ruling on the expected opening of gyms, movie theaters, and other facilities that have been shuttered since March, Whitmer laid out an investment plan from Huntington Bank.

The plan is a $5 billion five-year lending, investment, and philanthropic venture to create financial opportunities for Michigan businesses, consumers, and communities, according to a press release from Whitmer’s office.

The announcement isn’t exactly what owners of bowling alleys and ice rinks were waiting for, but the initiative is intended to provide borrowing opportunities for hard-hit businesses.

Whitmer said, “This is great news for Michigan’s small-business owners who have faced unprecedented challenges as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic over the past six months. These are Michiganders who have spent their lives building their businesses and who need our help now more than ever.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Virtual Job Fair Coming Back to SC4

Port Huron, MI — The last virtual job fair held at SC4 was so successful the college is bringing the event back. Because of the virtual format, the event unfolds in a 3 week process.

Through September 11th, employers can register to participate in the event. Beginning September 14th – 18th, job seekers can review a list of job openings and select dates and times to meet with prospective employers. Finally, the virtual hiring event takes place on September 22nd & 24th.

The virtual job fair is  a partnership among the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, the City of Port Huron/McMorran, Macomb/St.Clair Michigan Works! and the blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce.

Registration information for employers and job seekers is available at www.sc4.edu/virtualjobfair.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4 Program Gets $1.3 Million Grant

Port Huron, MI — The TRIO Student Support Services Program at St. Clair County Community College has received a $1.3 million grant. The program provides opportunities for academic success and is intended to motivate students toward completing their educational goals after high school.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and had previously been awarded money in 2010 and 2015. It is one of eight TRIO programs nationwide that is funded by the Department of Education this year.

TRIO serves mainly low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Shawne Jowett, interim director of the program at SC4, said, “These students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own challenges, but with the help of the TRIO program, and as importantly, the support they give each other, they’ve been successful at achieving their college goals at SC4.”

The program served 140 students last year. More information can be found at sc4.edu/trio.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Athletic Factory Moves into Trinity Lutheran Church Space

Port Huron, MI — The Athletic Factory, a Port Huron non-profit, is on the move. They will soon be calling the gym at Trinity Lutheran Church home.

Executive Director of the Athletic Factory, Cliff Thomason, said, “This move allows us to have more space for our program. We will have a full-size gym, storage area for our equipment, and a room for tutoring services. With this additional space, we will be able to run our own biddy ball leagues, basketball leagues for middle school and high school, training camps, volleyball leagues, and provide a closer tutoring service location for the south end student-athletes.”

The Athletic Factory was able to run an ACT/SAT test course for 32 students over the summer and continues to train college-bound athletes for success after graduation.

The organization won a $20,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation earlier this year and is looking forward to a successful year in their new headquarters.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Today is Greatest Generation Day

Lansing, MI — Governor Whitmer proclaimed September 2, 2020 as Greatest Generation Day in Michigan to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and encourage Michiganders across the state to honor members of the Greatest Generation for their sacrifices during World War II.  

“From the founding of the nation to our current crisis, Michiganders have always shown a willingness to sacrifice for the common good,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are grateful for members of the Greatest Generation who set the example of sacrifice by serving in uniform, working in fields and factories to produce materials for victory, and supporting war efforts at home. Their work is an inspiration to our collective efforts in the fight against COVID-19. We can honor the Greatest Generation’s sacrifices by doing our part by wearing a mask and staying socially distant to protect ourselves and others from the virus.”

The Greatest Generation Day honors the sacrifices of those born between 1901 – 1927, a generation that came of age during the Great Depression, and later supported the United States during World War II. The Greatest Generation faced hardships and sacrifices, but never faltered in their loyalty to the nation. September 2, 2020 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Loonies for Lunches Supports Sarnia Students

Sarnia, Ontario, CA — From now until September 13th, Sarnia area McDonald’s franchises owned by Colleen and Peter Buckley will be collecting $1 donations at their drive thru windows.

The 15th annual  Loonies for Lunches program is a fundraiser that supports The Inn of the Good Shepherd and helps them provide food for children.

The Inn of the Good Shepherd Executive Director Myles Vanni says, “Our Community and McDonald’s continue to care about the children who may go without food. Loonies for Lunches is a vital fundraiser to keep the food bank at The Inn stocked with children’s lunch and snack items. The numbers tell the story, over 800 children are provided with food monthly.”

Donations can also be placed online through The Inn of the Good Shepherd’s website at theinnsarnia.ca.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand