Michigan Minimum Wage Expected To Increase Jan. 1

With inflation on the rise, people are desperately trying to maintain their way of life and cope with the prices of everyday items skyrocketing. Hopefully the proposed increase in minimum wage for Michiganders will help relieve some of the pressure.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MDLEO) has issued a statement saying that on January 1, 2023, the hourly minimum wage will be raised from $9.87 to $10.10 per hour. This is per the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018.

The 85% rate for minors ages 16-17 will increase to $8.59 per hour, with the hourly rate for tipped employees increasing to $3.84 per hour. These increases may be affected by pending litigation. 

For more information on the wage increase along with further details visit: Michigan.gov/wagehour.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Upcoming Book Signing Event With Local Children’s Book Author

If you have little ones to shop for this Christmas, why not give them the gift of imagination, and mental stimulation with a new book from Port Huron Author Pen R. Mark.

This Saturday, December 10th, from 2PM – 4PM, Pen R. Mark will be promoting her new children’s book The Reminator 2 and B-Yond at Great Lakes Gaming, located at 4350 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot, MI. She will be doing book signings, with her book also being available for purchase.

The Reminator 2 and B-Yond centers around a puppy named Remi who possesses super hero abilities inherited from his dad. Remi is later adopted, and he and his new owner begin training and exploring his new powers to fulfill his super-hero destiny. Remi’s character is based on the author’s daughter’s real life pet who bears the same name as the main character.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County United Way Honored With Special Recognition

The United way of St. Clair County has received special recognition by several local municipalities recently, designating the month of December as United Way of St. Clair County Month.

The United Way of St. Clair County is a volunteer driven organization dedicated to providing essential health and human services to the residents of the community. They perform tasks and services such as feeding the hungry, having medical supplies available for the community, providing prescriptions to the elderly and uninsured, as well as helping eligible families with utility assistance. 

A request was made by volunteer organizations for a public statement of appreciation, that the United Way of St. Clair County is recognized for their continued efforts in the community. Executive Director Brent Gillette says, “It is an honor that so many local governments responded to our volunteers request. We appreciate our entire community, because it takes U.N.I to make a difference.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County Health Department Offers Community Outreach

Times are tough for many families and individuals in the community this holiday season. The St. Clair County Health Department’s Outreach program is here to help those in need, with multiple services and resources.

Everyone deserves health care, and helping you find resources to get the care you need is one of the services offered. Medicaid application assistance helps adults, pregnant women and children apply for Medicaid/state benefits such as health insurance. They also help with dental and mental health care as well.

The St. Clair County Health Department can also help with community resources such as food, clothing, shelter, and much more. Their hours of operation are Monday, 10AM – 6:30PM, and Tuesday – Friday, 8AM – 4:30PM, by appointment only. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment the number is: (810) 987-5300.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Applications For 2023 Canadian Summer Jobs Are Now Open

Now is the time for Canadian employers to start applying for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2023 Program. 

On November 30th, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien announced the launch period for the program. Employers have from now until January 12th, to apply for funding that enables them to hire young Canadians for work this summer. To be eligible, employers must be nonprofit, public sector, or private sector with 50 or less full-time employees.

This year’s priorities include youth with disabilities, black and other racialized youth, indigenous, as well as small businesses and nonprofit organizations that meet the criteria for eligibility. 

To see the full list, or to find out more information on how to apply, visit: Grants and Contributions Online Service. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Northern Marching Band Receives Top Honor

On November 24th, the City of Detroit held its iconic “America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade presented by Gardener-White.” 

The parade is a holiday tradition that has been making its way down Woodward Avenue in Detroit since 1924. Every year, thousands of people line the streets, or tune in at home to watch the live broadcast. In 2018 and 2019 it was nominated the best holiday parade in the country by USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice, and this year they have been voted best once again. 

Along with the unique floats, the parade features several marching bands from local high schools to participate as well. Port Huron Northern marching was voted the 2022 Battle of the Bands & Choreography winner this year. There were eight bands in total competing for the title. 

So we would like to give a big congratulations to our local students and their amazing achievement. Go Huskies!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell