Michigan Essential Health Provider Program Pays Loans for Doctors in Underserved Areas

For those who want to become a doctor or other health professional, but are scared off by the cost of tuition, there is a new law that can take away some of the burdens of paying for higher education while helping bring care to the communities that need it most.

After bipartisan cooperation, Senate Bills 246 and 435 were signed into law to increase loan forgiveness for health professionals who work in underserved communities. The program is part of the Michigan Essential Health Provider Program.

Those who go into healthcare fields can have up to $300,000 in loans forgiven over the course of ten years. The bill also expands the physician specializations that qualify for the loan forgiveness to include mental health professionals. 

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Curt VanderWall, a Ludington Republican, said, “I’m excited by the unique opportunity that this bill offers. Communities all around the state are facing a real problem in this shortage of medical professionals. This bill will offer tuition relief for medical students that sign contracts in areas of need.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Elections Get some Revamps with Online Tools, Grants, Possible Legislation

There have been several recent developments in Michigan’s election process. Those include new online tools that voters can use to update their voter registrations at Michigan.gov/Vote 

Also, in response to requests from local clerks, jurisdictions are now eligible for $8 million total in Michigan Bureau of Elections grant funding to implement security measures.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “These grants from our office will assist local election officials to protect the integrity and security of our elections as they face unprecedented threats and challenges to their work.”

Benson also said, “But investing in secure elections is meant to be a team effort, so we need legislative leaders to join us and commit to providing consistent and sufficient funding to ensure our election officials have the tools they need to protect democracy.”

Benson expressed disdain for a recent ruling by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules that could undo some of the Michigan Bureau of Elections actions that clarify election law and codify existing practices. Benson said that legislators were “more interested in playing games” than doing the people’s work”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Challenger Center has All-Star Lineup for April 30 Launch

The St. Clair County Community College Challenger Center is gearing up for the public launch of the facility. The founding chair, June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., will be featured at the April 30th kick-off.

Rodgers is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee. The Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger disaster.

Rodgers will be joined by former NASA astronauts Robert Curbeam, senior vice president of space capture at Maxar Technologies, and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, earth scientist at Geosyntec Consultants, LCC.  

Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College, said, “We are thrilled to welcome June, Robert and Dottie to campus for this event, which honors the legacy of the Challenger crew and opens the door to new and exciting immersive STEM education and engagement opportunities for Michigan and Ontario residents.”

The Challenger Center offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for students, educators, corporations, and community residents. A link can be found at WGRT.com.

To register for the April 30 event, visit challenger.sc4.edu/launch-event/. For more information and to book a Lunar Quest mission, visit challenger.sc4.edu

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Statewide Tornado Drill Cancelled

Due to the potential for severe weather this afternoon the Tornado Drill and outdoor siren testing has been CANCELLED.

The outdoor sirens are routinely tested on the first Monday of each month at 1:00 PM.

In the event of severe weather, siren activation for a steady three (3) minutes means a tornado warning has been issued for our area; and residents should tune to local media for specific information regarding severe weather and additional instructions.

Residents can find more information on how to stay safe during severe thunderstorms and tornados at www.ready.gov

Time to Nominate Your Favorite Port Huron Schools Staff for Awards

For its seventh year, Port Huron Schools launches its district-wide staff award campaign and is requesting nominations for Advocator, Innovator and Educator of the Year. Anyone in the Port Huron community can complete the brief nomination form on www.phasd.us and specify the particular area of excellence for the individual they are recognizing. 

Port Huron Schools Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas encourages parents, students and fellow educators to nominate someone they feel is deserving of this accolade and who exhibits the best in our district’s mission actions. 

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 22. Winners will be surprised in their classrooms during National Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 2 to 6, 2022. 

Port Huron Schools has proudly partnered in this endeavor since it began with DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Port Huron. The hotel has generously provided the winners a one-night stay at the hotel. This year Meijer in Fort Gratiot has provided gift certificates that will be drawn from nominations and given to the winners. Classic Nails in downtown Port Huron will also be providing manicures for the winners. 

2021 winners: 

Advocator – Laura Nesbitt, Counselor, Fort Gratiot Middle School 

Innovator – Mark Repp, District Technology Trainer, Technology Integration Spec.

Educator – Sarah Miller, Special Education Teacher, Early Childhood Center 

Submitted by Port Huron Schools

Diane Bedore Receives Award from Woman’s Life Insurance Society

St. Clair, Michigan resident, Diane Bedore, was recognized at Woman’s Life Insurance Society’s 2021 Individual Producer of the Year.

Bedore has won the award several years in a row due to her success as an Individual Producer, or sales person of Woman’s Life Insurance Society life insurance plans and annuities.

Woman’s Life Insurance Society was founded in Port Huron in 1892 by Bina M. West, a school teacher from Capac who wanted to help women achieve financial security for themselves and their families. Woman’s Life was one of the first organizations in the U.S. to offer life insurance to women.

After receiving the award, Bedore said, “When I began working for Woman’s Life, I believed strongly in Bina’s vision, and have promoted her beliefs throughout my career. I also believe in continued education in order to present current knowledge in an ever-changing environment. I am committed to providing Woman’s Life members the very best service – because our members deserve the very best.”

Woman’s Life National President Christopher J. Martin said, “I congratulate Diane Bedore on this well-deserved award. Throughout her long-term relationship with Woman’s Life, Diane has consistently achieved high production levels because she is committed to helping Woman’s Life members build and enjoy financial security.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand