Michigan Reconnect Aims to Fill Skilled Trades Jobs

The Michigan Reconnect program has surpassed its goal and has 70,000 residents on track to get a tuition-free Associate degree or skills certificate. The price tag for the program is $30 million.

Susan Corbin, acting director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, said, “Providing hardworking Michiganders with the skills to fill a high-demand career, puts more money in their pockets and creates a better quality of life for them and their families.”  

In addition to tuition, the program is providing help with things like childcare and transportation through partnerships with Michigan Works!, MI Bridges, and community colleges.

There’s also help with getting matched with a job once the education has been achieved. Ben Damerow, director of Michigan Works! Southwest said, “The Michigan Works! network is the go-to resource for matching skilled talent with employers needing to fill jobs that support the local and regional economy.” 

Professional trades need workers. Over half a million job openings are predicted to be ready for workers by 2028.

For more information, go to visit michigan.gov/Reconnect.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

National Safe Boating Week: Wear Life Jackets

It’s National Safe Boating Week! Boat trips are a way of life in the Blue Water Area, but even seasoned boaters sometimes need a safety reminder.

Wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages all boaters, especially youth boaters, to wear their life jackets any time they are on a boat.

The DNR’s top rules are to wear a life jacket and to boat sober. The DNR also suggests making sure your boat is operating properly before leaving shore, having a float plan, and carrying a two-way communication device. Boaters are also asked to stay alert, as conditions on the water can change quickly.

When it comes to life jackets, boaters have many excuses for why they aren’t wearing one. The National Safe Boating Council says having life jackets on board is not the same as wearing them. Being a strong swimmer is not an excuse either, as plenty of strong swimmers become drowning victims. For those who don’t like the bulkiness of life jackets, there are new styles that look like suspenders or a belt pack and inflate when needed.

For more information, go to safeboatingcampaign.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fallen Heroes Remembered with Memorial Day Observances

Pandemic or not, fallen heroes will not be forgotten during this year’s Memorial Day holiday. While parades have largely been canceled, a few observances still remain.

Port Huron’s Pine Grove Park will be the location of the annual Memorial Day Program to be held on May 31st at noon. Fallen heroes will be recognized for their service in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. Thirty-five names will be added to the monument in Pine Grove Park to recognize those service members who have been identified by the St. Clair County Allied Veteran Council and Memorial Tablet Committee.

Daniel J. Crocker, retired State Director of Veterans Services, Department of Michigan of Veterans of Foreign Wars, said, “This is another historical moment for our community.  The bottom line is 35-former servicemen with ties to St. Clair County who paid the supreme sacrifice on the altar of freedom will finally and forever be memorialized on the sacred tablets located in Pine Grove Park. “

Crocker said this is the largest number that has been added since the Vietnam War, and more could be added in the future.

Community groups are also placing flags on veterans’ graves on Friday, in preparation for the holiday weekend.

There will also be a Memorial Day parade in downtown Lexington, MI on Monday, May 31st at 11 AM. The parade will end with a ceremony.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

United Way Recognizes Local Leaders

The United Way of St. Clair County held their annual meeting on May 19th, and they recognized several local people with awards.

Katheryn Baker was presented with the Thomas D. Melms Award for the way she advocates for the United Way in the community and supports fundraising efforts, programs, and services.

Brent Gillette, United Way Executive Director, said, “She looks beyond herself and her organization to assure all United Way Affiliated Organizations are receiving the necessary support.”

Katheryn Baker
Katheryn Baker

 

Cathy Mills was recognized as 2021 Volunteer of the Year for her ongoing commitment to the local community and her willingness to lend a helping hand.

Michelle Shepley, TCF’s Port Huron Community President and Regional Sales Manager, said, “Cathy is dedicated to the improvement of our Community and is very passionate about the organizations she is involved with; this is evident whenever you see her volunteering for an event.  I am proud to have Cathy as a colleague and friend; her caring spirit is contagious!”

Cathy Mills
Cathy Mills

 

Jennifer Posey was recognized as the 2020 Campaign Champion for her involvement in the annual United Way campaign.

Marc Simone,  United Way Campaign Chairperson, said, “Jennie’s passion is an outstanding representation of our vision of a Community Campaign, because she’s always willing to help others when she can.  She is outgoing and has a contagious personality.”

Jennie Posey
Jennie Posey

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Unemployment Rules Starting to Tighten Up

Michigan’s unemployment rate is down to 4.9% according to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Help wanted signs are everywhere and over 6,000 jobs were added in April, according to the Governor’s office.

Those who have been relying on unemployment benefits will see some changes to the program. According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, it’s time to start looking for work if one wants to continue receiving unemployment checks. The requirement to look for work at least weekly was waived in March 2020 when many businesses shut down. It will soon be required. Benefits will not be paid until work search activities have been reported.

At this time, the extra $300 in federal benefits remains, but Governor Whitmer is under pressure from the legislature to end it.

The national unemployment rate sits at about 6.1%. Addressing the state’s unemployment rate, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave much of the credit to the American Rescue plan, which has pumped billions into the economy, and to the residents of the state who followed protocol during the pandemic. Whitmer said, “It’s clear that these actions have enabled us to grow our economy and get back to normal quicker than many other states.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland