Ford Creating Jobs to Ramp Up Electric F-150 Production

Electric trucks are on their way to a driveway near you.

Michigan is about to be at the forefront of electric vehicle production with the Ford Motor Company rolling out the all-electric F-150 Lightning in the spring of 2022 and expanding the job market in the region.

Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, said, “We knew the F-150 Lightning was special, but the interest from the public has surpassed our highest expectations and changed the conversation around electric vehicles. So we are doubling down, adding jobs and investment to increase production. This truck and the Ford-UAW workers who are assembling it in Michigan have a chance to make history and lead the electric vehicle movement in America.” 

Jobs are opening up throughout southeast Michigan production facilities to increase capacity to 80,000 F-150s per year.

If electric trucks seem impractical, skepticism could be quelled with the stats of a 300-mile driving range on a single charge and a $40,000 base price, according to Ford. Over 150,000 have already been ordered.  Ford says the battery system yields “zero tailpipe emissions” and can generate power for homes and businesses if needed.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

State Reports Declining Unemployment Rate

The Help Wanted signs at many businesses, along with the resurgence of job fairs and signing bonuses are signs that unemployment numbers are getting pretty low. Unemployment has been declining for eight months and was recorded at 4.7% in August, the last statistical month.

Michigan is faring well as it emerges from the days of Covid shutdowns and unemployment checks padded with federal funds. The economy grew 7.6% in the first quarter of this year and turned a projected $3 billion deficit into a $3.5 billion surplus, according to the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Whitmer is quick to credit her spending plans for the low unemployment numbers but also credits the “massive influx of federal funds” in bolstering the economy. Personal income was up 19.1% in 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020.

Even with unemployment so low, Whitmer is trying to create new jobs, saying, “We have more to do to ensure every family, community, and small business can thrive as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our state.”

A link to the full report can be found below.

August 2021 Unemployment Report.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron August Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Erin Emerick has been named the Employee of the Month for August. Emerick has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 13 years and is currently a sonographer in the Ultrasound department.

Emerick was nominated by her coworkers because she lives the hospital values. Her commitment to her department and coworkers shows through her positive attitude, pride in her job and being a diligent team player. Emerick is dependable, has a strong work ethic and is respected by her peers for her clinical expertise. She always puts patients first. She is kind, has a great sense of humor and always helps when needed. Her coworkers say they are lucky to work with Emerick.

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.

Mental Health Care Access Could Expand with MI Healthy Communities Proposal

The MI Healthy Communities Plan has been proposed to expand investment in public health. The $1.4 billion expansion would be funded by federal relief dollars allocated in the American Rescue Plan.

The pandemic revealed areas for improvement in the health infrastructure in Michigan, particularly in mental health care, access to behavioral care and telemedicine, nursing homes, and local public health departments.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said that the plan “makes long-overdue investments to put Michigan families first”.

Mental health care investment is a major part of the plan with $335 million allocated to community-based behavioral healthcare. Antu Segal, President of the Michigan Psychological Association said, “Access to quality mental health care is a major issue in Michigan. The Governor’s plan would address this problem in a big way.”

Construction of a $325 million updated psychiatric hospital in Southeast Michigan and an increased number of providers are part of the MI Healthy Communities Plan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post #2004 Accepting Applications

For young people who are interested in a career in law enforcement, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting for its next session of the Explorer Post #2004.

The Post is for high school and college students between the ages of 15 and 21. Participants will receive weekly training in law enforcement-related topics. There will also be job shadowing and a week-long summertime youth police academy.

Applicants to the program must live in St. Clair County or attend a St. Clair County school. They should exhibit good moral character, be in good physical and mental health, have no criminal record, and pass a background investigation.

Those accepted to the program will learn about traffic stops, traffic crash investigation, firearms, and building searches. The program is described as a “stepping stone” to a career in law enforcement.

Interested students can contact Detective Kelsey Wade to apply.

Contact kwade@stclaircounty.org or cwilczak@stclaircounty.org for an application.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Schools Updates Quarantine Rules

Port Huron School Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas sent a letter to district families and staff explaining the quarantining requirements for those who have contracted COVID-19 and those who have possibly been exposed. Kerhoulas made it clear that the district’s goal is to keep kids in school in person while following all health mandates.

All students and staff are encouraged to wear masks, whether vaccinated or not, but it is not required, except for on buses.

Superintendent Kerhoulas sent a graph that lays out the various scenarios based on level of exposure and vaccination status. The vaccine is not currently available to kids under age 12.

Close contact exposure is going to require frequent testing and mask wearing. Students and staff showing any symptoms of infection will need to stay home and call the doctor.

Kerhoulas said, “Our teachers are ready to support your child while they are unable to attend classes due to illness or quarantine. Our goal is to keep students in school and these orders give us many more options that were not available last year.”

A link to the full plan can be found below.

Letter to Families 9.15.21 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland