It’s Free Fishing Weekend for Brave Anglers

While it may not be the most romantic Valentine’s Day date, it’s the perfect weekend for ice-fishing. It’s Free Fishing Weekend across Michigan and the weather seems to be cooperating to make ice fishing possible for those who aren’t scared off by single-digit wind chills.

Along with the license fee being waived, State Parks and Marinas are fair game as no Recreation Passports are required on February 13th and 14th. Anglers are asked to share a picture of their catches using the hashtag #MiFreeFishingWeekend on social media.

For those who venture out onto the frozen lakes and rivers, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises to be extra cautious on the ice and remember that safety is the responsibility of the angler. Help in case of an accident is not guaranteed. The DNR says to avoid slushy or snow-covered ice. Clear ice with a bluish tint is the strongest ice. Ice-fishing participants should always have some kind of two-way communication device and life-jackets with them on the ice.

More information about ice fishing and how to stay safe while enjoying cold-weather recreation can be found at Michigan.gov/IceSafety.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MSP Promote “Safer Internet Day”

Today is Safer Internet Day. The Michigan State Police remind families to be extra vigilant as kids are spending more time online for school and recreation. The benefits of the internet are “amazing”, according to the State Police, but there are risks associated with being online and using social media.

The State Police advise parents to talk with their children about online risks so they know how to identify suspicious behavior. They also recommend that parents stay involved in the digital worlds of their children, from schoolwork to Minecraft to Snapchat, and always know with whom their children are connecting online.

Information about privacy and security settings can be found at the State Police’s Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force website. There is specific information about Chromebooks, which nearly every student has for both in-class and virtual learning.

The website also has a link to information about the many apps available to and targeted at children. There are many that have disappearing messages or have ways to conceal messages from parents.

If children are contacted with inappropriate messages, a cyber tip can be submitted to the Michigan State Police at michiganicac.com or 1-877-MI-CYBER.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Blue Water Area Transit Get Grant for Wheelchair Securement System

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area Transportation Commission is one of the recipients of a Michigan Department of Transportation Grant to install innovations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The grant will pay to install an automated wheelchair securement system.

The grant is part of the Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program. The state received $600,000 which is being shared among six public transit agencies. The other winners were in Saginaw, Jackson, Marquette, Western Washtenaw, and Charlevoix County.

Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation administrator, said, “Public transit remains a vital service for many citizens getting to work, school, shopping, or doctor’s appointments. We continue to work with our partner transit agencies to look for grants for innovative solutions to protect passengers and transit workers from the virus.”

The Blue Water Area Transit will get a system developed by Q’straint which allows passengers to self-secure their wheelchairs and eliminate close contact with the bus driver.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Adult Learners Gain Opportunities to Increase Wages

Adults in Michigan can improve their employability status and increase their wages by receiving industry certifications or completing their associate degree. For those 25 and older who want a tuition-free way to achieve that, The Michigan Reconnect program launched by the state last week offers a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree or skills certificate.

Tamara Kenny, Chief Academic Officer of Occupational Studies & Health Sciences at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) , said SC4 is a great place for adult learners to begin growing their resume to excel at their current job or to begin or finish the credentials for a new one.

Kenny said, “Students that receive industry certifications are so much more employable, employers are scooping them up right away. Not only can you achieve your associate degree, which increases your earning potential, but you can receive industry certifications too [in many SC4 programs].”

SC4 offers a broad range of Career and Technical Education programs including Health Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Engineering, and Criminal Justice. They work with organizations like the St. Clair County EDA to assist employers with advancing the skill level of the county’s workforce and helping new employers in the area recruit SC4 graduates.

The college is also helping adult learners take advantage of programs like Futures for Frontliners, which helped frontline workers in 2020 go back to school, and the new Michigan Reconnect program which require participants to seek a degree or certificate from their in-district community college.

More information about Michigan Reconnect and other programs for helping adults with tuition-free options for higher education can be found on the State of Michigan’s, Sixty-by-30 website <HERE> 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

EDA Provides COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

As state regulations concerning COVID-19 continue to change, area businesses may be overwhelmed with where to find helpful information for keeping their employees safe, applying for grant funds, or helping their employees get vaccinated. The St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) provides a COVID-19 Resource page on their website with relevant information for businesses of all sizes.

Business owners can also access articles on topics like Human Resources and find quick links to current Executive Orders and CDC Guidance for Workplaces. There is information on  financial relief such as grant opportunities and educational programs including the recently announced Michigan Reconnect Program that will provide tuition free community college and certificate programs to equip Michigan’s adult workforce.

The St. Clair County EDA’s staff is also working with a team of community stakeholders to identify COVID-19 vaccine related issues that will affect businesses and the county’s workforce.

EDA staff is available to discuss any COVID-19 related business issues St. Clair County businesses are facing. Businesses can stay up-to-date with the EDA by connecting with them on the web at https://edascc.com/covid19 or by phone at (810) 982-9511.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Border Keep Games Coming to Downtown Port Huron

Greg Campbell and Derek Helsom have taken their love of gaming and transformed the former Port City Communications building into a gamer’s haven. Border Keep Games is getting some final touches to prepare for a grand opening at the end of February or beginning of March.

The assortment of products ranges from unique children’s games to family games to elaborate hobby game creation. Favorites like Pandemic, Settlers of Catan, and Dominion which are great for game nights can be found alongside a plethora of unfinished miniatures ready for paint and landscapes for role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

The back rooms of the store will be decorated in a castle theme to reflect the store’s name and include a private game room for small private parties, a group gaming and lounge area, and a painting studio for creating miniatures and dioramas.

You can learn more about Border Keep Games by following them on Facebook <HERE>.

You can also find a photo gallery on Instagram <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand