St. Clair County

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Ends as Business Owners Struggle to Fill Open Positions

Last week marked the end of federal programs that increased the time period and amount of money Michiganders could earn on unemployment assistance. Programs such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) , Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) expired on September 4, 2021.

According to the Biden administration, states that want to continue adding to their regular unemployment benefits can continue to do so with COVID relief funds, but Michigan House and Senate lawmakers have said they will not support it.

Michigan has %6.5 billion in federal COVID relief funds designated through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), but lawmakers like Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey have made statements opposing extra unemployment benefits.

Shirkey said, “It’s past time to get back to work, as there is an abundance of jobs available. Meaningful work is a key factor in an individual’s mental and physical health. This supplemental increase needs to end as planned.”

The National Federation of Independent Business is in favor of ending benefits and getting people back to work. The organizations August 2021 Jobs Report showed that “fifty percent of all small business owners reported job openings they could not fill.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Marysville High School Teacher Facing Criminal Charges

Marysville School district parents and staff received a letter from Superintendent Shawn Wightman this afternoon informing them that criminal charges were filed against one of their high school teachers.

Wightman has placed the teacher on administrative leave “pending full review of the situation and conclusion of the criminal process.” The teacher will not be allowed on school premises or allowed to participate in activities with students or staff during this time.

According to the St. Clair County website, the St. Clair County Prosecutors office has charged Marysville High School teacher, Steven M. Rogers, with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, distributing obscene matter to children, and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Rogers plead not guilty.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (810) 985-2400 or the Marysville Police Department at (810) 364-6300.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

SC4 Publishes Fine Arts Magazine

St. Clair County Community College has announced the publication of this year’s edition of Patterns magazine. The magazine is the oldest publication of its kind in Michigan and is entirely student-published. 

The magazine’s publication was delayed for the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. But it is here now, and it is something to be celebrated by those who appreciate student writing and art.

Sarah Flatter, professor of fine arts at the college said, “Patterns is an opportunity to celebrate being creative and to recognize the unique talents of our next generation of artists. We’re excited to honor students and their success while at SC4.”

This year’s Patterns is published in memory of David Korff and Alfred Gay, both of whom left lasting legacies with SC4’s Fine Arts programs.

Each year, winners are named in the various categories and this year’s Eleanor Mathews Award winner is Makenna Joppich. The Patrick Bourke Award winner is Brandi Schmitz.

A link to Patterns:

https://sc4.edu/support-services/honors-and-awards/patterns/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Desirae Gouine has been named the Employee of the Month for July. Gouine has worked at McLaren Port Huron for five years and is currently a transporter in the Medical Imaging department.

Gouine was nominated by her coworkers because she lives the hospital values. She has a passion and willingness to “do for others”. She genuinely cares about her patients and goes above and beyond to provide compassionate care. Gouine is a role model, trainer and resource for new employees and technical staff. Her coworkers are thankful for the hard work and positive attitude she gives every day.

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.

Quarantine Order in Effect Until Further Notice

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department, issued a Public Health Order effective August 20th until further notice. The Order reaffirms that a close contact of person infected with COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days.

Anyone who is notified by the the St. Clair County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or their local school district that they are a close contact of an infected person must quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated or have had a documented case of COVID-19 in the previous 90 days and are fully recovered.

Dr. Mercatante said, “Quarantine of a healthy individual who is identified as a close contact is necessary to control community transmission of COVID-19. We understand how difficult the last 18 months have been on everyone, however it is our duty to protect the health of our community and work to control the spread of this virus.”

The Order states that businesses, schools, and other facilities must continue to keep records for contact tracing purposes and provide them to the health department if needed. They are also subject to serious civil or criminal penalties if they permit an employee, student, or patron to act contrary to the Order.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Beeler Will Hold Office Hour in Ft. Gratiot

State Rep. Andrew Beeler invites the people of Sanilac and St. Clair counties to join him at his upcoming office hour on Saturday, Aug. 28th.

Beeler, of Port Huron, will meet with residents between noon and 1 PM at Big Boy Restaurant, 3961 24th Ave. in Fort Gratiot.

No appointment is necessary to attend. Beeler will be available to provide assistance, answer questions and discuss his legislative work in the state Capitol.

Thumb residents can also contact Beeler’s office by phone at 517-373-0835 or by email at AndrewBeeler@house.mi.gov.

Beeler represents Michigan’s 83rd House District, which includes all of Sanilac County, and Burtchville Township, Fort Gratiot Township and the city of Port Huron in St. Clair County.