Choze Powell

William Stefan Wahl, a 27 year old Port Huron man, was arrested and arraigned on Friday, January 21, 2022 on criminal sexual conduct charges related to underage victims. Wahl is a former youth pastor at The River Church, a nondenominational Christian church with two locations in St. Clair County.

The sheriff’s department began investigating the incidents in late 2021, and, according to a press release, the “sheriff’s office detective bureau’s investigation revealed that there were 4 victims involved with sexual  abuse allegations beginning in 2014.”

Wahl stood mute in front of the Honorable Judge Mona Armstrong when he was arraigned on the following charges:

Count 1: Criminal Sexual Conduct – Second Degree (person under thirteen, defendant 17 years of age or older) 

Count 2: Criminal Sexual Conduct -Second Degree (person under thirteen, defendant 17 years of age or older) 

Count 3: Criminal Sexual Conduct – Fourth Degree

Count 4: Criminal Sexual Conduct – Fourth Degree

Count 5: Aggravated Indecent Exposure

Count 6: Children – Distributing Sexually Explicit, Visual or Verbal Matter to a Minor

Count 7: Computers – Using to Commit a Crime  

Wahl’s bond was set at $25,000 (with no 10%), and the Sheriff’s office is asking anyone with additional information or possibly other victims to contact  Detective Wade at (810) 987-1738.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

  

   

If you’re curious about the fish that inhabit Lake St. Clair, Friends of the St. Clair River (Friends) is offering an opportunity to learn from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station.

“Fish Tales from Lake St. Clair” is a Zoom presentation featuring live presentations by biologists who study local fish populations in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.

Lydia Nicholas, Friends Environmental Field Technician said, “We are providing an opportunity to learn about what is going on in our local fish populations, as well as speak to the scientists themselves. It enables us to make the data from this report more accessible and relevant to everyone. We are looking forward to hearing interesting updates about our very own local legends, the Lake Sturgeon and Northern Madtom, as well as Muskellunge, Yellow perch, and spawning reef updates.”

The free presentation is Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, and advanced registrations is required at www.scriver.org/events or <HERE> to receive the Zoom link.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

National School Choice Week is coming up next week, and there are several celebrations planned to celebrate school choice options in Michigan.

This annual awareness campaign is designed to let parents and families know about their educational options and celebrate the many ways you can legally educate your children in your state.

According to SchoolChoiceWeek.com, “Families in Michigan can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling.”

On Thursday, January 27th, an event is planned at the State Capitol in Lansing where students and educators will be sharing what makes their schools unique. During the event, families can explore displays, hear from speakers and supporters of educational choice, and meet legislators. The event is sponsored by Parent Advocates for Choice in Education.

As alternatives to the traditional public school system, St. Clair County has four charter schools: East Shore Leadership Academy, Landmark Academy, Virtual Learning Academy, St. Clair County Intervention Academy, and Success Virtual Learning Center. It is home to several private schools through religious organizations both denominational and non-denominational. The county also has a homeschooling support group for home educators called Christian Home Educators of the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

The Blue Water Music Awards (B.W.M.A.) was founded 10 years ago when friends Tim Hunter and Dave Whitt were discussing the Oscars and decided that they’d be more interested in an awards show that featured their talented friends.

Since that time, Hunter has been organizing the yearly awards show and making sure that local musicians get the recognition they deserve.

After a couple year break, the Blue Water Music Awards has opened up voting and is preparing to host a live event at Lynch’s Irish Tavern on February 23, 2022 at 7 PM.

Voting takes place online, and categories include Rookie of the Year, Best Cover Band, Best Import, and Best Venue along with categories like Best Female, Best Hip Hop, and Best Album. New this year is a category for Best Music Video.

The Blue Water Music Awards also awards a Life Time Achievement Award, a Paul Time Award for the best musician in the area, and the Corey J. Kuhr Award for the best fan.

The Corey J. Kuhr award has gone through several name changes over the years. It started as the Best Roadie and then became Best Fan before being named after Cory Joseph Kuhr.

Hunter is looking forward to giving away this award at the event.  “He was one of my good friends, and it’s an award that means a lot to me personally,” he said.

Nominees include local bands and artists like Dusk til Dawn, Drew Jacobs, Alex Shier, and The Barones and out-of-town acts like Macomb County’s Acoustic Ash and Ontario’s Jacob Barber.

Hunter believes that the Blue Water Music Awards bring musicians together and provide a platform for new artists. He has seen artists start by playing an open mic at a local restaurant and go on to win multiple awards after being supported and encouraged by more experienced musicians.

The Blue Water Music Awards ceremony is free to attend, and you can vote for your favorites from now until February 22nd <HERE>.

Learn more on their Facebook page <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Town Hall has been bringing guest speakers to the area since 1955 when it was founded by a group of women who wanted to inform and entertain their peers in the Blue Water Area.

The group typically has five presentations throughout the year from October through March, but due to rising costs, the group’s board has decided to condense future seasons.

The 2022 season of Port Huron Town Hall will feature four speakers, and the presentations will occur in September, October, November, and December. The board believes the change will keep the organization financially viable and also prevent their audience from having to navigate winter weather to attend performances.

A letter from the board on their website states, “This decision was not made lightly, and we realize this is a big change. Our costs have risen significantly in the past year prompting us to reevaluate our financial health as an organization to continue for another 60 years.”

The next speaker to present at Port Huron Town Hall is Amy Dickinson, syndicated advice columnist of Ask Amy, Advice for the Real World. She’ll be at McMorran auditorium on February 14, 2022. Tickets are available at the McMorran box office.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its January 2022 Employee of the Month, Lisa Boughner. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and  volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area. 

Lisa works as an Environmental Services Tech and has been an employee at LHMC since June 2017. She was nominated by a peer who commented, “Lisa has great compassion for patients  and nonstop teamwork between departments. Her cleaning is exemplary, but while doing her job  she is constantly helping patients – waters, trays or just talking to brighten up their day – all  while doing her job all in a timely manner. She truly does go above and beyond.”  

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a  special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Lisa, as we celebrate  their accomplishments. 

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit  www.mylakehuron.com. 

Submitted by Lake Huron Medical Center