George James

St. Clair County is ramping up beach safety checks as summer crowds return. The county health department has restarted weekly water testing at eight popular beaches, including spots in Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, and Marine City. Officials are checking for E. coli levels through September, with results posted online within a day. If bacteria levels run high, advisories go out, warning people to stay out of the water until it is safe again. Health leaders say the goal is to keep beaches open and safe, but swimmers should still be cautious.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in the Blue Water area have a chance to learn more about Parkinson’s disease at a free event in Marysville later this month. The Port Huron Parkinson’s Support Group is hosting an educational session June 24th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Marysville Community Center. Two Henry Ford specialists will discuss the latest treatments and diagnosis options for movement disorders. The event is open to patients, families, and caregivers. Organizers ask attendees to RSVP by June 22nd. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP: 616-437-6043 or Donnemarie.rockwell@bsci.com

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Dan Casey is stepping down after 15 years leading economic growth efforts in St. Clair County, with his retirement set for September first. The Economic Development Alliance board accepted his resignation this week. Casey took over in 2011, when the area was still recovering from the recession, and helped guide businesses through both that downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders credit him with bringing a major electric vehicle project to a long-empty industrial site and supporting small businesses. He plans to stay involved in community boards and spend more time writing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet