George James

Port Huron’s District 43 shoe store is closing after five years of business near Huron and Grand River avenues. Owner Jorja Baldwin, who held a farewell sale last week, cited declining sales driven by the pandemic’s shift to online shopping. Baldwin, who valued in-person customer service, decided not to transition the business online, as most shoes are now bought directly from producers. She and her husband will now focus on their other business, Michigan Boat Company in Fort Gratiot, and enjoy more personal time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is moving forward with repairs on the Black River Canal after a partial gate collapse left the waterway unusable for boaters. Crews are installing a temporary water barrier to access the damaged Tainter gate, which broke in January due to floodwaters. The first phase of construction will take two weeks and cost over $231,000. The total project, expected to finish by May, will cost between $3.5 million and $5 million. Officials are seeking financial help from local governments and the state. The new gate will be stronger to prevent future damage.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lillian Wright, a senior at Dryden High School, has been named the annual Good Citizen award winner by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Chosen by her teachers for her outstanding qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism, Lillian now has the chance to compete for scholarships at both state and national levels. She plans to use any scholarship funds to pursue a career in physical therapy. The award celebrates high school seniors who exemplify good citizenship.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

At their recent meeting, Algonac City Council discussed several key projects. They approved over $36 grand for design engineering services for an 8-inch water main on Edgewater Avenue, aiming for fall of’ 25 construction. They also approved $24,500 for demolition work and $1,250 for window replacements at the future Algonac Activity Center. The council budgeted $750,000 for the center, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and state grants.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office has launched Operation Santa’s Sleigh, a toy donation campaign to support children affected by Hurricane Helene in Bakersville, North Carolina. You are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, as well as winter hats and gloves, to help families who have lost everything. Donations can be made at the Sheriff’s Office in Sandusky until November 15th, or during a special collection event at Walmart in Sandusky on November 2nd. Sheriff Paul Rich emphasized the impact a single toy can have.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After Justin Simon’s conviction for causing serious injury while driving intoxicated, a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Ashley Nisbett is moving forward. Nisbett, a teacher at Port Huron Northern, died days after Simon crashed into her car on Lakeshore Road in October of ’23. Simon’s attorneys argued medical mismanagement contributed to her death, but he was convicted of the lesser charge. Now, the family seeks damages in civil court. Simon faces sentencing for the criminal case on October 30th, with up to five years in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet