George James

Port Huron is pausing repairs on the Black River Canal to wait for expected federal funding. The canal has been closed since an ice jam damaged the Tainter gate in January of ’24. City Manager James Freed says a federal rescue plan is now in both houses of Congress. He expects money could arrive between March and May of next year, with construction starting soon after and the canal reopening in summer of ’28. Freed says using local tax dollars now would not be smart.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Nearly 1,500 eighth graders in St. Clair County will step out of the classroom and onto a college campus this month for a hands-on look at future careers. St. Clair County Community College is hosting the visits over four days later this month, bringing in students from districts countywide. Kids will try virtual reality, see emergency response demos, and explore tools like 3D printers and CAD software. Organizers say the goal is simple: show students that college and career paths are real, reachable, and right in their backyard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bird watchers in Sarnia-Lambton had a chance to celebrate the return of migratory birds while learning how to protect them. A free event took place Saturday morning at Canatara Park’s Carriage House, in honor of World Migratory Bird Day. The event featured hands-on activities, local conservation groups, and a costumed “Regal Eagle” for photos. Visitors also learned simple steps like planting native species, reducing nighttime lighting, and preventing window strikes to help birds traveling along the Lake Huron shoreline flyway.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet