George James

An effort is underway to “embrace the arts” in the downtown Port Huron area thanks to a newly formed Blue Water Creatives Group. Michigan Mutual, a downtown business at the corner of Military and Water Streets,  is embracing the effort by offering some of their property to be used for a mural project by the local arts community. 

Artists were asked to submit their ideas through the Blue Water Creatives Facebook page beginning last week. The end product will be an original mural painted on Michigan Mutual’s large south-facing garage door. The hope is that this will be the impetus for a larger scale mural project and a greater presence of the local art scene. 

Hale Walker, of Michigan Mutual, referenced his company’s “understanding that we live in a true wonderland with the quality of life, access to water and a community willing to put themselves at risk to accomplish the greater good.” He mentioned the upcoming events like the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and the biannual Antique Boat Show that bring thousands of visitors to town who could also be experiencing the public art murals.

Walker went on to say, “…local art plays a significant role in creating an atmosphere for visitors and citizens alike.  This area is experiencing a very positive time. We need to embrace this and encourage the young talent in our area.” Artists have until February 28 to submit their proposals for the mural. Michigan Mutual plans to display the mural on their property for at least two years.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Blue Water Pet Care has expanded into a new location at 125 Runnels Street in Port Huron. Owner Chris Herbert said that he was renting in the old outlet mall property off of Range Road for several years and was looking for a place of his own. The business had grown to be successful in the Range road location but was outgrowing the space. 

The upscale dog boarding and grooming facility was turning away potential clients during the high demand seasons like holidays and weekends. According to Herbert, he needed a bigger building to house more animals, so he purchased the building on Runnels Street, near the Water Street exit off of I-94. 

Herbert said the building has been completely remodeled with state-of-the-art materials to give dogs the very best care and make their stay like a home away from home. Herbert seems to have found his company’s niche with upscale pet accommodations. The facility features amenities such as tempered glass instead of chain-link cages and personalized dog schedules while they are boarding. Along with a detailed cleaning and sanitizing regimen, hospital-grade air purification systems are in place. 

Blue Water Pet Care held an open house last Sunday and said they are looking forward to meeting more furry friends with their expanded location. The business also offers pet grooming, photography, and training along with their boarding and daycare services.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed has named Cynthia Cutright for the position of Downtown Development Authority Director. The appointment comes after former DDA Director  Natalie Watson’s early January resignation. 

In July 2018, Cutright started working for the City of Port Huron as the administration administrative assistant. In the role, she serves as assistant to City Manager James Freed, Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Winzer, and Fire Chief Corey Nicholson. In the role, she has held responsibilities in assisting the Downtown Development Authority and helping with Bluewater Fest and ChillyFest.

Freed said Cutright’s “background in organizational management and communication will serve the downtown well.” He cited her firsthand experience with “business owners and festivals to understand where downtown needs to go to further grow its economic impact,” as assets to the position.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in public relations from Ashland University.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

A scholarship fund has been started in honor of the memory of Riley Gleason, who passed away last summer in a tragic boating accident, devastating communities with the loss of the 21-year-old young man who had deep roots in St. Clair and the surrounding areas. 

Kim Dubay, Treasurer of Woman’s Life Group 814, said that the group wanted to “honor Riley while giving back to the community” that mourns his loss. The Riley Gleason Memorial Scholarship will be given to a graduate of St. Clair High School. 

The Woman’s Life group hopes to get the scholarship started this year and continue it on a yearly basis. To begin, Murphy Inn, a restaurant in St. Clair, will be donating a percentage of its profits on February 9 from 3-6 p.m.  

The Woman’s Life group is also planning to auction raffle baskets to raise additional funds. Donations of raffle items can be dropped at the Chocolate Harbor in St. Clair. The Woman’s Life 814 Group will be matching the first $500 raised. The group will be working with St. Clair High School staff to select the scholarship winner, with the hopes of turning the community’s heartbreak into a lasting legacy that honors Riley, a beloved son, brother, and friend.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

With the Australian wildfires making headlines over the last few weeks, people across the world have been inspired to reach out and help in any way they can. A local group of crafters set out to join the efforts by making small pouches to keep animals safe. Upon the news of the need, Susan Wilson reached out to find fellow crafters in the community through Facebook and received many inquiries of interest. However, due to overwhelming supplies already being sent, Wilson quickly found that maybe there was a need a little closer to home. 

Due to their efforts, the Crafting for Critters group was able to create over 50 dog and cat toys and more than a dozen fleece blankets and heat packs to keep local animals safe and warm. The donations will be given to both the Blue Water Area Humane Society as well as the Humane Society of St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

A Speedy Q store, located at 2020 Water Street in Port Huron Township, was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect. Deputies were dispatched to a hold-up alarm at the store shortly before 5:00 a.m. January 26. While officers were en route, St. Clair County Central Dispatch confirmed with the manager at the SpeedyQ, the store had been robbed.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with employees at the store and learned the suspect had come into the store carrying a handgun. The suspected ordered the cash register to be opened, took the money from the register and ran out of the store. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’8”, with a thin build. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt and a blue bandana.

Anyone who has any information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Port Huron Police Major Crimes Unit at (810) 984-5383.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.