George James

The Port Huron & Detroit Railroad Historical Society has new leadership.  The group has announced the retirement of Chad Thompson as President with Dan Meinhard taking over as the new leader and Geoffrey Hering in the role of Vice President.

In the announcement on social media, Meinhard said he looks forward to challenges ahead with hopes to recruit more members and volunteers to aid in growth and dedication for supporting the group’s mission statement. 

Port Huron is often referred to as “Tunnel City” in railroad circles, as it is the home of the international train crossing that tunnels under the St. Clair River. The Port Huron & Detroit Railroad Society, formed in 2007, is involved in events such as the Tunnel City Railway Show and restoration and preservation of historic train engines and equipment. They have several projects underway which are detailed on the group’s Facebook page. The Society’s headquarters are on 32nd Street in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The cause and origin of a fatal apartment fire that occurred on Erie Street in Port Huron on January 4th, earlier this year, has been classified as accidental. Upon investigation, the Fire Marshall’s Office is reporting that flammables in proximity to a heat source (stovetop) were the cause of the fire that killed a 64-year-old man, but the cause of death is still under investigation pending further information from the St. Clair County Medical Examiner.

Crews from the Port Huron Fire Department were dispatched just before 1:45 a.m. January 4 to 918 Erie Street for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, no fire was visible from the exterior of the building, but one was found in a downstairs apartment that carried into an upstairs apartment, as well. The victim was the occupant of the downstairs apartment. Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Townships Fire Departments’ also assisted.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

This week, 16 local nonprofits were the recipients of grants totaling $72,000 given through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation (EMCF). At a grant awards reception held at City Flat’s ballroom Tuesday evening, EMCF representatives disbursed awards to the organizations for a variety of needs including technology, building improvements, special programs and more. Organizations that received grants included A Beautiful Me, Camp Cavell, Sea Cadets U.S.S. Sherman, and Blue Water Habitat for Humanity. 

EMCF was established five years ago by local businessmen in partnership with the Community Foundation to support Christian Ministries by promoting Biblical Stewardship through investing and distributing Legacy Gifts. The fund currently stands at approximately $250,000 with a goal to grow the fund to over $1 million in the next few years. EMCF’s purpose, according to their website, is to “facilitate opportunities for the Christian community to participate in legacy giving through a foundation dedicated to helping Christian ministries.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Local non-profit and environmental protection and advocacy group Friends of the St. Clair River was the recipient of a surprise delivery this week and quite a large one at that. The group was notified in December by Amazon that the organization was one of a few hundred non-profits to have its Amazon wish list items purchased and this week the company delivered on its promise.

According to a December Amazon blog, the company had planned to “surprise hundreds of charities—which support causes from STEM education, to homelessness, hunger, disaster relief, and more—across the U.S. by fulfilling products requested on each of their AmazonSmile Charity Lists.” 

Friends of the St. Clair River says they will use the items to “deliver many watershed education programs with these supplies.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Rising water levels are affecting residents, businesses and more in innumerable ways across the state of Michigan. This week, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is shedding light on the impact increased water levels are having on roadways. MDOT is working to provide slope stabilization along M-25 in Sanilac County. The work is meant to prevent further erosion of the shoreline ahead of a permanent fix planned for this fall for nearly 700 feet of state-owned shoreline between Applegate Road and French Line Road. This immediate fix is also part of the planned permanent fix, with the materials being used in the current project, also being incorporated into the permanent fix.

According to MDOT, the Sanilac County Project is just one example of the new challenges road agencies are facing with high water levels across the state, which is putting further strain on limited resources. Not only does the high water contribute to flooding and erosion, but will also contribute to a severe freeze-thaw and pothole season.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

A local accounting firm that has been serving the Blue Water area since 1945, has merged with a national company. Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple, a tax accounting, auditing, and business consulting firm located on Holland Avenue in Port Huron, has merged with UHY, LLP. Mike Turnbull, a partner with Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple, said that the merger is a benefit to everyone, as it allows the firm to expand services. 

Over their 75-year history, the firm has specialized in auditing for governmental entities and non-profits. The merger was a strategic move on UHY’s part to expand its market into the  Blue Water Area. They were looking for a Port Huron office, and Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple was a natural fit. 

This is UHY’s fifth location in Michigan. Turnbull said that customers can benefit from expanded services as the firm expects more employees in the future. They plan to stay in their current location. Turnbull said that the merger is a “good measure of what St. Clair County has accomplished” and when a larger firm like UHY sees opportunity in the market, it is a good sign.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.