George James

The popular Golden Corral restaurant in Fort Gratiot has closed for business permanently for unknown reasons. Sunday, December 29 was the chain location’s last day in business. 

The Golden Corral franchise started in 1973 in North Carolina and was named the top buffet restaurant by Entrepreneur magazine just this year. The franchise is known for their Military Appreciation Nights and the summer camp they run for the children of wounded and fallen military heroes. The chain currently has around 480 restaurants nationwide. 

The Fort Gratiot location appears to be the latest closure. The “north end” Fort Gratiot commercial landscape is constantly changing, and the Golden Corral looks to have gone the way of Old Country Buffet, as a memory for those who love an all-you-can-eat dining experience. Golden Corral locations nationwide have occasionally closed, remodeled, and reopened. It remains to be seen what the status of this location will be. If you just can’t live without the all-you-can-eat experience at Golden Corral, the next closest locations are in Clinton Township and Flint.

Capac High School’s Team 2604, Metal and Soul, will host one of the more than 140 worldwide kickoff events for the 2020 FIRST Robotics season this Saturday, January 4th. Blue Water Area Robotics Alliance teams from across the county will be joined by 14 teams from around the Thumb at the event. Saturday’s event launches the 2020 high school season during which teams will continue to practice and innovate robots through a 12-week season with the goal of earning a berth at state and regional championships.

The event will include a NASA broadcast of the highly anticipated Star Wars-themed game which will feature the game reveal and animation, interviews with FIRST staff, a field walk and a question and answer. Teams that choose to arrive early will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops being offered beginning at 8 a.m. to help them start their season. After the broadcast, teams will pick up their official Kit of Parts. 

This is the seventh year that Metal and Soul has been host to an official kickoff event. Michigan teams advancing to states will compete April 8 through April 11th at Saginaw Valley State University to determine which team will compete in the World Championship event at the TCF Center in Detroit.

A statement to the community in a recent East China School District newsletter has revealed the details of a new bond proposal that voters will see on a March 10, 2020 ballot. 

According to the statement from Superintendent Suzanne Cybulla, “After the May 2019 bond was defeated, the school district set out to understand and listen to what the community felt. A survey was conducted of voters and many conversations with community members took place to listen and truly understand what happened.”

With that feedback, Cybulla said the District began the process of redeveloping a bond program that would meet the principles established by the strategic planning committees and bond steering committees. The principles developed include: building safety enhancements, upgraded technology, increased opportunities for our students, and a respect for community traditions and spirit.

The new bond program proposal includes St. Clair and Marine City High Schools remaining at their current locations, infrastructure, technology, and security upgrades among other items with an overall Bond Scope that has been reduced by 25%.

The statement says the district is waiting on final approval from the State and attorneys to distribute more details. The district website has a Bond FAQ and property tax calculator. Community presentations are also planned in the new year. More information can be found at ecsd.us. 

Port Huron Police are asking for the public’s help as the search continues for the perpetrators in a string of robberies. One set of robberies occurred between November 28 and December 20. They are believed to be committed by the same man who is described as a black male of medium build. He was masked and armed with a handgun during the robberies. 

Another robbery of the Speedway Gas station on Oak street in Port Huron on December 27 was carried by a masked robber of unknown race, also with a handgun. All of the robberies involved confrontation of the employees and emptying of the cash registers. 

These robberies are being investigated by the Port Huron Police Department Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigative Division. The vehicles involved are yet to be identified. Photos from the security cameras at the businesses show the suspect or suspects. The Port Huron Police Department offers a cash reward for tips leading to the capture of suspects. Anonymous tips can be left at the Capture Hotline at 987-6688 or through the TipSubmit website. Business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant in their safety practices.

With little snow or freezing temperatures in the forecast for the foreseeable future, those new sleds and skates may have to stay in the closet for a little while. Fortunately for area residents, the Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department has some activities lined up to keep families busy despite the lack of winter wonderland. 

First up is the Blizzard Bash,  an indoor snowball fight, for ages five to 14 that is set to be held January 3. Registration is required, but the event is free to residents, and it includes the making of indoor “snow”. The Parks and Recreation Department is also taking registrations for winter programs that start once school is back in session. Offerings include fencing for ages 12 and older where participants can learn the ancient art, and there is also Drums Alive, an exercise class for ages 16 and older.

Homeschool and preschool tennis classes start in January as well as beginner karate classes for kids who might be going a little stir crazy without snow to play in. Also starting in January are yoga classes and a new offering, the art of a traditional dance of Thailand. You can sign up online or call the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department for more information on any of these programs and offerings at 810-984-9760.

Nominations are now being accepted through January 3rd for the ninth annual “Blue Water Woman of the Year” awards sponsored by Blue Water Woman magazine. Area residents are invited to nominate a woman residing or working in St. Clair County who demonstrates excellence and achievement in personal and/or professional endeavors. 

On Friday, February 7, five women from across the Blue Water Area will be honored at a reception. The award categories will go to women who demonstrate excellence and achievement in volunteerism, mentoring other women and personal or professional achievement. The selection process starts with a nomination form and then a distinguished panel of impartial judges from the Upper Peninsula serves as the award recipient selection committee.

Last year’s recipients include Dr. Randa Jundi-Samman, Melinda Johnson, Pauline Repp, Mara McCalmon, Carrie Farnsworth and Sara Thomas. To nominate a deserving woman, visit bluewaterwoman.com