George James

There is exciting news in Fort Gratiot as a large commercial space that has been empty since 2018 has a new owner.  The space was first occupied by Hudson’s, then Marshall Field’s, and most recently, Macy’s, which left Birchwood Mall last year. 

The nearly 103,000 square foot space is listed as a new acquisition of the Lionheart investment group’s Out of the Box Ventures of Miami, Florida, who paid over a half million dollars for the property. The investor owns similar commercial properties throughout the country.  

While its ownership has changed, the future is still in question. No definite plans have been made. Fort Gratiot Community Development Coordinator, Sharon Wilton, told us that she spoke with the owner, Out of the Box Ventures. The Township is looking forward to working with them and potential developers on an approved use for the building. 

Out of the Box had a variety of options in mind which all fit into Fort Gratiot’s Master Plan. According to the township’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the need for indoor recreation opportunities have been identified, including a year-round sports complex.  The Master Plan also identifies the growing senior citizen population in the area and the need for indoor entertainment. The possibilities are broad and there is no end to the speculation as to the future of the former Macy’s space, but at this time it is all speculation and guessing.  Out of the Box Ventures is in communication with Fort Gratiot officials and is gauging the needs of the community, with the intent capitalize on its investment in the future. We will keep you posted as we learn more about the plans for this big piece of Birchwood Mall.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

St. Clair County RESA offers a wide variety of programs that include opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. Specifically, RESA’s Next STEP program gives adults with disabilities ages 18 to 26 the skills and work experience they need to build productive lives of their own. This Thursday, November 14, from 5 to 7:30, RESA is inviting prospective students or employers who might benefit from workers of this background, to stop by SC4’s College Center for an open house. This transition program through RESA helps meet the educational needs of all county students.

The program was established four years ago, and it replaced the Transition Program, formerly operated by the Virtual Learning Academy of St. Clair County. Next STEP which stands for Student Transition Experience Program, recently relocated to classrooms on the campus of St. Clair County Community College. Deana Tuczek, RESA’s Director of Special Education, said Next STEP focuses on developing employability, community involvement, and independent living skills for the students. The program enrolls around 30 students.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

While it seems like summer was just yesterday, and fall had barely begun, clearly winter is here and looks to be sticking around for quite a while. Ski resorts are already open in the Upper Peninsula and the rest of the state is not far behind. Soon, Blue Water area skiers will have an expanded option when outfitting for their next trip. 

John Eppley, of Alpine Cycles, wants to build on the local company’s long history, which his father, Kurt Eppley, and uncle, Bob Eppley, started in 1981. They already have a full-service bike shop and ski shop along with a skateboard, scooter, and accessory shop. The family business expanded in 2008 with a skate shop next door and has been active in raising funds for a new skatepark at Optimist Park in Port Huron.  But, there’s even more happening with Alpine Cycles, as they have announced their expansion into another storefront just down the street from their original shop.  

Alpine has expanded their operations into 720 Huron Avenue, the former Cool City Games location, with the new space as a dedicated ski shop. They now own all four storefronts, including Jan’s Hair Design, which is staying in the space between the Alpine stores.  John said they want to bring back the local ski culture and have a place where ski enthusiasts can meet up before they hit the slopes. He sees potential for the ski culture to flourish and is excited to be a part of it. While the ski shop is now open for business, a Grand Opening is planned for Small Business Saturday.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Blue Water community always has a big heart, especially when it comes to children in need.  A local family is trying to raise funds for their little boy, Isaac VanCamp, who has cerebral palsy and kidney disease, among other health concerns. Isaac, who attends Woodlands School in Kimball, uses a wheelchair, and the family is in need of a modified van to get Isaac and his wheelchair around. 

Wheelchair accessible vans are an expensive investment, but make a world of difference to those with disabilities and their caregivers. The Van Camps have been able to put a down payment on a van thanks to some other local fundraisers, but could use a little help paying for the modifications. Last weekend, a fundraiser was held at Family Fun and Skate in Kimball where friends and supporters gathered pledges and and held a friendly competition in the family’s benefit. 

Family Fun and Skate welcomed in wheelchairs onto the rink, and a few hundred dollars was raised, but more is needed.  The VanCamps have three other children, including Isaac’s twin brother, Steven, who also has some serious health problems. The family has founded Michigan Kids on the Move, which outfits PowerWheels vehicles for kids with mobility issues and is active in advocating for children with special needs.  You can find out more about this local family and ways to help them out by visiting their Facebook page “Double Trouble.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Have you adjusted to daylight savings time yet? The semi-annual clock-change is popular (or should we say unpopular) top of conversation every “time” it rolls around. And, it’s happened before, but could it really happen this time? 

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, to eliminate the twice-yearly time change in Michigan was approved last week by the House Commerce and Tourism Committee. Hoitenga says, “Time change is a nuisance. Workers and students across our state have been hurt by it for decades. Not only is the practice antiquated, it’s also impractical and serves no real purpose.” She thinks Michigan residents are ready to put an end to this practice.

Hoitenga cited studies that show the time change is bad for student performance and that workers across the state struggle to make it to work on time after the dreaded “spring forward.” The Northern Michigan lawmaker’s bill calls for Michigan to remain in Daylight Saving Time all the time.

The House Bill now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Similar efforts have been pushed before, but maybe for some, here’s to hoping it’s successful this time around.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Mosher’s jewelers in Port Huron has announced, in a letter to friends and loyal customers, that the business will be closing after 125 years in the community. 

In the letter, William Mosher and Emily Mosher Wallace state that the difficult decision to close was made as it was time to retire. The sibling pair are thanking the community for making their time in the business “successful and satisfying.” A private sale is going to be taking place next week before a public going-out-of-business sale on Thursday, November 14th. Mosher’s says that all repairs and custom orders will still be completed. The private preview sale will only be open to customers who received a letter. 

The iconic storefront is located at 336 Huron Avenue in Port Huron. Future plans for the building have not been made public at this time.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.