George James

A few of St. Clair County’s Board of Commissioners recently attended a conference at the White House. The aim of the conference was to talk about greater cooperation between local and federal leaders. County Commissioner Board Chair, Jeff Bohm, along with commissioners Dave Rushing and Jorja Baldwin attended the event. The three county representatives had several national figures address them and other leaders in the West Wing. Among those that spoke were the Director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, and Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.  

St. Clair County District 2 Commissioner, Jorja Baldwin said, “The speakers and panel discussions were specific to challenges almost everyone in the room faces in their own counties.”  She added that, “The question and answer period allowed them to share concerns, and most were answered with actionable advice. Baldwin felt that “with the contacts they made, [it will enable county officials] to grow their network to include federal allies to assist their office on a range of topics.”

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is coming to Port Huron Township. The franchise was founded in Florida in 1997 and now has over 700 locations nationwide. The restaurant will offer food including wraps, bowls, sandwiches, breakfast, and of course a selection of smoothies. 

Director of the Port Huron Township Downtown Development Authority, Paul Maxwell, said they “are happy to have them here, it’s been a Godsend.” Maxwell explained that the location of the new restaurant, was a run-down property, and he was grateful that it was being repurposed. Maxwell added that the original site was too small for zoning purposes, but was later rezoned to make way for the restaurant. He said, “it’s a great location, right across from Port Huron High School. Maxwell also said the franchise is looking for a location in Marysville as well. According to Maxwell, the cafe will bring 40 new jobs to the area from entry level to management positions.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

C. Harold Wills, or C.H. Wills, was an early associate of Henry Ford and the chief contributor to the design of the Model T. It might be a familiar name to many Blue Water residents, because after leaving Ford, he began his own automobile company in Marysville, Michigan. From 1921 to 1926, Wills constructed his own automobile, aptly naming it, Wills Sainte Claire.

In the years since, a museum was established in Marysville that houses the largest collection of Wills Sainte Claire automobiles in the world. Museum Director, Terry Ernest said the museum was “established to remind people of the fantastic history that Marysville has in the automaking industry.” Ernest explained that at one time, Wills owned 4500 acres of land that eventually became what is known today as, Marysville. He added that Wills laid out various subdivisions in the city to give his workers a place to live while working for his company, and dubbed it the City of Contented Living.

On October 24, the museum will host a lecture by Roger Luksik, Vice-President of the Packard Motor Car Foundation. Mr. Luksik will give a presentation on the Packard Proving Grounds that were in Shelby Township. The Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit began using the Shelby area in 1927. The area had a concrete oval track, and various test roads with varying conditions on which to test the vehicles. The in-depth presentation will take place at the Wills Museum at 7 p.m. October 24th. Tickets are needed for the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

State Representative Shane Hernandez has announced this week he plans to run for Congress. In a campaign video posted on YouTube, Hernandez said he’s running because he believes in the American dream because he’s lived it and wants to “protect it.” Hernandez referenced his service as a legislator in Lansing saying that he fought for what was right and got results.

In his time as a representative, Hernandez said he has opposed every effort to raise taxes, defend the unborn, and stand up for individual liberties. Hernandez currently represents the 83rd District in the Michigan House of Representatives, and serves as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and House Fiscal Governing Committee. He was a graduate of Cros-Lex High School and Lawrence Tech, and currently lives in Port Huron with his wife, Renee, and two children. 

Congressman Paul Mitchell announced in July that he will not seek re-election for Michigan’s 10th District in the United States House of Representatives leaving the seat open for the 2020 election. Hernandez is the first candidate to publicly declare to be running, however, according to the Federal Election Commission, records indicate five others already have filed paperwork to run for the seat.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Water levels in Lake Huron are rising. According to the Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District office, water levels in Lake Huron, Superior, and Michigan are two inches higher, on average, than in the first week of September of this year. Furthermore, lake levels in Lake Huron and Michigan are 16 inches above the levels from one year ago. 

The Army Corps cautions that high water levels with potential record highs are expected to persist for at least the next six months. The Army Corps of Engineers also noted that water levels at specific locations may differ a great deal due to meteorological influences, and flood prone areas remain vulnerable. Justin Westmiller, Director of the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said, as we get closer to winter he also remains concerned about water levels. Westmiller said his organization “will continue to monitor those levels and take appropriate action if needed.” 

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.