George James

Port Huron Schools has some “re-grand” openings this week. The Literacy Academy at Cleveland Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Garfield Elementary School have been updated with funds used from the 2016 bond that was passed by voters. On Monday at 5 p.m. there will be a ribbon-cutting at Cleveland Elementary, and on Tuesday both Roosevelt and Garfield Schools will have ribbon-cuttings at 5:45 and 6:45 pm respectively. The projects were recently completed and are part of Phase III projects of the  “Building Tomorrow, Today” 2016 bond. An open house will follow each of the ribbon cuttings with tours open to the public. Each building’s principal will be on hand to welcome those attending. The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and various community leaders are hosting the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

Mallory Milhoan is a 12-year-old from Lakeport who is fighting quite the battle, but not without the community behind her. It began in 2016, with a diagnosis of scoliosis. At the time she only had a 34° curve, so doctors gave her a back brace and monitored the young girl. Unfortunately, the back brace was not helping as she grew and the condition only continues to get worse. Now at an 84° curve, the condition is crushing her right lung and putting other organs in the area at great risk. 

She’s not been in the fight alone, though. On November 2nd the community is putting together a fundraising masquerade ball for Mallory and her upcoming procedures. On November 22nd, Mallory will undergo her first surgery to lessen the chances of a second surgery that could paralyze her from the neck down. Organizers are asking the community to rally behind Mallory. According to an organizer, Robin Mattox, Mallory asked for a Masquerade Ball dance, she knows this might be the last chance she ever gets to attend a dance while being able to walk. Funds from the event will be used towards unpaid medical expenses. You can find more information on Facebook at the page “Mallory Milhoan’s Journey.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

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.