George James

Kids Experience Police Life

On Tuesday, nearly 40 local elementary kids got a firsthand look at police work during the Port Huron Police Department’s Elementary Police Academy. The day included hands-on activities like exploring patrol cars, trying out police gear, and learning fingerprinting. Officers and K9 Zeke showed demonstrations, while kids tackled an obstacle course and met therapy dog Willow. The event was supported by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and local schools. Port Huron PD will continue its summer with a Middle School Academy.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marine City Icon Hits the Market

Marine City’s beloved Gar’s Lounge, a local staple since 1978, is officially up for sale. Owner Penny Garwood, who has run the bar since her husband’s passing in 2018, is ready to retire after seven years. Located at 142 Water Street, the spacious 7,000-square-foot bar features three rooms, pool tables, outdoor areas, and a loyal crowd that includes boaters along the St. Clair River. The asking price is $1.55 million. Garwood promises to help the new owner keep the bar’s signature flavors alive while staying close as a regular.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Dance Complex Shines on National Stage

Courtney Benavidez’s Dance Complex in East China is gaining national attention just four years after opening. 16 dancers from the studio are competing at the Kids Artistic Revue National Dance Competition in Tennessee, marking their first trip to nationals. Known for its inclusive approach, The Dance Complex welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors. Their dedication earned them a top regional award and a spot in the prestigious KAR Showcase. For Benavidez, success is about building a strong, supportive dance community in the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

New Public Sculpture Coming

A new sculpture is coming to the Blue Water River Walk, and organizers are searching for the right artist. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and Port Huron’s Rotary Club are offering $10,000 to bring the next public art piece to life. The sculpture will reflect themes of nature, transformation, and community. Proposals are due July 31st, and installation is set for next spring. The new piece will join others like Stella the Sturgeon and Sugar the Iron Horse, as River Walk improvements continue near the South Ferry Dock.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair Art Fair Returns

The annual St. Clair Art Fair returns this weekend to Palmer Park and Riverview Plaza, bringing back one of the area’s favorite summer events. Over 130 artists from across the country will display and demonstrate handmade art, including paintings, pottery, and sculpture. The fair runs Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts, and a surprise student art project. The St. Clair Art Association gallery will host a Members Market, juried contest, and a Meijer gift card raffle. Admission is free.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Major Cocaine Bust at Blue Water Bridge

Earlier this month, border officers at the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia seized 187 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden in a commercial truck arriving from the U.S. The drugs, valued at over $23 million, were found during a secondary inspection with the help of a detector dog. A 27-year-old man from Brampton was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. This marks the fourth major cocaine bust at the bridge this year, contributing to nearly a ton of cocaine seized at southern Ontario borders so far.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet