George James

Blue Water Convention Center

Program Lets Locals Bring Big Events to Port Huron

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is calling on residents to help bring major events home through its new Thumbcoast Beacon program. Locals are encouraged to suggest conferences, meetings, or tournaments that could be held in the Port Huron region. The bureau will handle the planning details. Officials say hosting events here keeps money local, with each overnight visitor spending about $165 a night. Residents who help attract events will be honored with free stays, recognition, and special perks.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

County Reprimands Health Board Member

St. Clair County commissioners issued a formal reprimand Oct. 2nd to Health Advisory Board member Kevin Watkins for using the words “assassins” and “assassinate” during a September meeting. The 4-2 vote followed complaints from fellow board members who called his language threatening. Commissioners said the letter, sent Oct. 3rd, was meant to hold Watkins accountable while emphasizing public transparency. Watkins defended his remarks as figurative, citing “character assassination,” and said the controversy highlights the need for more diverse voices in county leadership.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Faith & Blue BBQ Tailgate

Port Huron residents are invited to the annual Faith & Blue BBQ Tailgate at Port Huron High School October 24th. It’s hosted by Operation Transformation with the Port Huron Police, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, U.S. Customs, and the local school district. The two-hour event offers free BBQ, police and trooper vehicle displays, gaming trailers, cornhole, and yard games. Families can meet neighbors, local schools, faith groups, and law enforcement in a fun, hometown-focused evening. Everyone is welcome.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Thanksgiving Food Drive Returns

YNCU is bringing back its Thanksgiving Food Drive for the third year, now bigger than ever through a new partnership with Comtech Fire Credit Union. Sixteen collection events will run across Ontario in the week before Thanksgiving, supporting local food banks and charities. Branches will team up with grocery stores to gather essential groceries for families struggling with food insecurity. YNCU says the campaign aims to make sure more people in communities across the province can enjoy a holiday meal.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

SC4 Considers Buying Sperry’s and CityFlats

St. Clair County Community College is looking to expand its downtown Port Huron footprint with a plan to buy both Sperry’s Moviehouse and CityFlatsHotel. The college’s board will vote today on whether to approve the $5.45 million deal, which includes nearby vacant lots. College officials say the hotel could serve as additional student housing, while future plans for the theater remain unclear. The move follows SC4’s recent partnership with CityFlats to house 27 students this fall. The board meets at the SC4 Welcome Center.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Warren Man Charged in Roommate’s Fatal Shooting

A Warren man faces serious charges after his 63-year-old roommate was shot and killed last Thursday. Twenty-year-old Kayvon Briscoe-Hall was arraigned Monday in 37th District Court on second-degree murder and felony-firearm charges. Warren police say the victim was found inside the home, unresponsive, and later died at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Briscoe-Hall remains in Macomb County Jail with no bond, awaiting further hearings later this month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet