Local News

Folks in St. Clair County can turn an ordinary shoebox into a gift for a child halfway around the world. Operation Christmas Child will collect filled boxes during National Collection Week, November 16th through the 23rd, with drop-off spots open across Michigan. Since 1993, the group has delivered gifts to kids facing war, poverty, and disaster, and hopes to reach 12.8 million children this year. People who can’t pack a box can give ten dollars online and track where it goes. A step-by-step guide to packing a shoebox is posted on the group’s website.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A bald eagle is fighting to recover just across the St. Clair River from the Blue Water Area. The eagle was found stuck in a tree for hours on Stag Island Monday, with a branch through its wing. Tree climber Justin Nicol sawed the branch off and carried the bird down. Caregivers at a Sarnia wildlife clinic say its chances are guarded, but it is eating well and getting pain medicine. A vet stitched the wing, and specialists are being lined up for more care. For now, caregivers say they are taking it one day at a time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron hospital worker has spent half a century keeping the place spotless. Dennis Roberts, of the Environmental Services Department at Lake Huron Medical Center, marked fifty years on the job. Coworkers and friends surprised him with cake, coffee and stories, and he received a gift card and an engraved clock plaque. Hospital leaders say Roberts helps keep the building clean and safe for patients, visitors and staff, and he’s a past Employee of the Year. The hospital hopes he stays on for years to come.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Port Huron this Sunday, October 25th, for a midterm campaign rally.

The City of Port Huron announced the visit on social media, saying its team is working to prepare for what it describes as the first presidential visit in Port Huron and St. Clair County history. Preparations are underway at McMorran Place and the McMorran Arena.

If confirmed, the visit would mark a historic milestone for the Blue Water Area, bringing a sitting U.S. president to St. Clair County for the first time.

The rally comes just days before Michigan’s November 3rd election, as campaigning intensifies across the state.

Reporting for WGRT – George VanCamp

A group of local volunteers is suiting up to spread some community spirit across the Blue Water Area. The Blue Water Ghostbusters wear the famous costumes, bring proton packs and an Ectomobile, and show up at local events. Marysville’s Nicholas Putinsky helps run the group. He says they are not after money or sponsors. They simply want to do some good. The group formed last November and made its first appearance in August at the Port Huron Bookmobile birthday. They have two appearances planned for Saturday, October 24.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Macomb County’s boating community is coming together after three boaters died in a crash on Lake St. Clair last week. Friends have set up GoFundMe pages to help the families of Craig Miller and Heidi Baldwin. Miller’s funeral is Thursday in Shelby Township. Baldwin leaves behind a 15-year-old son. The third victim, Gerald Grzadzinski, was a longtime boat mechanic. Sheriff’s investigators are still reconstructing the October 7th collision near MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township. No charges have been filed, and officials are asking the public not to speculate.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet