Local News

The Port Huron Police Department recently conducted its annual Active Assault Response Training at St. Clair County Community College, with another session scheduled for November 2nd. This essential training prepares officers to effectively manage active assailant situations, emphasizing rapid response, threat neutralization, and coordination with emergency services for medical assistance. An increased police presence will be evident around the college during the upcoming session.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Last week, the Thumb Land Conservancy (TLC) secured an 80-acre piece of dune and swale forest for the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park in St. Clair County, thanks to funding from the Consumers Energy Foundation. This new addition will help protect a rare coastal ecosystem, extending a 4.5-mile section north of Port Huron. Planned trails will connect Fort Gratiot Nature Park to Lakeport State Park. TLC’s efforts, supported by grants from The Carls Foundation and Consumers Energy Foundation, aim to preserve Michigan’s natural resources for future generations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Children at Cleveland Elementary School met the Port Huron Police Department’s new K9 team last Friday. Officer Caleb Paul and Sgt. Jennifer Sly introduced a 14-month-old male German Shepherd, asking students for name suggestions like “Fluffy,” “Sprinkles,” and “Zeus.” The dog, bred in Slovakia, will detect narcotics and track missing persons, replacing the retired K9 Knight. Sgt. Sly will train him for five weeks before Officer Paul takes over. The team will visit other schools to continue gathering name ideas.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s District 43 shoe store is closing after five years of business near Huron and Grand River avenues. Owner Jorja Baldwin, who held a farewell sale last week, cited declining sales driven by the pandemic’s shift to online shopping. Baldwin, who valued in-person customer service, decided not to transition the business online, as most shoes are now bought directly from producers. She and her husband will now focus on their other business, Michigan Boat Company in Fort Gratiot, and enjoy more personal time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is moving forward with repairs on the Black River Canal after a partial gate collapse left the waterway unusable for boaters. Crews are installing a temporary water barrier to access the damaged Tainter gate, which broke in January due to floodwaters. The first phase of construction will take two weeks and cost over $231,000. The total project, expected to finish by May, will cost between $3.5 million and $5 million. Officials are seeking financial help from local governments and the state. The new gate will be stronger to prevent future damage.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The City of Port Huron Farmer’s Market celebrated its final day of the season with a Halloween-themed trick-or-treat event on Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Located at 100 Merchant Street, across from the Port Huron Yacht Club, the market invited families to enjoy a festive atmosphere, complete with candy from local vendors. Market Manager Lisa Delong highlighted that the event fostered community spirit while supporting local agriculture.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet