Local News

Families in Sanilac County still have time to squeeze in some fall fun before camping season wraps up. Jellystone Park North Port Huron, along Lake Huron in Carsonville, is hosting Halloween-themed weekends as the campground heads toward its season closing. Campers can expect spooky family fun, like trick-or-treating and campsite decorating. The park sits just 5 minutes north of Port Sanilac, making it an easy Thumb-area getaway. Once the final weekend ends, the campground will shut down for the winter.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tuscola County voters have big decisions on the November 3rd ballot. Countywide, they will decide whether to renew the property tax that pays for veterans services. That would not raise the rate. The countywide veterans’ proposal would continue funding at about 17 cents per $1,000 of taxable value for six years. A separate question asks whether to add a new tax for the same purpose, because the county’s veterans office says it needs more money. In the townships, Akron and Columbia want to renew fire and ambulance funding, while Almer Charter and Dayton are asking for new road money.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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