Local News

Six remarkable women from the Blue Water area will be honored next month at the Blue Water Woman of the Year Awards in downtown Port Huron. The ceremony takes place March 11th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McMorran Theatre. Honorees include library director Allison Arnold, county commissioner Lisa Beedon, Port Huron planning deputy Jazmyn Thomas, mental health leader Amy Smith, breast cancer advocate Emily Goudy, and youth mentor Laura Burrell. Tickets are now on sale, including food, drinks, and celebration of local women making a difference.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Three local townships — Emmett, Grant, and Ira — are turning $600,000 in state and community funding into new places to play. The projects grew from residents’ ideas with guidance from the Community Foundation and experts who helped navigate Michigan’s DNR grant process. Grant Township will build a $200,000 splash pad, Emmett Township’s $100,000 upgrade adds an accessible play area, and Ira Township’s $300,000 plan brings a green treehouse and nature trail. Construction starts this year, giving families fresh ways to gather and enjoy the outdoors in the near future.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sarnia, police say their post naming a local teacher charged with several sexual offences was legal and not under a publication ban. The update briefly came down over the weekend while officers double-checked court rules. They later confirmed the ban only covered bail-hearing details, not the charges or investigation. The 33-year-old teacher remains in custody after being charged with sexual assault, exploitation, making child pornography, and break and enter. Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to come forward.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two community groups are challenging actions by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. At its February 19 meeting, the Port Huron NAACP warned of legal action over the board’s plan to merge the county’s Health Officer and Medical Director jobs—moves critics say tighten control under controversial Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin. The group delivered a Cease and Desist Notice, citing cuts to health services. Also, Blue Water Indivisible requested that Commissioner Kerry Ange be censured for an unscheduled presentation about teen health materials. The board plans to revisit the issue March 5th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College is bringing more live music to Port Huron with folk singer-songwriter Kitty Donohoe performing Thursday, March 19th, at the college’s Fine Arts Theatre. The Ann Arbor artist, known for her Michigan-inspired songs like “Michigan Waltz” and “Great Lakes Lights,” blends Irish, Celtic, and folk sounds. She’s earned a Michigan Emmy and performed alongside folk legends nationwide. SC4 says the free Noon and Night Concert Series celebrates local culture and connects the community through music.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County commissioners are taking their solar power fight to the Michigan Court of Appeals. The board voted last Thursday to appeal a judge’s decision that struck down county health regulations on solar farms. Circuit Judge Michael West had ruled in favor of DTE Energy and Portside Solar, saying the county’s rules were really zoning laws disguised as health codes. Commissioners say the appeal is about fairness for residents, not cost. The Fort Gratiot solar project has drawn community pushback over noise, health, and property concerns. A court date hasn’t been set.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet