Local News

The Michigan Attorney General has settled a lawsuit with Domtar Industries over toxic “forever chemicals” found near Port Huron. The company’s paper mill sent sludge containing harmful PFAS chemicals to a local composting site on Dove Road, contaminating soil and water beyond state limits. As part of the agreement, Domtar will remove the sludge, investigate water sediment, and pay $300,000 to clean up the area. Domtar closed its Port Huron mill in ’21 after 130 years. This settlement marks a step forward in protecting local health and the environment.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new sculpture is coming to the Blue Water River Walk, and organizers are searching for the right artist. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and Port Huron’s Rotary Club are offering $10,000 to bring the next public art piece to life. The sculpture will reflect themes of nature, transformation, and community. Proposals are due July 31st, and installation is set for next spring. The new piece will join others like Stella the Sturgeon and Sugar the Iron Horse, as River Walk improvements continue near the South Ferry Dock.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The annual St. Clair Art Fair returns this weekend to Palmer Park and Riverview Plaza, bringing back one of the area’s favorite summer events. Over 130 artists from across the country will display and demonstrate handmade art, including paintings, pottery, and sculpture. The fair runs Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts, and a surprise student art project. The St. Clair Art Association gallery will host a Members Market, juried contest, and a Meijer gift card raffle. Admission is free.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Earlier this month, border officers at the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia seized 187 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden in a commercial truck arriving from the U.S. The drugs, valued at over $23 million, were found during a secondary inspection with the help of a detector dog. A 27-year-old man from Brampton was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. This marks the fourth major cocaine bust at the bridge this year, contributing to nearly a ton of cocaine seized at southern Ontario borders so far.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

This summer, St. Clair’s Klecha Park is getting exciting upgrades, including a new splash pad set to open soon. Thanks to a $300,000 donation from Cargill Salt and community support, the splash pad will offer fun features like a Wobbly Cannon and Misty Mountain. The city is also improving the baseball fields and playgrounds this year. A new flagpole, donated by American Legion Post 382 families, will be surrounded by a memorial brick program. These improvements are part of a $1 million-plus project to make Klecha Park more welcoming.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On July 7th, the Moore Museum near Sarnia hosts Model Train Day from 1 to 4 p.m. This year’s event honors the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end with 50 new military models, including trains carrying wartime cargo and a miniature military museum. Families can enjoy hands-on fun with Thomas the Tank Engine and try operating an HO scale train layout. Local groups will showcase wood carvings and aircraft models. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet