Local News

The Blue Water Area welcomes a new business that is sure to put a song in your heart. Sophisticatz Karaoke will be located at 4350 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot, MI.

Started by Eilish Warner in 2022, the unique name is a tribute to her grandmother. “My grandmother started a singing trio back in 1958, so we wanted to keep her memory alive by blending the two things she loved most: family and singing,” says Eilish.

Located in the Cubesmart wing (formerly Macy’s) of the Birchwood Mall, Sophisticatz will bring the good times with features such as private karaoke rooms, a private party room, and Karaoke DJ services.

They will be celebrating their Grand Opening September 23rd, at 4:00 PM with a ribbon cutting, raffles, and of course some free karaoke.

For more information about Sophiticatz contact them at (810) 314-9269.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron City Manager James Freed started the process of having the Black River Canal dredged before Labor Day and met with some initial resistance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). After some persistence on Freed’s part, the Black River Canal will be dredged today.

The City of Port Huron has authorization to dredge up to 9,000 cubic yards of sand from the canal each year. So far in 2022, they have removed 7,900 cubic yards, which left just 1,100 cubic yards on the permit.

In an email to media earlier this week, Freed said, “During our last dredge, which was mild, we removed more than 3,017 cyd’s of material. The remaining 1,100 cyd’s of our permit wouldn’t be enough to open the canal to get boats through.”

After officials at EGLE initially said a thorough dredging of the canal would not quality for an emergency permit, Freed was able to secure a “minor permit” from EGLE to dredge up to 5,000 cubic yards from the canal.

The Port Huron Department of Public Works plans to dredge the canal today, which means the canal will be closed to boat traffic from the Tainter Gate to Lake Huron until work is complete.

Sand removed from the canal will be placed at Lakeside beach, so the public is asked to avoid the south end of Lakeside Park while contractors work to place the sand. There may also be slow traffic on Gratiot Avenue between Krafft Road and Holland Avenue while they work.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

What would you do if you came face to face with Batman or accidentally bumped into Thanos? Well you can find out at this year’s Marine City Comic Con. On Saturday, September 10th, visitors can find all of their favorite characters from pop culture under one roof.

Located at the Harvest Event Center, doors open at 10:15. There will be a $3.00 entry fee, but guests 12 and under attend for free.

There will be a lightsaber demonstration by Portside Rogues, photo ops and balloon animals by Wonderwolf Entertainment, as well as hypnosis and magic by Sawdon Magic & Hypnosis. 

With a host of vendors and other attractions, make sure you have your cosplay costumes ready for this event! For more information email info@blackguardreserve.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Nancy Gardner and Cliff Thomason share how The Athletic Factory is partnering with East Shore Leadership Academy (ESLA) to bring a fun and divers after school program to ESLA students.

Learn more about East Shore Leadership Academy here:

https://www.eastshoreleaders.com/

Learn more about The Athletic Factory here:

https://theathleticfactory.org/

The WGRT Local News Podcast is part of the WGRT 102.3 FM Podcast Network. For the latest episodes of all of our featured podcasts, visit our website here:

https://wgrt-1023-fm-podcast-network.captivate.fm

WGRT Local News Podcast is produced by the following team members:

Executive Producer: Jessie Wiegand

Audio Engineer: George James

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Scarecrows, pumpkins, and food oh my! Coming this fall, September 24th, from 10 AM – 3 PM.  It’s Scarecrow Saturday, located in Fort Gratiot at the Fort Gratiot Pond. 

Make sure you get into the spirit of the fall season by bringing friends and family out for this free celebration. The event is sponsored by Eastern Michigan Bank, as well as other local businesses such as Jersey Mike’s and Moran Automotive. 

Music at the event will be provided by Mad Hatter Entertainment, it will also feature pony rides, magic shows, a petting zoo, and more! Food trucks and concessions will be available as well, and be sure to grab a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell