Local News

Four men were arrested and are facing drug-related charges after a lengthy investigation by the St. Clair County Drug Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Team.

On August 18, 2022, law enforcement arrested the men after they crossed the Blue Water Bridge into the U.S. in a semi truck and made their way to a business parking lot in Columbus Township to transfer drugs from the semi to a van.

Officers seized 348 pounds of marijuana and 24 pounds of Ecstasy from the transaction. After another suspect arrived at the scene, officers obtained a search warrant for a home in Detroit where they seized a firearm, ammunition, and over $36,000 in U.S. currency.

Three of the men arrested were from Detroit and the semi-truck driver was Canadian. As a result of this narcotics bust, officers seized drugs with a street value of over 1,000,000.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Yvonne Markel, President of the St. Clair County Farm Museum, shares the details on the 38th Annual Fall Harvest Days.

Learn more about the St. Clair County Farm Museum here:

St Clair County Farm Museum

The Boil Water Advisory for all communities affected by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) water main break has been lifted, and workers anticipate the arrival of the replacement pipe today.

Crews worked over the weekend to remove the damaged section of the 120-inch water pipe and prep for the new piece. Shortly after the initial break, GLWA ordered all available pipe to complete the repair, but more pipe needed to be manufactured to complete the project.

The additional 48-feet of pipe is expected today, and if all goes well, the project will stay on track and be completed by September 3, 2022.

Only one area, a business in Greenwood, is still under a Boil Water Advisory, and GLWA cautions that another advisory could be issued before the repairs are complete. They are asking all 23 communities who were initially affected by the break to limit their outdoor water usage until repairs are complete.

If there is any significant drop in water pressure during the repair process, the Boil Water Advisory will be reissued.

For more information about what do do after a Boil Water Advisory, visit St. Clair County’s website here:

https://stclaircounty.org/Main/ViewPR.aspx?id=2521

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Losing a loved one is never easy. The laughter and good times linger in our minds as we grieve and cope in the best way we can. Port Huron lost one of its most influential community leaders last week. Marguerite Stanley was 98 at the time of her passing, living a full life that touched numerous individuals and influenced others to find greatness inside of themselves.

A brief history of Ms. Stanley’s accomplishments include being a contributing columnist for the Michigan Chronicle in Detroit as well as a community columnist for the Times Herald in Port Huron. In 1968 she became the first African American from the area to host Across the Tracks, a regularly scheduled TV show which addressed local minority issues. Stanley also hosted a radio talk show titled “Come Ride With Me.”

The list of her contributions goes on, acquiring many awards and accolades over the years. One of her most recent contributions can be found in the Port Huron Museum. “From Whence We Came: Black History in the Blue Water Area” is an exhibit that showcases the contributions of African Americans from past to present. The Stanley Legacy Wall showcases the names of those who have made contributions in the Port Huron community in areas such as business, education, entertainment, and more. 

Survived by more than 120 plus family members, the Stanley legacy will continue going strong and inspiring others for years to come. The family will gather to honor and say their final goodbyes today, and we here at WGRT send our condolences as well in honor of Ms. Marguerite Stanley. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The annual “Yard of the Year” contest put on by the Beautification Commission in Port Huron, has selected this year’s winners. The contest awards residential and commercial participants for maintaining beautiful homes and yards. Residential winners receive the coveted wooden yellow tulip, and business owners receive a plaque that they can display. 

This year’s commercial winner was 2401 North Blvd. in Port Huron, home of the community garden put into place by Seed & Soul Society, the Southside Initiative, and the landowner. Seed and Soul Society is a nonprofit that empowers local communities towards sustainable agriculture and mutual growth, and the Southside Initiative is a community group committed to social and economic issues in the South End of the City of Port Huron.

“We are grateful to all who have supported us and we thank you for the opportunity to grow in this neighborhood,” says Heather Fagan, President and Co-Founder of Seed and Soul.

Categories are broken into central, north, and south. The residential winners of the central category are: Micheal and Melanie Belleman, Douglas Bishop, and Michaelene Dye.

Winners of the north category are Paul and LuAnn Carpo, George and Deborah Moss, and Scott and Nancy Nelson.

Winners of the south category include Scott and Karen Harris, Catherine Lammertz, and Noel Suarez.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell