Local News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the Oxford High School shooter pled guilty to all charges.

“My thoughts are with the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High. I hope this outcome offers them some peace after last year’s horrific shooting.

“I want to thank Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald for her hard work on this case, all the first responders and local law enforcement officials who responded to and investigated the shooting, and the countless community leaders—teachers, parents, and pastors—who brought the community together to heal.

“Also, I am grateful to the Michigan Legislature for their collaboration on bipartisan legislation to invest additional resources into Oxford Community Schools to help them hire mental health professionals, enhance security, and offer additional learning time to students in the wake of the tragedy.

As Michiganders, we must do more to protect each other from gun violence. Let’s work together on background checks, secure storage, and red flag laws—commonsense gun violence prevention measures to keep our communities safe.”

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office

It may seem early to talk about Christmas events, but McLaren Port Huron Foundation just announced plans for the 2022 Festival of Trees.

Festival of Trees will take place in the hospital’s South Tower Lobby, a new tradition that was started during the COVID-19 pandemic. New this year is a free family movie night at McMorran Place Theatre on Sunday, December 11th at 1 PM.

In a press release, the hospital remarked that the decision to host the event at the hospital instead of returning to an off-site location was “in the spirit of serving our community in the best way possible.”

Before the pandemic, Festival of Trees was hosted at the Blue Water Convention Center and McMorran Place prior to that. The decision to move it to the hospital’s lobby hasn’t hampered the Foundation’s ability to raise funds during the event, and this year’s fundraising will support the purchase of new breast imaging equipment for the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.

Tree designers have already been chosen, and the public can see their artistry by visiting McLaren Port Huron Hospital from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Woman’s Life Insurance Society’s Chapter 810 focuses on Paying it Forward. The club is known for supporting local nonprofits, first responders, and providing Christmas gifts during the holiday season.

One of their yearly fundraisers is coming up Wednesday night, and adults that want to dress up and join a pub crawl are encouraged to get their tickets soon.

The Drink Up Witches Halloween Pub Crawl is Wednesday, October 26th from 6- 10 PM in Downtown Port Huron. Tickets are $30 per person and include costume prizes and an after-party at CityFlats Ballroom with non-alcoholic drinks and food. All proceeds will provide Christmas presents for senior citizens in adult foster care.

Participants can wear their favorite costume and check-in for their event lanyard at CityFlats at 6 PM. The event kicks off there and then spreads the spooky fun to participating pubs, The Raven Cafe, Wings Etc., Sperry’s Dinnerhouse and Arcade. Pub crawlers who visit all participating pubs will be entered in a drawing for a free, one-night stay at CityFlats Hotel valued at $275.

The event concludes with an after party from 9 – 10 PM at CityFlats Ballroom for fun treats and a costume contest with more prizes from area restaurants and businesses.

Learn more and get your tickets here:

Halloween Pub Crawl in Downtown Port Huron

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

The Port Huron Branch of the NAACP will be celebrating its 100th anniversary Saturday night at their Freedom Fund Gala, and there are a handful of tickets left for the event.

The evening will include a dinner by Chef Chris Catering and feature live music from the Thomason Family Band. There will also be a special presentation honoring this year’s Port Huron Branch NAACP award winners.

Honorees include Thelma Castillo, Jerilyn Brown Sisterhood award winner; Dr. Annette Mercatante, winner of the Marguerite Stanley Distinguished Community Engagement Award; Randy Fernandez, winner of the Dock Walker Brotherhood Award; and Jessica Brown, winner of the Geri Kimbro Humanitarian Award.

Tickets to the Freedom Fund Gala are $75 for adults and $45 for youth, and you can get them on EventBrite <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand