Local News

The State of Michigan’s fiscal year budget for 2023 was signed into law by Governor Whitmer just under a month ago. The budget allocates $100 million in funds to update and modernize existing facilities for the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG). 

The facilities are being updated to reflect the number of women who now serve. Back when the buildings were constructed, the MIARNG consisted primarily of males. Updates to restrooms and showers are much needed to accommodate the nearly 1,500 women who currently serve. 

Thirty-three facilities will be updated, with two already under construction: the Grand Ledge Armory, which is nearly complete, and Grayling Army Airfield Armory. There will be 7 other facilities updated this year including the Port Huron Armory. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Here in our local area we experience all four seasons, and we all have our favorites. If I was to guess, I would say the favorite would be a toss up between summer or fall.

Summer brings all of the gatherings and water activities we love, but others can’t wait for that crisp fall air, the colors of the leaves changing, apple pies, and the 100 other reasons to enjoy fall.

If fall is your favorite season, then Ontario’s Blue Coast is a destination you don’t want to miss. Along the shores of Lake Huron, there are beautiful trails and conservation areas to get out and enjoy such as the Howard Watson Nature Trail, Lambton Heritage Forest Trail, as well as a few others.

If the weather gets too chilly and you still want to take in those fall colors and scenery, then hop in the car, grab a friend, and cruise around with your favorite tunes. Some recomecommeded areas include Into the Dawn Barn Quilt Trail and Oil Springs Historical Trail.

Enjoy the fall season by getting out and exploring your local area today!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The city of Sarnia, in partnership with Lambton Public Health, is offering its residents an evening of smoke-free fun and events.

On September 16th starting at 4:30 PM, festivities will kick off at Centennial Park. The goal of the event is to highlight the importance of smoke-free public spaces along with educating families on how movies and entertainment can influence healthy or unhealthy behaviors in children.

Health Promoter for Lambton Public Health Lisa Clark says, “Thirty-seven percent of Ontario youth who smoke say they began smoking because of what they saw in movies.”

Smoke-Free Movie Night will feature inflatable bouncers, interactive activities, food vendors, and air brush tattoos. Later in the evening, there will be a short story followed by a screening of the Disney movie Lightyear. Attendees will receive free popcorn and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

For more information visit sarnia.ca/Events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Port Huron City Council will vote on the approval of the sale of the former River District Grocery Store property at their upcoming meeting Monday night.  Community stakeholders met with city leaders yesterday to meet developers and see initial plans for the site.

The Woda Group, a firm that develops affordable housing in 16 states, plans to purchase the property from the City of Port Huron and invest at least $9,500,000 in the property.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, said, “This project will be one of the largest housing developments in the region and will provide transformational change to the Connor St. Corridor. This significant investment will no doubt induce future investment and development into this important area of our community.”

At the unveiling of the plan to the community Thursday, Freed shared that community leaders took potential developers on a bus ride around the city last year and identified the old River District Grocery site , or 3550 Electric Avenue, as a site for a new housing development.

“It’s the most undervalued property in the city with the most potential. You have beautiful waterfront views, you have walkability to one of our keynote charter parks, Lincoln Park, which has a brand new play structure thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, walkability to restaurants and bars and pubs and more to come, and we thought, this is the place,” said Freed.

The new housing development will include 58 units of two and three-bedroom condos ( 24 two-bedroom and 34 three bedroom) in its 4-story structure.

Craig Patterson, Senior Vice President of the Woda Group, said the new development will feature amenities that appeal to individuals that are earning between $40, 000 – $83,000 a year.

“I mention those income levels because we’re setting the targets at that level so those individual can afford to purchase.” Patterson went on to say, “These are the missing middle residents and stakeholders and entrepreneurs and business owners and retail workers that are already in this community or who desire to move to Port Huron in this beautiful community.”

The Woda Group intends to received funding from the State of Michigan that will help keep the cost of the condos affordable. Once they get funded, they desire to get started with the building project within 6 months.

The architect firm that will be designing the building is based out of Minneapolis, and Patterson said the Woda Group uses that firm when they want a really special design. The images available now are preliminary, and Patterson told the crowd, “You haven’t seen anything yet!”

The City will require the Woda Group to meet certain obligations on the project including starting construction within 24 months after closing on the sale of the property. Freed said the Warranty Deed will also include a provision requiring Woda to return the property to the City if they fail to do so.

The City Council meets in the Public Meeting Room at the Municipal Office Center on Monday, September 12 at 7 :00 PM, and the public is always welcome to attend and comment.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand