Local News

A local tradition that has been taking place since 1964 is once again set to bring food, fun, and fireworks! The Richmond Area Good Old Days Festival is a four day event located in Richmond, MI that begins Thursday, September 8th and concludes on Sunday, September 11th.

The festival will offer a variety of events, kicking off Thursday with Appreciation Night featuring DJ Pat. Friday will feature the Skerbeck Family Carnival, so make sure you’re there to get your favorite carnival treats. Saturday’s highlights include the children’s parade, cornhole tournament, and fireworks. The final day, Sunday, will feature an all you can eat pancake breakfast, antique car show, and more. 

For a great family event full of tradition and fun, you won’t want to miss this year’s festival. For more information email at richmondgoodolddays@comcast.net

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Those who prefer to vote via absentee ballot can apply for their ballot now in preparation for the November 8th general election.

To apply for an absentee ballot, voters can apply online at Michigan.gov/Vote or print an application form from the site and mail, email or hand deliver it to their local clerk.

When voters apply for their absentee ballots, something all registered voters in Michigan are eligible for, they can expect their ballots to arrive in the mail sometime after September 29, 2022.

Absentee ballots can be returned to a voter’s local clerk’s office in-person or at a drop box, or they can mail it in. The Michigan.gov/vote website has a tracking service that allows voters to check on all stages of their absentee voting process: when the clerk receives their absentee ballot request, when the ballot was mailed to them, and when the clerk receives the ballot from them.

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