Local News

Port Huron, MI — Through the Cool Cities Initiative, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, James C. Acheson Foundation, Port Huron DDA, and the State of Michigan founded and created Studio 1219 in 2005. The studio started out as an art incubator and grew over the last 15 years to become the largest public art facility in the thumbcoast of Michigan.

Now, a local entrepreneur is buying the building and plans to continue the labor of love started by the founders. The gallery, featuring around 160 different Michigan artists and hosting art classes and workshops, may look a little different, but everyone is looking forward to the future.

“15 years after the opening of Studio 1219, we’re excited to see a for-profit business bring new potential to the building, help the Studio, and bring more foot traffic to the area,” said Donna Niester, President of the James C. Acheson Foundation.

Niester fondly remembers her role in the project which includes Port Huron being named a Cool City by Governor Jennifer Granholm. That designation led to the grant that funded Studio 1219 in 2005. Studio 1219 and Port Huron were one of 19 Michigan neighborhoods to receive catalyst grants issued across the state under the Cool Cities initiative. Today, at least seven of those grant-initiated programs are still vibrant and cool, including Studio 1219.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron, MI — The Municipal Office Center (MOC) will reopen to the public on June 8, 2020. Residents are still encouraged to conduct business via mail, online, and drive-thru services. Visitors are asked to wear masks and social distance while in the building and refrain from visiting if they have had a fever or systems of COVID-19.

Over the next 14 days, Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department will begin opening splash pads, playgrounds, basketball courts, restrooms and other recreational facilities. However, city pools will remain closed this summer. The aquatics program requires over 100 seasonal workers that were not hired for the season, so they are unable to open the pool in safe manner on such short notice.

James Freed, Port Huron City Manager said in a press release, “This is disappointing as we brought these operational pool concerns to state officials more than a month ago.” He also asks residents to use common sense and follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and hand washing when using any city facilities or assets.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron, MI — United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) announces the granting of funds for Hunter Hospitality House (HHH) through their Emergency Services Fund ~ COVID-19 Relief Aid. 

The grant provided disposable gloves and face masks for HHH’s staff, volunteers, and guests to help them remain as safe as possible from the COVID-19 pandemic.  UWSCC supports the plan HHH has implemented to assure their guests, staff, and volunteers remain healthy while in their homes.

HHH is an Affiliated Organization of UWSCC.  They provide free lodging to adults who have a loved one hospitalized or at a local medical facility like Blue Water Hospice, are experiencing outpatient treatment of their own, or are in need of a place to stay the night before a surgery or medical procedure. They are able to offer their services because of their many volunteers and supporters.

COVID-19 funds cannot be used for individuals seeking financial support at this time. UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources.  Please remember, many organizations have staff working from home and require individuals to leave a phone message.  Visit uwstclair.org/HealthFirst for more household resources.

Port Huron, MI — Those of you who spent your quarantine cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics, probably accumulated quite a pile of items ready to donate to charities. If you need a place to take them, the Salvation Army Family Store in Port Huron is ready for your donations.

The Family Store at 729 Howard Street is open from 10 AM – 6 PM each day and takes donations from 10 AM – 5 PM. Items can be dropped off at their drive thru door located behind the store. For safety reasons, they ask that no children be brought to the donation center and that visitors wear masks and observe social distancing.

All donations must be unloaded from your vehicle yourself, as they are limiting contact with their staff. There are also no pick ups available at this time.

Shoppers can follow similar safety measures when shopping inside the store. Staff explained that donations are held in the back for a few days before making their way into the store, and customers will have to load larger items, like furniture, themselves.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand