Local News

This week’s Port Huron City Council meeting drew a crowd for a variety of community topics that were discussed, namely the discussion of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for local non-profit SONS. Several citizens spoke in favor of a proposal from the SONS organization which stands for Saving Our Neighborhoods and Streets. SONS hopes to receive a Community Development Block Grant for a new building on their 9.5 acres of property on Electric Avenue on Port Huron’s south side.

SONS Executive Director, Tyrone Burrell, told the council that the organization has been operating in Port Huron for 28 years and has served over 15,000 children with their outreach programs. The organization is planning a $450,000 youth center to be built on the property, which was donated in 2015. Several people spoke about the value of a physical building for the community. Resident Sharon Bender said that SONS’ “influence is vital” to Port Huron. 

In other topics of discussion at the meeting, Arnie Koontz of the Blue Water Rescue Mission also requested consideration for funding for a veteran’s wing for the shelter he runs on Port Huron’s south side. Along with the CDBG hearing, a presentation was given by Katey Posey and Joi Price of the Community Development office regarding the Pride in Port Huron program that has worked to address blight concerns and assist in housing rehab and neighborhood development. Cynthia Cutright made her first council appearance as the new DDA Director. Some citizens addressed their perception of unfair blight targeting to which the Mayor assured that the council would look into the issue.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Harsens Island Brewery on Gratiot Boulevard in Marysville has been listed for sale but Owner Brian Phinney says the business has “not made any decisions to sell” as they “are simply exploring the market conditions as we continue to operate.” Known for its in-house made craft beer selection, the bar-restaurant establishment opened in the summer of 2015.

According to the listing by Kramer Commercial Realty, the restaurant consists of approximately 3,300 square feet and the additional square footage that serves as the brewing area is just over 7,600 square feet. The restaurant sits on a little more than three-and-a-half acres. 

The commercial listing has a price set at $425,000, which includes the restaurant and kitchen equipment but does not include the brewery license or brewing equipment. The license and equipment are also listed for sale, though, for an additional $210,000. 

Harsens Island Brewery is still open to the public at this time. Updated hours have been posted on the business’s Facebook page.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Former Blue Water area teacher, Barbara Donovan, has left a $1.6 million endowment to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and St. Clair County Community College (SC4). Ms. Donovan passed away in May of 2019 at the age of 90. She left her entire estate to the Foundation and the College. The Community Foundation will disperse half of the funds to the People’s Clinic for Better Health, according to a press release from the Foundation. 

The People’s Clinic exists to provide medical care to underserved residents of St. Clair County. Chandra Gruber, Director of the Lake Huron Foundation that oversees the operation of the People’s Clinic said, “This generous gift will help with the sustainability of the clinic so that it can be running for another 30 years.” 

The rest of the money is intended for two scholarships for students at St. Clair County Community College. Donovan had been an instructor at both Port Huron High School and Port Huron Business College. She was known as a lifelong learner, taking continuing education classes for nearly thirty years after her retirement, right up until her final months. She had planned this legacy gift with her attorney, and according to Jackie Hanton, Community Foundation Vice President, “patients at the People’s Clinic and students at SC4 will benefit from the gift that keeps on giving because of Barbara’s philanthropic foresight and planning.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The City of Marysville and St. Clair County Community College (SC4) entered into a 50-year intergovernmental agreement at Monday night’s Marysville city council meeting that will allow the college to expand into a southern footprint while sharing facilities with the city and its residents.  

According to Kirk Kramer, SC4 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the college is initially looking at two athletic facilities using two existing Marysville parks. During a presentation to the Marysville city council, Kramer suggested Morton Park on Busha Highway would be the location for a collegiate soccer field and track, while a softball field at Marysville City Park would be used by the college’s softball team with added improvements. 

Kramer said future plans involve more than sports. “For us, this is more than a soccer field, it’s about collaboration. Expansion to create a south campus footprint. We anticipate that as we work together over the years, that we’ll continue to evolve together.” He also mentioned a potential increased partnership with RESA in technical education and partnerships that will be beneficial for the college and other community partners. 

Gary Fletcher, Marysville’s City Attorney, added that he felt the partnership would be mutually beneficial. “The city couldn’t do all of this with everything else it has to do and the college cannot do it without the real estate. Together, you can get it done, and amplify by a whole lot what you would otherwise have. I think its great.” 

The term of the agreement begins February 1st. At that point, the college and city have 60 days to determine agreed-upon locations for the college’s future athletic facilities. SC4’s Board of Trustees will also need to agree to the deal, which is expected to be on the February 13 board agenda.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

An effort is underway to “embrace the arts” in the downtown Port Huron area thanks to a newly formed Blue Water Creatives Group. Michigan Mutual, a downtown business at the corner of Military and Water Streets,  is embracing the effort by offering some of their property to be used for a mural project by the local arts community. 

Artists were asked to submit their ideas through the Blue Water Creatives Facebook page beginning last week. The end product will be an original mural painted on Michigan Mutual’s large south-facing garage door. The hope is that this will be the impetus for a larger scale mural project and a greater presence of the local art scene. 

Hale Walker, of Michigan Mutual, referenced his company’s “understanding that we live in a true wonderland with the quality of life, access to water and a community willing to put themselves at risk to accomplish the greater good.” He mentioned the upcoming events like the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and the biannual Antique Boat Show that bring thousands of visitors to town who could also be experiencing the public art murals.

Walker went on to say, “…local art plays a significant role in creating an atmosphere for visitors and citizens alike.  This area is experiencing a very positive time. We need to embrace this and encourage the young talent in our area.” Artists have until February 28 to submit their proposals for the mural. Michigan Mutual plans to display the mural on their property for at least two years.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Blue Water Pet Care has expanded into a new location at 125 Runnels Street in Port Huron. Owner Chris Herbert said that he was renting in the old outlet mall property off of Range Road for several years and was looking for a place of his own. The business had grown to be successful in the Range road location but was outgrowing the space. 

The upscale dog boarding and grooming facility was turning away potential clients during the high demand seasons like holidays and weekends. According to Herbert, he needed a bigger building to house more animals, so he purchased the building on Runnels Street, near the Water Street exit off of I-94. 

Herbert said the building has been completely remodeled with state-of-the-art materials to give dogs the very best care and make their stay like a home away from home. Herbert seems to have found his company’s niche with upscale pet accommodations. The facility features amenities such as tempered glass instead of chain-link cages and personalized dog schedules while they are boarding. Along with a detailed cleaning and sanitizing regimen, hospital-grade air purification systems are in place. 

Blue Water Pet Care held an open house last Sunday and said they are looking forward to meeting more furry friends with their expanded location. The business also offers pet grooming, photography, and training along with their boarding and daycare services.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.