Local News

There’s no question that Port Huron is a “Hockey Town” and now there is an opportunity to turn that status into cash with the Kraft “Hockeyville” Contest. The winner of the contest gets the opportunity to host an NHL game and win $150,000 in arena upgrades. Both are welcome prizes for McMorran Arena, and the City of Port Huron Recreation Department is asking for local hockey enthusiasts to get on board. 

The first step is to nominate McMorran for the contest. Participants need to go to Krafthockeyville.com to get started. According to the website, you can “rack up rally points by completing the activities…And be sure to submit a genuine and heartfelt nomination, because it could get your community a spot in the Top 4!” The activities include stories, photos, and videos. They must be turned in by February 29th. 

After the arenas are nominated, judging takes place to narrow it down to four finalists, which will be announced on March 22nd. After voting takes place, the winner will be announced on March 29th. On the heels of a successful fundraising season for the new Port Huron Skate Park, the City hopes to continue the momentum with this chance for an upgraded hockey arena and the chance to go big-time with an NHL game.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

A China Township resident has been appointed to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Task Force. Justin L. Morren, the Plant Director of the DTE Blue Water Energy Center, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Pennsylvania State, was chosen as a “member who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities, who represents public utilities in the Lower Peninsula”. He was nominated by the chairman of the Public Service Commission to fill a vacancy from a member who resigned. His term began last week and goes until July of 2022. 

Scott Baldwin, of Fort Gratiot, is also on the Task Force. He represents county sheriffs and was nominated by the President of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. His term expires in July of 2022 as well. As drones become more common and are used by everyone from photographers to law enforcement agencies to twelve-year-old kids, their impact on public safety and security is under review. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Task Force was formed in 2016 in Michigan to address the “commercial and private uses of UAS, landowner and privacy rights, general rules and regulations for safe UAS operations.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The Port Huron & Detroit Railroad Historical Society has new leadership.  The group has announced the retirement of Chad Thompson as President with Dan Meinhard taking over as the new leader and Geoffrey Hering in the role of Vice President.

In the announcement on social media, Meinhard said he looks forward to challenges ahead with hopes to recruit more members and volunteers to aid in growth and dedication for supporting the group’s mission statement. 

Port Huron is often referred to as “Tunnel City” in railroad circles, as it is the home of the international train crossing that tunnels under the St. Clair River. The Port Huron & Detroit Railroad Society, formed in 2007, is involved in events such as the Tunnel City Railway Show and restoration and preservation of historic train engines and equipment. They have several projects underway which are detailed on the group’s Facebook page. The Society’s headquarters are on 32nd Street in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The cause and origin of a fatal apartment fire that occurred on Erie Street in Port Huron on January 4th, earlier this year, has been classified as accidental. Upon investigation, the Fire Marshall’s Office is reporting that flammables in proximity to a heat source (stovetop) were the cause of the fire that killed a 64-year-old man, but the cause of death is still under investigation pending further information from the St. Clair County Medical Examiner.

Crews from the Port Huron Fire Department were dispatched just before 1:45 a.m. January 4 to 918 Erie Street for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, no fire was visible from the exterior of the building, but one was found in a downstairs apartment that carried into an upstairs apartment, as well. The victim was the occupant of the downstairs apartment. Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Townships Fire Departments’ also assisted.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

This week, 16 local nonprofits were the recipients of grants totaling $72,000 given through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation (EMCF). At a grant awards reception held at City Flat’s ballroom Tuesday evening, EMCF representatives disbursed awards to the organizations for a variety of needs including technology, building improvements, special programs and more. Organizations that received grants included A Beautiful Me, Camp Cavell, Sea Cadets U.S.S. Sherman, and Blue Water Habitat for Humanity. 

EMCF was established five years ago by local businessmen in partnership with the Community Foundation to support Christian Ministries by promoting Biblical Stewardship through investing and distributing Legacy Gifts. The fund currently stands at approximately $250,000 with a goal to grow the fund to over $1 million in the next few years. EMCF’s purpose, according to their website, is to “facilitate opportunities for the Christian community to participate in legacy giving through a foundation dedicated to helping Christian ministries.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Local non-profit and environmental protection and advocacy group Friends of the St. Clair River was the recipient of a surprise delivery this week and quite a large one at that. The group was notified in December by Amazon that the organization was one of a few hundred non-profits to have its Amazon wish list items purchased and this week the company delivered on its promise.

According to a December Amazon blog, the company had planned to “surprise hundreds of charities—which support causes from STEM education, to homelessness, hunger, disaster relief, and more—across the U.S. by fulfilling products requested on each of their AmazonSmile Charity Lists.” 

Friends of the St. Clair River says they will use the items to “deliver many watershed education programs with these supplies.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.