Local News

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.

Rising water levels are affecting residents, businesses and more in innumerable ways across the state of Michigan. This week, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is shedding light on the impact increased water levels are having on roadways. MDOT is working to provide slope stabilization along M-25 in Sanilac County. The work is meant to prevent further erosion of the shoreline ahead of a permanent fix planned for this fall for nearly 700 feet of state-owned shoreline between Applegate Road and French Line Road. This immediate fix is also part of the planned permanent fix, with the materials being used in the current project, also being incorporated into the permanent fix.

According to MDOT, the Sanilac County Project is just one example of the new challenges road agencies are facing with high water levels across the state, which is putting further strain on limited resources. Not only does the high water contribute to flooding and erosion, but will also contribute to a severe freeze-thaw and pothole season.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

A local accounting firm that has been serving the Blue Water area since 1945, has merged with a national company. Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple, a tax accounting, auditing, and business consulting firm located on Holland Avenue in Port Huron, has merged with UHY, LLP. Mike Turnbull, a partner with Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple, said that the merger is a benefit to everyone, as it allows the firm to expand services. 

Over their 75-year history, the firm has specialized in auditing for governmental entities and non-profits. The merger was a strategic move on UHY’s part to expand its market into the  Blue Water Area. They were looking for a Port Huron office, and Stewart, Beauvais, and Whipple was a natural fit. 

This is UHY’s fifth location in Michigan. Turnbull said that customers can benefit from expanded services as the firm expects more employees in the future. They plan to stay in their current location. Turnbull said that the merger is a “good measure of what St. Clair County has accomplished” and when a larger firm like UHY sees opportunity in the market, it is a good sign.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

A teacher shortage is being seen throughout the country, including here in the Blue Water Area. Along with the shortage of certified teachers, especially those certified in special education, there is a critical shortage of substitute teachers. 

Port Huron Schools, along with several other local school districts, has put out a request for more people to get registered to substitute. The district contracts through PCMI Services, which uses the WillSub system to organize the available daily needs for substitute teachers. Jobs range from half days, full days, or multiple days. 

Requirements for subbing include a minimum of 60 college credits, a passed background check that includes fingerprinting, and minimal online training. There is also a need for substitute paraprofessionals, who work in the classroom with the teacher. The educational requirements for a para pro are less than for a substitute teacher. Interested candidates can get started with getting on the “sub list” by going to PCMIServices.com.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The St. Clair County Drug Task Force (DTF) ended an investigation into the sales of crack cocaine and heroin in the Port Huron area with drug seizures and an arrest. According to Sheriff Tim Donnellon, the investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant in the 800 block of Pine Street on January 15th. Members of the DTF entered the residence and seized about $1300 worth of crack cocaine and approximately $1000 worth of heroin. 

As a result of the seizure, a 46-year-old Port Huron woman, Molly Whitcher, was arrested and taken to the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center. Whitcher was arraigned January 17th with charges including possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver heroin, maintaining a drug house and being a habitual second offender. 

She is being held on a $20,000 cash/surety bond. Whitcher’s next court date is a probable cause hearing on January 28th before Judge Michael Hulewicz in the 72nd District Court in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

Viking, a popular river cruising line, has announced the expansion of its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new expedition voyages that will include cruises on the Great Lakes that come right through the Blue Water Area. “Viking Expeditions” will begin sailing in 2022 with the first vessel, Viking Octantis, embarking on voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. 

Octantis will host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. The ships will feature public spaces that are familiar to Viking’s ocean cruise guests but have been reimagined for expeditions as well as new public spaces created specifically for expeditions. Trips on the Great Lakes include eight days from Thunder Bay Ontario to Milwaukee, eight days from Toronto to Milwaukee, and 13 days from New York to Toronto.

According to Viking, the cruise company has also partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) whose scientists will join expeditions in the Great Lakes to conduct research focused on changes in the region’s weather, climate, and ecosystems. NOAA scientists may also offer lectures about the Great Lakes’ unique environment to Viking guests during these voyages.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.