Local News

C. Harold Wills, or C.H. Wills, was an early associate of Henry Ford and the chief contributor to the design of the Model T. It might be a familiar name to many Blue Water residents, because after leaving Ford, he began his own automobile company in Marysville, Michigan. From 1921 to 1926, Wills constructed his own automobile, aptly naming it, Wills Sainte Claire.

In the years since, a museum was established in Marysville that houses the largest collection of Wills Sainte Claire automobiles in the world. Museum Director, Terry Ernest said the museum was “established to remind people of the fantastic history that Marysville has in the automaking industry.” Ernest explained that at one time, Wills owned 4500 acres of land that eventually became what is known today as, Marysville. He added that Wills laid out various subdivisions in the city to give his workers a place to live while working for his company, and dubbed it the City of Contented Living.

On October 24, the museum will host a lecture by Roger Luksik, Vice-President of the Packard Motor Car Foundation. Mr. Luksik will give a presentation on the Packard Proving Grounds that were in Shelby Township. The Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit began using the Shelby area in 1927. The area had a concrete oval track, and various test roads with varying conditions on which to test the vehicles. The in-depth presentation will take place at the Wills Museum at 7 p.m. October 24th. Tickets are needed for the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

State Representative Shane Hernandez has announced this week he plans to run for Congress. In a campaign video posted on YouTube, Hernandez said he’s running because he believes in the American dream because he’s lived it and wants to “protect it.” Hernandez referenced his service as a legislator in Lansing saying that he fought for what was right and got results.

In his time as a representative, Hernandez said he has opposed every effort to raise taxes, defend the unborn, and stand up for individual liberties. Hernandez currently represents the 83rd District in the Michigan House of Representatives, and serves as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and House Fiscal Governing Committee. He was a graduate of Cros-Lex High School and Lawrence Tech, and currently lives in Port Huron with his wife, Renee, and two children. 

Congressman Paul Mitchell announced in July that he will not seek re-election for Michigan’s 10th District in the United States House of Representatives leaving the seat open for the 2020 election. Hernandez is the first candidate to publicly declare to be running, however, according to the Federal Election Commission, records indicate five others already have filed paperwork to run for the seat.

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.

Water levels in Lake Huron are rising. According to the Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District office, water levels in Lake Huron, Superior, and Michigan are two inches higher, on average, than in the first week of September of this year. Furthermore, lake levels in Lake Huron and Michigan are 16 inches above the levels from one year ago. 

The Army Corps cautions that high water levels with potential record highs are expected to persist for at least the next six months. The Army Corps of Engineers also noted that water levels at specific locations may differ a great deal due to meteorological influences, and flood prone areas remain vulnerable. Justin Westmiller, Director of the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said, as we get closer to winter he also remains concerned about water levels. Westmiller said his organization “will continue to monitor those levels and take appropriate action if needed.” 

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

The former CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce (DRC), Richard E. Blouse, will be coming to the Blue Water area with a Business Leader Series program in the coming weeks. Blouse, who is nationally recognized in organizational management, will bring panel speakers with him who will share their expertise, as well. 

Thelma Castillo, CEO and President of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and a former employee of Blouse, said, “Dick was a boss that empowered his employees to do the best to their abilities, and he gave them the tools to be successful. He invested in his employees, and wanted them to have the best work environment.” Castillo was managing and overseeing the human resource department at the DRC under Mr. Blouse.  She added, “During his leadership the Detroit Chamber he grew it to be the largest chamber in the country.” The Business Leader Series will take place at the Doubletree on Thursday, October 24th beginning at 11:30. Tickets are available through the Blue Water Chamber office.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.

St. Clair County Community College’s Board of Trustees has filled a vacant board seat.  The vacancy was filled at a special meeting on Tuesday evening at the college with Brad Gudme of Emmett being appointed to fill the seat. Gudme is the Superintendent of Memphis Schools, and was selected from the 13 who applied for the position. 

Gudme is slated to serve for approximately 15 months with his term expiring on December 31st, 2020. Gudme said, he is “honored and very excited to have been selected for the SC4 Board of Trustees.” He added that he hopes his “experiences in education and interactions with the college through dual enrollment and the Blue Water Middle College Academy will bring value to the board.” Gudme finished by saying his aim is to increase awareness of SC4 and all of the outstanding resources it has to offer to the community.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.