Local News

Next weekend, the Michigan Lighthouse Festival will be showcasing the Fort Gratiot Light Station Friday through Sunday, August 2-4. There are 129 Michigan Lighthouses, and each year the Michigan Lighthouse Festival shines its light on one lighthouse, specifically highlighting its history in Michigan’s story. This year,  the spotlight is on the Fort Gratiot Light which is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan.  Established in 1814, it was named after General Charles Gratiot. The festival begins at the Light Station on Friday with a social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner under a tent at 6:00. While in the area, event organizers are encouraging attendees to check out the Huron Lightship and other locations within driving distance like the Port Sanilac Light, Harbor Beach Light, and the Port Austin Light. If you’re interested in more information, you can visit michiganlighthousefestival.com.

Congressman Paul Mitchell announced yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election next year to the seat he twice has been elected to since 2016.  Representative Mitchell, age 62, was emotional at times as he spoke on the House floor to announce his resignation. He said he will serve out his term with the 116th Congress but will not seek re-election.  In his speech to Congress, Mitchell talked about his life and the need to spend more time with family. He also went on to say that a career in Washington was never his goal, and his objective has “always been simply to work to address significant challenges this nation faces, including health care, immigration, and infrastructure.” Mitchell represents the 10th district in Michigan which covers the entire thumb and the northern part of Macomb County. He currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Armed Services Committee.

The Port Huron Police Department has some good news to report this week.  They welcome Cadet Allison Groff to their department. Cadet Groff has been through the PHPD Explorer program and is a two-time graduate of the PHPD Youth Academy.  She was also recently awarded the Emily Knox Memorial Law Enforcement Scholarship.

The Port Huron Police Department also wants to encourage residents to help them fill a patrol vehicle this Saturday with food at Kroger on Krafft Road.  The food drive is called Zero Hunger Emergency Food Drive. It will be on July 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the north end Kroger. The Port Huron Police along with Entercom Radio and Kroger asks citizens to help make a difference by donating non-perishable food items to children in need this summer.

More road work has commenced in Port Huron, as Michigan Avenue North of Quay Street is being replaced with new underground service including a new sanitary sewer line, new sidewalks, and a new roadway.  Michigan Street will be closed from Quay to McMorran, and access to the Quay Street lot will only be available from the Fort Street entrance. Jeff Payton, owner of the Vintage Tavern said, “the construction is happening right at the Vintage main entrance, ” but he also noted that the Vintage will remain open during road construction. The iconic restaurant used an aging sanitary sewer that traveled westward toward Huron Avenue as it exited the building. Payton says the work being done will ensure a more serviceable sewer leading from the Vintage and other businesses in the vicinity.  Port Huron City Manager James Freed expects the project to wrap up sometime in mid to late September.

St. Clair Riverfest presented by McLaren Port Huron happens this weekend in downtown St. Clair.  The River Classic Offshore Powerboat Races are the biggest part of Riverfest and will take place on Sunday.  Boats are expected to run throughout the weekend as they familiarize themselves with the course and do some fine-tuning.  The Powerboats race in different classes as part of the Great Lakes Silver Cup Series and the Offshore Super Series. As anyone who has been down there in past years can tell you, those boats are a sight and sound to behold. 

There are hospitality tents, family-friendly activities, and more. On Friday, The Spin Doctors will perform, and Blue Oyster Cult will perform on Saturday. They are giving away complimentary VIP tickets to each of the shows, and the drawing ends on July 25th.  To enter, head to the St. Clair Riverfest Facebook page. 

This weekend is the Yale Bologna Festival.  The event is in its 31st year, and it really has something for everyone.  From the crowning of the Bologna King and Queen to outhouse races to live music, there is going to be a lot to take in. The event starts on Friday and will run until Sunday afternoon. 

T.J. Minnie began selling bologna in 1906 from a small store on Main Street in Yale. C. Roy Inc. has carried on that tradition for many years, and C. Roy’s is still run by the Roy family.  The Yale Chamber of Commerce expects at least 20,000 people to attend this year’s event. Festival-goers can look forward to Fireworks on Friday night and the Big Bologna Parade on Saturday.  Visit the Yale Chamber of Commerce website for a complete schedule of events.