Local News

Flying into and out of St. Clair County is going to be on hold for a short time. Improvements and upgrades to the airport have been made in phases over the last few months, and the St. Clair County Airport will be closed for the next 10 days, according to Airport Director Kathy Reaume.  The closure is part of a 4.6 million dollar federal grant designated to renovating the runways. Reaume said she “is very pleased with the work being done so far, and that they are currently ahead of schedule.”  In addition to new asphalt on all of the surfaces, new electrical and lighting will be installed as well. Reaume also stated that the current complete closure is a result of construction on a cross-section of the two runways.  The airport is set to reopen on August 26th at 7 a.m. The airport services approximately 32,000 flights every year.  

St. Clair County Sheriff, Tim Donnellon, is concerned about the dangers involved in this year’s float down. With water levels at record highs, Donnellon wants floaters to know that this isn’t the same river they’ve floated in past years. What’s the big change? The current. With water levels so high, the current is much stronger, and those who make a choice to float without a paddle or a life jacket will not be prepared to deal with the power of the river. Many people take for granted that first responders will be out in full force during the float down, but Donnellon reminds us that the river can claim someone’s life in minutes, and the disorganization of the event prevents first responders from being able to quickly identify those in trouble.

If you’ve decided this event is worth the risk, Sheriff Donnellon urges common sense: wear a properly fitted life jacket, take a paddle, be prepared with water and sunscreen, and make sure all children keep their life jackets on. All minors are required to wear life jackets at all times, and those who don’t will be removed from the water along with their entire party. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the water safely, so make good choices to protect yourself, your friends, and your family this Sunday.

The Blue Water Area Fallen Heroes Community Banner Program was introduced by members of the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Council, the St. Clair County Department of Veteran Affairs, and a student leadership class project from Croswell – Lexington High School as a way to honor the community’s military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country. St. Clair County has over 550 service members who have died in service to their country from World War I to the current War on Terror.

The Community Banners will feature the fallen heroes’ photograph, rank, name, branch of service, war conflict, age, and city in which they resided.  The St. Clair County Veterans Council is reporting that they have scanned 197 images of the 568 St Clair County GI’s who died while in service. The group is asking that the community continue to help find family and friends of those lost to complete the project. Right now, the focus is on finding individuals who served from Vietnam to the present. The project is at no cost to family members, and a full list of those the group is currently trying to find can be found on the St. Clair County Veterans Council’s Facebook page.  

The National Recreation and Park Association along with the Walmart Foundation have been opening up new opportunities for healthy living and eating across the country. A recent grant from the organizations made way for a new and innovative program at Palmer Park this summer. Beginning in June and running through the end of August, Grow Buddies is bringing together adults and kids of all ages over gardening, healthy food, and nutrition.

The program offers fun ways to introduce healthy eating habits and learn about gardening while having fun outside with “old” and “new” friends. Grow Buddies pairs seniors with kids attending Camp Palmer to create innovative raised bed gardens in the recently developed Sprout City playground. According to Kim Harmer who works with special projects at Palmer Park, “One of the reasons (they) started this is because some seniors who were coming in for the lunch program were arriving early. Staff observed that the seniors  were interested in the kids’ camp activities which prompted the park staff to create this unique program.” Activities through the program include gardening, harvesting, taste-testing and more, which Harmer says, has “inspired many kids to try new things and discover healthy foods and snacks.”

Kristy Jones, the former Community Development Coordinator with the Community Planning Department at Fort Gratiot Township, is moving on to a position at the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA). She joins the EDA of St. Clair County as the Director of Business and Community Development.  Since 1952, the non-profit EDA has been committed to helping St. Clair County’s economy through business, community, and economic development. Township Supervisor Rob Crawford said, “the staff at Fort Gratiot Twp. couldn’t be more proud of (Jones).” The EDA welcomes Kristy to their team and the organization is excited to have her on board. 

Earlier this week it was announced that Dr. Wilmont R. Kreis, a local orthopedic surgeon, died after a short illness on Sunday, August 11th,  and memorial services have now been announced. The family will receive visitors on Monday, August 19th in the Abbey Room of the Doubletree Hotel from 4-7 p.m.  A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Doubletree followed by a reception from 4-6 p.m. Dr. Kreis is survived by his wife, Susan, and two adult children, Jennifer and Jeremy, a brother and sister, 3 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

Those wishing to make a donation in Dr. Kreis’s name are asked to consider the Biomedical STEAM program at Port Huron High School, The Community Foundation of St. Clair County, or the Blue Water YMCA. Dr. Kreis, originally from St. Clair Shores, moved to Port Huron in 1976 and co-founded Orthopedic Associates in 1983.  Dr. Kreis enjoyed working with local charities that enabled physically challenged children from Haiti undergo orthopedic reconstruction surgery in the United States. He has also authored several books.