Local News

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors looking for an off-road adventure can explore the state’s 3,700 miles of off-road trails and five scramble areas during Free ORV weekend coming up this Saturday, August 17 & 18. Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said,  “This is the perfect opportunity to see and experience Michigan’s off-road trails.” Ron also wants to remind anyone that takes advantage of this opportunity that all ORV rules and laws still apply. The exception, of course, is that riders on designated routes and trails do not need an ORV license or trail permit during these two days. Riders will also have access to the state’s five scramble areas including St. Helen’s Motorsport Area, Black Lake Scramble Area, Silver Lake State Park and more. A Recreation Passport is still required where applicable, such as the scramble areas. Throughout the rest of the year, the DNR says that license purchases help the organization maintain and improve the ORV system.

Many in the Blue Water Area are mourning the loss of Dr. Wilmont R. Kreis, a local orthopedic surgeon who died on Sunday at his home after a short illness.  Dr. Kreis, originally from St. Clair Shores, joined Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron in 1976 and retired in 2013. He received his Bachelor of Science degree and medical degree from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.  Dr. Kreis enjoyed working with local charities that enabled physically challenged children from Haiti to undergo orthopedic reconstruction surgery in the United States.

Many people may not know that Dr. Kreis also authored several books. He grew up on a piece of property in the Detroit River Region that belonged to his family for over 200 years.  Many of his stories are historical fiction and are set in and around the Detroit Metropolitan area. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and two adult children, Jennifer and Jeremy. Service arrangements are incomplete.

Summer is closing in on its final weeks, but road construction is still in full swing. Here’s your road report for the week of August 12, 2019. In Burtchville Township, State Road between Myron and Burtch will be closed for bridge replacement beginning August 14 until further notice. Down in Cottrellville Township, Roberts Road between Marsh and M-29 is closed for a bridge maintenance project that is expected to wrap up next week. In Fort Gratiot Township, Keewahdin Road between State and Campbell will be closed for three days this week due to a crossroad culvert replacement.

Over in Port Huron Township, the right lane of westbound I-69 between 28th and 24th Street will be closed for concrete patching this week, and 32nd Street between Howard and Lapeer will be closed for a railroad reconstruction project through Friday this week for a Lake State Railway project. A reminder that in  St. Clair and China Townships, Wadhams Road at Fred Moore Highway intersection will be closed for approximately one more week. As always, the St. Clair County Road Commission reminds residents that all work and dates are weather permitting. 

The St. Clair County Health Department wants residents to be mindful when disposing of medications.  On their, “Be Ready St. Clair County” Facebook page, the health department reminds citizens to please refrain from disposing of any medication in the garbage or down the sewer system.  Most communities in our area have safe disposal sites. Port Huron Police, Clay Twp. Police, Marysville Fire, Wadhams and Sheldon Pharmacies, and many more are equipped for medication disposal.  The Marine City Police Department has partnered with the Rite-Aid Foundation and KidsCents to offer a medication disposal bin at the police department. They do note that the disposal bin cannot accept syringes or sharps of any kind. If you have liquids or syringes call the location near you to learn what and if those items are accepted. If a law enforcement agency does not have a disposal unit, they can apply for one through the Rite-Aid Foundation, though the department must be within 20 miles of a Rite-Aid store. 

The St. Clair County Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resource Committee has set the 5th Annual Alzheimer’s Walk & 5K for Saturday, September 21st.  The walk and 5K Run will begin and end at Kiefer park just north of the Municipal Office Center located at 100 McMorran in Port Huron.  The walk turnaround will be located near Pine Grove Park, and the 5K run will continue on towards the Blue Water Bridge before returning to the park. The 5K runners start time will be 9:00 a.m. and will include bib timing and awards for overall male and female winners as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category. The Alzheimer’s Walk will follow. This annual event held in September has raised thousands of dollars to support research and education and provide respite grants for local caregivers. Registration is open and details can be found by calling the organization (810-990-9558) or sending an email to contact@darcscc.org.

Many pet lovers enjoy taking their dog for a walk in the summer months or finding a beach to let them splash around in. On August 14th, the City of Port Huron is calling all dogs to the pool. Dogs of all ages are being invited to Sanborn pool for the final day of the pool season. The Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the event from 4-6 p.m. The cost is $5 per resident and $10 per non-resident. Fort Gratiot Township, Clyde Township, Port Huron Township, and Burtchville Township are afforded the City of Port Huron’s resident rate due to a township partnership with the City of Port Huron.

There are a few requirements for the event. The department asks that all pets who attend be dog and people-friendly. All canines must be spayed or neutered and have a rabies vaccine. It is strongly suggested that dogs are also vaccinated against distemper, parvo, and bordetella. Owners need to provide written proof of these vaccinations on the day of the event. Dog tags do not count. Upon arrival, dogs are required to be on a leash everywhere except on the pool deck and in the water. Humans are not allowed in the pool during the event, dogs only. Registration is available at rec.porthuron.org or at Palmer Park.