Local News

A custom, handcrafted kayak is being offered up as the piece in a fundraiser for The Friends of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.  According to David Brooks, president of the group, the boat is fashioned from wood, and was made by Allen Deming of  Mackinaw Watercraft LLC in Grand Ledge.  The group commissioned the kayak and funds raised will go toward restoration at the park.”  The friends group volunteers and raises money for the Fort Gratiot Light Station County Park, located at 2800 Omar St., Port Huron.  One of Deming’s canoe, which was received into competition at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, featured wood inlays of lighthouses along Lake Michigan, and it was from that piece that the group decided to commission a kayak.  The single-person kayak has a retail value of $5,150. It weighs 28 pounds and is 14 feet long.  Tickets are $20  and 500 will be sold. The drawing will be July 14 during Bluewater SandFest. To purchase tickets or for more information, cal (810) 385-4951 or go to https://www.facebook.com/St-Clair-County-Parks-and-Recreation-Commission-114026198441/.  The  ayak will be on display in the upstairs Chase Gallery at Studio 1219 located at 1219 Military Street in Port Huron from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 23.

Former Michigan professional hockey player Scott Matzka died on Sunday, December 16 at the age of 40.   Matzka, a Port Huron native was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2015.  Since that time, he had been an advocate for awareness and research for the disease.  His family’s experience was documented in the film “My Turn, The Film”, following his wife and children as Matzka walked through the realities of dealing daily with ALS.  The film held a premiere at Sperry’s Moviehouse this past June.   My Turn 4 ALS a non-profit foundation was founded by Matzka and holds fundraisers to raise not only funds, but awareness of the disease.  For more information about MyTurn 4 ALS, visit scottmatzka.com

Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its December 2018 Employee of the Month, Kathy Fisher, RN, and its December 2018 Volunteer of the Month, Walt McCabe. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.  Kathy works in Clinical Research for Lake Huron Medical Cancer Center and has been with LHMC since 2012. She was nominated by a peer who wrote, “Kathy has proven time and again to put the patient first. She insisted on delivering a necessary prescription to the patient herself, instead of having the patient, who was without a vehicle, figure out how to get the prescription on their own.” Kathy made sure that the patient understood how to take the medication and provided information about the local food banks to help meet some of the other needs of the patient.   Walt volunteers in the Spiritual Care department and has been volunteering since 2011.  He volunteers three times a week, providing comfort and communion to patients.  Walt is described as a quiet man who offers comfort and peace of mind with his gentle soul.  Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Kathy and Walt as we celebrate their accomplishments.  To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.

Chief Joseph Platzer graduated with his Masters Degree in Public Administration. According to Port Huron City Manager, Jame Freed, he was able to juggle work, family and school. Just an amazing accomplishment. WGRT offers our congratulations.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is asking for help from the public to locate a missing teenager.  18-year-old Rabia Foxworth went missing a year ago on Dec. 14, 2017.  She was last seen in Southfield, MI and may frequent areas throughout Detroit, MI.  Rabia is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her chest, a piercing in her right nostril and her ears are pierced.  Anyone with information about Rabia is asked to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) or the Southfield Police Department (Michigan) at 1-248-796-5500.

The Blue Water Area Humane Society is hosting the 21^st Annual Low Cost Vaccination Clinic for low-income families and individuals. On Saturday January 19 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at 4100 Griswold in Port Huron between Range and Michigan Road.  Cost is $5 each for 2 dogs, and $10 for each addition dog rabies, distemper and parvo, and $5 each for 2 cats and $10 for each additional cat for rabies and RCP.  Dog licenses will not be on sale.  Microchipping is available for $15.  You must be a resident of St. Clair County, have picture I.D. and current proof of income and meet low-income guidelines.  You can call the Blue Water Area Humane Society for income guidelines.  All dogs must be leashed and all cats in carriers.  For information, call the Blue Water Area Humane Society at 6266 Lapeer Road in Clyde at 810-987-4357.