Courtney Benavidez’s Dance Complex in East China is gaining national attention just four years after opening. 16 dancers from the studio are competing at the Kids Artistic Revue National Dance Competition in Tennessee, marking their first trip to nationals. Known for its inclusive approach, The Dance Complex welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors. Their dedication earned them a top regional award and a spot in the prestigious KAR Showcase. For Benavidez, success is about building a strong, supportive dance community in the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The annual St. Clair Art Fair returns this weekend to Palmer Park and Riverview Plaza, bringing back one of the area’s favorite summer events. Over 130 artists from across the country will display and demonstrate handmade art, including paintings, pottery, and sculpture. The fair runs Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts, and a surprise student art project. The St. Clair Art Association gallery will host a Members Market, juried contest, and a Meijer gift card raffle. Admission is free.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Four months after Mark Ryan was shot by a state trooper in Port of Call near St. Clair, his family are still grieving. Ryan’s wife and son had called police over his suicidal behavior, not violence. When officers arrived, Ryan reportedly showed a BB gun and was shot. The state’s review remains open. His wife now works two jobs. Their son had to retake a college semester. Both were diagnosed with PTSD. Friends remember Ryan as a caring neighbor who always helped others.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A new sculpture is coming to the Blue Water River Walk, and organizers are searching for the right artist. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County and Port Huron’s Rotary Club are offering $10,000 to bring the next public art piece to life. The sculpture will reflect themes of nature, transformation, and community. Proposals are due July 31st, and installation is set for next spring. The new piece will join others like Stella the Sturgeon and Sugar the Iron Horse, as River Walk improvements continue near the South Ferry Dock.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Earlier this month, border officers at the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia seized 187 kilograms of suspected cocaine hidden in a commercial truck arriving from the U.S. The drugs, valued at over $23 million, were found during a secondary inspection with the help of a detector dog. A 27-year-old man from Brampton was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. This marks the fourth major cocaine bust at the bridge this year, contributing to nearly a ton of cocaine seized at southern Ontario borders so far.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Customers at Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar & Grill in Clay Township got an unexpected scare Sunday afternoon when a helicopter crashed just outside. Around 1 p.m., the Clay Township Police quickly arrived after the chopper tipped onto its side while landing near the restaurant. Four people aboard suffered minor injuries and were treated on site. Authorities have reported the crash to the FAA and NTSB, which are now investigating what caused the accident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet