Downtown Port Huron is gearing up for a weekend of smoky flavor and family fun as The Wrigley Center hosts its Barbeque Throwdown, this weekend. Pitmasters will battle for bragging rights while specialty food vendors, live music and beverages fill Grand River Ave. Organizers say the festival offers something for every age, from competition barbecue to hands-on activities for kids. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, running until 11 each night. Details and registration are online at thewrigleycenterfestivals.com.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

More than 300 people gathered in Port Huron Monday for a chamber luncheon spotlighting growth across St. Clair County. Congresswoman Lisa McClain said the area has received more than $14 million in federal funding since ’22, with $6 million more for the Black River Canal awaiting Senate action. She urged residents to attend upcoming meetings and speak up as officials weigh new data center proposals. Leaders also touted new housing, industrial projects and expanded mental health services.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marysville High School honored its legends Friday with the first-ever Athletic Hall of Fame class. The class includes 12 individuals, inducted at Walt Braun Viking Stadium during halftime of the Vikings’ 61-7 win over Sterling Heights, along with the 1961 football team and the ’97 volleyball team that finished 57-0. Volleyball coach John Knuth, who won 9 state titles, called it a great honor. Athletic Director Ryan Biewer says nominations for the next class are now open.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s air is set to get cleaner, but the St. Clair River could take in a new kind of discharge. Imperial Oil’s new scrubber at its Christina Street refinery is expected to keep nearly 5,700 tonnes of sulphur dioxide out of the air each year. Capturing that pollution creates wastewater, and Imperial is asking Ontario for approval to treat and release up to 219 million litres of it into the river annually. The province has not yet decided whether to approve the plan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

New beginnings filled the SC4 Fieldhouse in Port Huron last Thursday, as 128 people from 39 countries became U.S. citizens at St. Clair County Community College. Family and friends watched from the bleachers as U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly Altman led the Oath of Allegiance. Howell resident Ronald William Henry, originally from Canada, called the moment a serious commitment. Altman urged the new citizens to register to vote, serve on a jury and make their voices heard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet