Downtown Port Huron is buzzing this week as the Blue Water Festival returns today thru Saturday, marking the 101st Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race. What started as a sailor send-off has grown into a four-day community celebration with live music, street food, and family activities. Free shuttle service and golf cart rides make it easy to get around the festival area. The event kicks off this evening with the colorful Rotary International Day Parade, bringing locals together to enjoy art, creativity, and summer fun.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Michigan Department of Transportation is set to start a $3.2 million resurfacing project on M-29, also known locally as 23 Mile Road, Green Street, and Main Street, stretching from Baker Road to the St. Clair County line. This work will improve roads in New Baltimore and Chesterfield Township with new pavement, upgraded sidewalks, better traffic signals, and fresh road markings. A virtual meeting tonight from 6 to 7 will provide details and answer questions for residents and business owners.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Early Saturday morning in Evergreen Township, a 20-year-old Shelby Township man was accidentally shot in the wrist while at a friend’s home. The injury happened when the friend, a 21-year-old Sterling Heights man, was clearing his gun but didn’t remove the magazine first, causing the weapon to fire. Emergency responders treated the victim on scene before taking him to McLaren Lapeer. Alcohol was involved, and the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Charges are being reviewed by prosecutors.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Croswell-Lexington teachers recently protested outside the high school, seeking fair pay after the district gave a 3% raise to many staff but not teachers. Their contracts expired the day before without a new agreement. While administrators and other staff received raises, teachers got only a one-time bonus if they were at the top pay level. Organizers warn this could lead to more teachers leaving the district. The school board will meet again on July 14th to discuss the issue.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On the morning of Wednesday July 2nd, a false active shooter alert triggered at the Lapeer County Courthouse due to a technical glitch in a new emergency system being installed. Local police and emergency teams responded immediately but quickly confirmed no threat was present. Sheriff Scott McKenna thanked all responders for their quick action and assured residents the incident was only a system error, with no danger to the public. The courthouse and the system’s vendor are investigating the cause to prevent future issues.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron Museums is boosting tourism with a brand-new trolley, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. This bigger, climate-controlled trolley from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, seats 36 people—more than double the old 16-seat model—and offers ADA accessibility. The trolley will debut at Port Huron’s Rotary Parade on Wednesday, kicking off Boat Week. It will also be available for rentals and private tours, promising a more comfortable ride for visitors exploring the area. The Community Foundation’s support has helped local groups upgrade community services across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet