Late Philanthropist James Acheson Honored With Renaming Of River Street Marina

The River Street Marina in Port Huron will be renamed in honor of Jim Acheson, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who passed away earlier this year. 

Acheson was a prominent figure in the community, having contributed extensively to charitable causes and supported the local economy for decades. It was during a City Council meeting that the decision to rename the marina was made official, with the new name being the James C. Acheson Marina. 

Mayor Pauline Repp expressed her support for the renaming, stating that it was a great way to honor Acheson’s contributions to Port Huron and to remind future generations of his invaluable role in the community. 

The new name of the marina will be prominently displayed on a large blue and white-lettered sign, serving as a lasting testament to Acheson’s memory and his dedication to the people of Port Huron.

Acheson passed away earlier this year on April 2nd.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Economy Shows Continued Growth And Prosperity

Port Huron’s local economy has been on a steady upward trajectory for the past several years. The increase in building permits pulled annually is a clear indication of the city’s continued economic growth. 

Data provided by the City of Port Huron shows that the number of permits pulled in 2022 increased by more than 61% compared to 2015. This trend is remarkable and promising, with the permits representing more than $500 million in investments across the city. These numbers serve as a barometer of the city’s economic strength and vitality.

Looking back at previous years, it is evident that the growth has been consistent. In 2022, there were 1050 building permits pulled, compared to 1034 in 2021, 797 in 2020, and 650 in 2015. This data supports the notion that Port Huron is a city on the rise, with a strong and vibrant economy that is poised for continued growth and prosperity.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Detroit Hosting 77th Annual Midwestern Legislative Conference

Hundreds of state and provincial legislators are meeting in Detroit for a four-day annual meeting aimed at enhancing their roles as policy leaders while exploring the vibrant city. Organized by Michigan Sen. Roger Victory, chair of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC), the event will take place from July 9th – 12th.

Celebrating its 77th year, the Annual Meeting provides a nonpartisan platform for participants to learn from each other, policy experts, and thought leaders. This year, the focus is on “Food Security: Feeding the Future,” as part of Sen. Victory’s MLC Chair’s Initiative for 2023. 

The agenda features various sessions, including visits to Detroit’s Eastern Market, discussions on improving food security, and debates on the future of farmland in the Midwest. Additionally, the program covers topics such as agriculture, criminal justice, education, energy, health, budgets, workforce development, and the U.S.-Canada border. 

For more information, visit: csgmidwest.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Professional Actress And Port Huron Native, Teams Up With Port Huron Recreation Department To Teach Future Thespians

Professional actress McKale Jude Bingham returns to Port Huron for the fourth consecutive year, for the Port Huron Recreation Department’s summer Theatre Bootcamp for children. 

The program spans five days, and equips over 100 young actors, in grades 1 – 12, with fundamental theater skills culminating in a grand musical production. Students embrace their creativity and teamwork within the condensed time frame, benefiting from a transformative experience that prepares them for future theatrical endeavors. 

Bingham, a native of Port Huron and successful actress, delights in sharing her passion for acting with budding artists and considers teaching the program the highlight of her summer.

Audiences can catch “The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever” on July 14th, 21st, and 28th, and the high school cabaret on August 4th, all at 6 p.m. in the McMorran Place Theatre, with free admission for the public.

Registration remains open until July 24th. To register, visit: porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell