Local Real Estate Market Follows Statewide Trends: Seller’s Market

Port Huron, MI — The local real estate market is reflecting statewide trends and it is truly a seller’s market. Low interest rates, sparse inventory, and a desire for more space after all that time at home have kept real estate agents busy locally and around Michigan.

Shawn Debuf, a Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Professionals in Port Huron, said, “With mortgage rates at an all-time low, and with less listings, buyers have had to become aggressive with their offers. For example, they may offer over listing price with a cash guarantee even if the home doesn’t appraise at that value.” She reported that values have increased in most areas across St. Clair County.

The website Unclutterer.com reported that nearly half of Michiganders are bored with where they live, after quarantining in the same areas for months on end. They report that “36% of city dwellers in the Great Lakes State now want to move out to the suburbs, or the country”. If they take the plunge into the real estate market, they will need to be ready to make an offer quickly, as properties are moving fast, and desirable houses don’t stay on the market for long.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kelly Secures Nomination for Michigan Supreme Court

The race for the open seats in the Michigan Supreme Court will include a local name this year. Mary Kelly has secured the nomination for candidacy as a Supreme Court Justice.

The nomination was made by Retired Chief Justice Bob Young during the recent Michigan Republican Convention. The Convention was held virtually at the end of August with the nomination made by video. Young endorsed Kelly as a “rule of law” judge.

Kelly served for over three decades as Prosecuting Attorney in St. Clair County. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law.

Two seats on the Court will be up for grabs in 2021. Incumbent Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack is running to retain her seat, while another seat will be vacated by Justice Stephen Markman, who has aged out of the court.

Brock Swartzle, a Court of Appeals Judge, was also nominated at the Republican Convention. Swartzle and Kelly will face off against incumbent McCormack, Democrat Elizabeth Welch, and candidates from other parties for the two vacant seats.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Traffic Stop in Kimball Ends with Meth Bust

Kimball Twp., MI — A traffic stop on I-69 near Wadhams Road in Kimball Township on September 4th ended with a methamphetamine bust.

According to St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, members of the St. Clair County Drug Task Force pulled over a vehicle on eastbound I-69 shortly after 2:30 a.m.  After talking with the driver of the vehicle, it was determined that he was in possession of crystal methamphetamine.  The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was called to the scene and K-9 Faust alerted deputies about more narcotics being inside the vehicle.

Members of the DTF conducted a search of the vehicle, where they located and seized about $7,000 worth of crystal meth, along with psilocybin mushrooms, analog pills and cash.

The suspect, a 40 year old Flint man, was arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center.  He is expected to face charges including possession with intent to deliver crystal methamphetamine, possession psilocybin mushrooms, possession of analogs and being a habitual offender.

The Michigan State Police also assisted at the scene of the traffic stop.

Registration Open for SC4 Late Start Fall Classes

Port Huron, MI — Registration is open for late-start fall semester classes at St. Clair County Community College. Seats are still available in 12-week classes starting the week of Sept. 21st and 8-week classes starting the week of October. 19th. Classes are available at the Port Huron campus and online.

Late-start classes allow students to earn credits at a faster pace. Class topics include biology, business, English, history, math, political science, psychology, sociology and more.

Current students can register for classes online in the SC4 Portal, and new students can start their SC4 journey by visiting sc4.edu and applying for admission.

Registration services are available at SC4’s One-Stop Student Services Center located in the Dr. James C. Acheson Welcome Center on the corner of Erie Street and Glenwood Avenue on the Port Huron Campus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

“100 Women Who Care” Fundraiser Goes Virtual

Port Huron, MI — With restrictions on large gatherings, the Women’s Initiative of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has had to get extra creative to continue their tradition of hosting the “100 Women Who Care” fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, involves small groups and a phone app, but the goal is still $10,000 for local charities.

Vice President of the Community Foundation, Jackie Hanton, said that new approach was inspired by a scavenger hunt put on by the Lelito’s Legacy Foundation. Speaking of the 100 Women Event, Hanton said, “It may seem a bit intimidating that the event will be through an app on your phone, but I assure everyone who participates that it will be easy, fun and we’ll be sure you know what to do.”

For the event, small socially distant groups of two to ten women will get together in someone’s home. One person will download the app, GooseChase, and the games will begin. The scavenger hunt style game will include supporting several local non-profits.

Hanton said that the Women’s Initiative is “one big giving circle” and is encouraging local women to make their own “mini-giving circles” this year.

More information can be found at stclairfoundation.org/team-up-with-100-women-who-care-event/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mayor Repp Recognized by Alliance for Aviation Across America

Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp received a unique commendation recently. The Alliance for Aviation Across America recognized Repp for proclaiming September “General Aviation Appreciation Month”.

The Alliance said that general aviation airports in Michigan support over $5.2 billion in total economic output.

Selena Shilad, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said, “Mayor Repp’s proclamation helps highlight the economic benefits and valuable service that general aviation provides to the City of Port Huron and the State of Michigan. We sincerely thank the Mayor and the City of Port Huron for recognizing this vital industry.”

While there is not an airport in Port Huron, St. Clair County’s International Airport in Kimball Township provides valuable infrastructure for the entire region. The airport provides commercial, corporate, and general aviation services along with support for the United States Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

With the commendation, the Alliance hopes to encourage enthusiasm in flying and grow the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, as well as to encourage future growth through investments in sustainability. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland