About 200 people packed the Wrigley Center in downtown Port Huron Wednesday for the city’s new State of the City event. The program, hosted by the Blue Water Area Chamber, spotlighted how local partnerships are driving development. City Manager James Freed pointed to the Wrigley Center’s $16 million transformation as proof of teamwork. Speakers from Port Huron Schools, SC4, and local nonprofits shared efforts to build talent, expand child care, and support recovery. Freed wrapped up by announcing teamporthuron.com to connect residents with new opportunities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A St. Clair Township man will spend life in prison for killing his father. Twenty-four-year-old Wyatt Stimac was sentenced Thursday for first-degree murder. Judge Donald Teeple called Stimac’s actions “puzzling,” saying he showed no remorse. Prosecutors said Stimac shot his father, Shane, last March after an argument about living at home. The jury took less than 30 minutes to convict him. His sister Avery testified she heard the gunshot and later condemned him in court. Stimac also received two years for felony firearm use.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lambton Shores is wrapping up the first stage of its downtown Forest parkette, turning two former vacant King Street West lots into a new community hub. Crews have restored walls, poured concrete, and set up water lines, with hydro work still underway. Sod is set for spring planting. The next phase will add benches, gardens, and landscaping as part of ongoing downtown revitalization. Once complete, the space will feature seating, trees, and a small stage for performances.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After sitting idle for years, Port Huron’s old Domtar paper mill is getting new life. Legacy Paper Group is investing $24.5 million to reopen the Black River site, creating at least 82 jobs that start around $27 an hour. State officials announced the project as part of a broader Michigan jobs push. Legacy plans to revamp nearly 400,000 square feet for paper manufacturing and warehouse use, restoring a key piece of the city’s industrial past while tapping local papermaking talent to power new growth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet