Downtown Port Huron

The Blue Water Area YMCA And McMorran Plaza Team Up For Health And Fitness

Fitness enthusiasts in Port Huron can now enjoy free exercise programs this summer at McMorran Plaza, thanks to a partnership between the City of Port Huron and the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. The initiative aims to promote health and wellness within the community.

Residents can choose from a variety of exercise programs instructed by the knowledgeable staff of the YMCA. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, or yoga, participants can browse or register for their preferred program which will commence on June 1st.

A YMCA membership is not required to participate in these free programs. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can take advantage of the opportunity to improve their fitness levels.

Being a nonprofit organization, the Blue Water Area YMCA and their Open Arms Campaign rely on the members of the community to help sponsor these programs for all to enjoy. If you would like to donate or support the YMCA, visit: bluewaterymca.com. 

Photo: Sheila Potrykus-Volker

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join Friends Of The St. Clair River For the 2023 Sturgeon Fest

On Saturday, June 3rd, Friends of the St. Clair River welcomes you to the highly anticipated 10th annual Sturgeon Festival will captivate visitors with an up-close encounter with Michigan’s majestic lake sturgeon, the gentle giant of the Great Lakes. This event serves as a vital platform to raise awareness and promote the restoration efforts surrounding this threatened species.

Take a ride aboard the Huron Lady Sturgeon Cruise, offering a unique opportunity to witness biologists in action as they catch, tag, measure, and release these magnificent creatures. The cruise will take you beneath the iconic Blue Water Bridges, providing an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are $35 and available for two time slots: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Don’t miss this rare chance to connect with these remarkable fish and the dedicated biologists working tirelessly for their conservation.

For more information, visit: huronlady.com/cruises.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Make A Splash With The Blue Water YMCA Swimming Programs

Swimming is known for helping to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. The Blue Water Area YMCA offers a variety of swimming programs for all ages to ensure you and your family have a safe summer as you participate in water related activities.

The Blue Water YMCA’s swimming program instills vital life skills such as water safety and rescue techniques. 

YMCA Lifeguard, A.J Coody can vouch for the skills the program has taught her. Coody had a bad experience as a child that made her feel swimming was not the activity for her. She now helps other young kids obtain the confidence and skills necessary for proper water safety. 

“I’ll take kids with the most experience and pair them with ones who have less, which helps them build up their confidence,” says Coody. 

If you would like to help support the swimming programs, or other programs  at the Blue Water YMCA through their Open Arms Campaign, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sports Cars, Hot Rods, And More At Upcoming Mainstreet Memories Car Show

The Mainstreet Memories Car Show is back on Saturday, July 29th, from 10am – 4pm at the Acheson Ventures Waterfront Property in Downtown Port Huron. 

If you own a pre-48 hot rod, street rod, pro street, pro touring or rat rod, you are welcome to participate in the show. The registration process is straightforward, and all years, makes, and models of vehicles are welcomed. The deadline for registration is July 3rd.

The entry fee for the event is $15 for pre-registration before the July 3rd deadline, and $20 for day-of-show registration. Pre-registered entries will receive premium goody bags. 

Music will be provided by Scott Kool, along with door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. There will also be local restaurants, food trucks, a pancake breakfast, a corn roast, hospitality tent, and a farmers’ market. All donations from the event will support the Council on Aging, Inc. Parking will open at 7 am. 

For more information, visit: mainstreetmemoriesph.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron’s 7th & 10th Street Bridges Undergoing Maintenance

The City of Port Huron’s Streets Division has announced the annual maintenance washing of the 10th and 7th Street Bridges beginning Monday, May 8th at 11:00 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 12th at 6:00 a.m.

During this period, the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, but motorists can expect periodic lane closures in both directions. The work will be carried out at night to minimize the impact on the public.

The City of Port Huron apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and encourages motorists to exercise caution while driving through the work zones. If there are any further questions regarding this matter, residents are advised to contact the Department of Public Works.

The maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges is a routine procedure carried out every year to ensure the safety of the structures and maintain their longevity. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron City Manager James Freed Gives Thanks To Residents

The citizens of Port Huron have overwhelmingly renewed their support for public safety and government transparency. 

City Manager, James Freed expressed his gratitude for the citizens’ recognition of the good stewardship of their tax dollars, stating that the city has delivered on its promises to protect and increase staffing levels for the Fire and Police departments. The city’s dedication to transparency in governmental finances was also highlighted, with all financial reports, budgets, and audits posted on the city’s website. 

The millage funding was also used to leverage additional state and philanthropic grants. The city has seen a rebirth and vibrancy of the McMorran Theatre, Arena, and new Plaza, Additionally, the city has invested rapidly in its parks and playgrounds, bringing innovative play and safe spaces to neighborhoods.

Freed also offered remarks regarding the voter approval of the sale of the Municipal Office Center, stating that the city will now work to attract a qualified buyer and negotiate the highest and best use for the property. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell