Downtown Port Huron

2023 International Silver Stick Tournament Is Coming To Town

Do you enjoy hockey and supporting the children in our community? If yes, then you need to check out one of the biggest sporting events coming to the Blue Water Area.

The 2023 International Silver Stick Tournament features children of all ages, from across the country, as well as Canada competing for their region. The tournament begins Thursday, January 5th, and will continue each weekend until Sunday, January 29th. 

The International Silver Stick Tournament consists of numerous AA and below “regional” tournaments held in the US and Canada. Teams will then advance to represent their region at the International Finals. The AAA teams involved in the tournament participate in Port Huron, Sarnia, or Whitby and are invite only. 

This year’s local games will be held at the Mcmorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center as well as Glacier Pointe Ice Complex. There is no admission fee to watch, so support our community and come check out the 2023 International Silver Sticks Tournament.

2023 International Silver Stick Schedule: silverstick.org

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron 2023 Chilly Fest Returns

Welcome to the new year. The City of Port Huron is looking to bring some excitement for the whole family with the return of Chilly Fest 2023.

Chilly Fest is an outdoor event filled with cool activities and entertainment held in downtown Port Huron. The event will feature a s’mores station, horse and carriage rides, cornhole tournament, and much more. 

It wouldn’t be the Chilly Fest without mention of the Chili Crawl Competition. Participating local downtown businesses will have samples of their chili available, with you being the judge on who has the best chili in the area. 

Chilly Fest 2023 begins Friday, January 27th and ends Saturday, January 28th. For a full list of scheduled events and activities, visit: chillyfest.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Free Rides Offered To New Years Eve Partygoers

The Blue Water Area Transit (BWAT) and Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) will both be offering residents a free ride service beginning on New Year’s Eve for those who are interested. The Blue Water Area Transit will be offering free rides beginning at 6PM until 11PM for their regular bus service. 

There will also be five “Safe Ride” vehicles available Saturday, December 31st, from 6PM until Sunday, January 1st at 2AM. Individuals should make sure to schedule their rides as early as possible to avoid delays as phone lines will be shut off at 1:30AM on New Years Day. 

Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center will also be providing residents with free rides within a five mile radius of downtown Port Huron beginning Saturday, December 31st, at 11PM until 2AM. Calls are not accepted after 2AM, so it’s best to schedule in advance to avoid delays. To schedule or reserve your free ride, call (888) 68-BWROC.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Police Dept Receives Funding For Community Engagement

In any community there must be a competent and trustworthy police force to maintain law and order. To better gain the community’s trust and respect, officers are expected to conduct themselves as servants to those in the community.

The Port Huron Police Department (PHPD) is looking to have more community involvement, build a better relationship with residents, and to also receive their support as well. Through a generous gift from the James C. Acheson Fund, a new Port Huron Police Fund has been created to help do just that.

The new Port Huron Police Fund will help the department focus on community outreach through programs such as a summer reading program, community cupboards that offer free essential everyday items at their two outreach centers, and a new community outreach trailer loaded with games, sports equipment, TVs, and toys.

Police Chief Joe Platzer says, “It’s a win-win for our whole community and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the residents of Port Huron.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Has A Recent Trustee Vacancy That Needs To Be Filled

The St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Board of Trustees is currently one member short and they are looking for potential candidates to fill the position.

A long time member on the College Board of Trustees, Dr. Nicholas DeGrazia has resigned as of December 15th. DeGrazia has not provided an official statement on why he chose to step down unexpectedly, but did say via email that “after almost 14 years of serving on the board, it’s time.”

So, from now until Friday, December 30th, SC4 will be accepting applications from those who may be interested in filling the position. DeGrazia had been a member since 2009. The resignation comes shortly after reelecting incumbents Karen Niver and Bob Tansky, as well as newcomer Kim Brown serving her first term as trustee. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Holiday Shopping Event For The Children Returns

Typically it’s the parents, or should I say Santa, that is out and about getting gifts ready for all of the good little boys and girls. This year the kids have a chance to do a little holiday shopping of their own at the 3rd Annual Panda Santa Kids Shopping Event.

The event is being held by Polka Dot Pandas located at 201 Huron Ave. in downtown Port Huron. Polka Dot Pandas is a children’s clothing boutique that features original designs on hats, dresses, hair accessories and more. 

On Friday, December 12th until Saturday, December 10th, parents can bring their children down to do some holiday shopping of their own. Featured items are $5 or less, and feature quality, locally made gifts for the whole family. There will also be goodie bags for the first 50 kids each event day, so get there early.  

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Port Huron Pandas.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell