Downtown Port Huron

SC4 Hosts Juneteenth Celebration: A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, And Unity

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is teaming up with the Port Huron community for the 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, “A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, and Unity,” on Wednesday, June 19th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SC4.

This event honors African American contributions to the nation’s culinary culture and celebrates freedom and unity. It features a live-tasting exhibit showcasing African American foods’ rich history, and influence on American cuisine. Highlights include a free live-tasting exhibit, cultural showcase with music, dancing, storytelling, and spoken word performances, and signature food and drinks from local restaurants.

Jessica Brown, SC4 Chief DEI Officer, emphasized the importance of the celebration, stating, “Juneteenth is a celebration of progress despite the most painful parts of history.”

For more information, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

City Council Announces “Spirit of Port Huron” Community Service Awards Program

In 1986, the City Council of Port Huron established the “Spirit of Port Huron” awards program to honor exceptional citizens who have made significant contributions to the community. 

This year’s ceremony is scheduled for September 23rd, and will recognize individuals and organizations in eight categories including Brotherhood, Civic, Cultural, Economic Progress, Good Neighbor, Heroism, Life Achievement, and Youth Service.

The City Council is calling for nominations from Port Huron residents, local groups, service clubs, and churches. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, contact information, the category for which they are being nominated, and a description of their activities that support the nomination. All nominations must be submitted by July 11th to: 

Office of the Mayor

100 McMorran Boulevard

Port Huron, Michigan 48060

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Where Does Our Drinking Water Come From? Inside Port Huron’s Water Journey: From River To Tap

Since 1873, Port Huron has relied on the St. Clair River for its water, serving approximately 60,000 customers across the city and surrounding townships. With two 36-inch intakes, raw water undergoes rigorous treatment before entering the distribution system, boasting 170 miles of water mains and 1,400 fire hydrants.

Managed 24/7, the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) ensures water safety through primary and secondary treatments, removing around 2,000 tons of biosolids or “sewer sludge” annually. These residuals, recycled as fertilizer, highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability. 

Despite the areas “highly susceptible” rating for contamination, stringent measures like the Industrial Pretreatment Program safeguard water quality, crucial for the plant’s function and biosolid production.

From river to tap, Port Huron’s water journey exemplifies meticulous care and community resilience.

For detailed information, visit: porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Rotary Club Unveils Plans For 104th Rotary International Day Parade

The Port Huron Rotary Club has announced its eagerly anticipated plans for the 104th Rotary International Day Parade, slated for July 17th, at 6:30 p.m. This long standing tradition, older than both the Detroit and New York Thanksgiving Day parades, promises to be a spectacle of community spirit and celebration.

Themed “All Hands On Deck – A Century of Sailing,” this year’s parade commemorates the 100th running of the Bayview Yacht Club Port Huron-to-Mackinac sailboat race. Leading the procession as Grand Marshals are Casey and Carrie Harris.

Interested participants can register at phrotary.com or paradeday.net. The parade will follow its traditional route, commencing at Huron and Glenwood Avenues in downtown Port Huron and concluding at Court St., albeit on a slightly shorter route compared to previous years.

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Summer Concert Series At The Plaza At McMorran Promises Fun-filled Evenings

The Plaza at McMorran is inviting music enthusiasts to kick off their 2024 Summer Concert Series with a bang! Offering live music, a splash pad, Casey’s on the Plaza bar, and delicious bites from the What The Fry food truck, attendees are guaranteed a fantastic time.

Guests can RSVP for a chance to win tickets to an upcoming theater show on the McMorran Place website, with the “BUY TICKETS” button serving as the RSVP option, and there’s no cost involved. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performances.

The Los Gringos will take the stage on Friday, May 31st, from 7-10pm, followed by The Rhoedes on Saturday, June 1st, also from 7-10pm. Casey’s on the Plaza bar will be open from 6-10pm, ensuring refreshments are on hand for all.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Of The Blue Water Area Launches Open Arms Annual Campaign To Support Vital Community Programs

The YMCA of the Blue Water Area embarks on its Open Arms Annual Campaign, aiming to raise $200,000 to bolster essential community initiatives. 

Scheduled to kick off on May 1st, and continuing through the end of June, the campaign seeks to ensure access to vital programs promoting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. 

Funds raised will provide financial aid, enabling families in need to enroll their children in camps and youth programs. Moreover, the campaign will support initiatives such as the CATCH program, combating childhood obesity, and offering free and low-cost water safety and swim programs to all children. 

Additionally, resources will be allocated to programs like Enhance Fitness and LIVESTRONG, emphasizing healthy lifestyles and prevention. The YMCA’s campaign exemplifies its commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell