Downtown Port Huron

Rockin’ the Rivers Returns in August

The popular Rockin’ the Rivers concert series returns to Keifer Park in August with free live music, food trucks, family-friendly games, and a beverage tent.

Rockin’ the Rivers is every Thursday at Keifer Park overlooking the St. Clair River. Concerts start at 6 PM with an opening act, and the headliners hit the stage at 7 PM. Spectators can bring their own chair or blankets to view the concerts.

Scheduled bands are:

  • August 5th: RockStar, The International ‘80s Rock Sensation
  • August 12th: Captured Detroit, Journey tribute 
  • August 19th: Matt Stell
  • August 26th: Your Generation in Concert

This year, there will be a special Friday performance by Jerrod Niemann on August 20th.

For more information, visit Port Huron Rec’s website <HERE>  or follow the Port Huron Parks & Rec Department on Facebook <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Local Developers Can Partner with City of Port Huron

The  City of Port Huron is looking for help from local developers to rehabilitate homes they have acquired through tax foreclosures. Qualified developers can apply for the new Developer Partnership Program (DPP) from now until July 30, 2021.

Under the DPP, developers would be able to purchase up to six homes from the city, rehabilitate them, and then sell them for a profit.

Developers must agree to, and prove to the city, that they have invested in the neighborhood by investing at least 50% of the home’s final Approved Market Value on the purchase of the home and the remodeling costs.

According to James Freed, Port Huron City Manager, the DPP will help get these homes rehabilitated and on the market more quickly than the city could on its own.

“With the current housing shortage we wanted to get these homes, often times blighted, back to like-new condition and into the hands of residents who need them as quick as possible,” said Freed. “We are proud of this new and innovative public-private partnership and believe it will serve our neighborhoods well.”

Developers interested in the Developer Partnership Program can contact the Community Development Program Administrator for the City of Port Huron, Katie Posey at (810) 984-9736 or download the application at https://www.porthuron.org/business/pending_bids.php

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Water Shut Offs and Penalties Reinstated

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron is back to their normal procedures for delinquent water bills, so residents with past due bills will begin receiving past due penalties and possible shut off notices.

Bills reflecting these changes will begin arriving in July, and past due balances must be paid to avoid penalties and shut off of water service.

A six month repayment plan is available through the City of Port Huron for those who need assistance paying their bill and want to avoid disruption of water service to their homes.

Blue Water Community Action Agency offers emergency assistance to those who qualify for their services. Those interested can call their office at 810-982-8541 or fill out the online form on their website here: https://www.bwcaa.org/get-help

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Cecil Williams Art on the River

Art on the River Back June 11 – 13, 2021

Port Huron, MI — After last year’s string of cancelled events, plans are moving forward for the return of summer festivals, art shows, and more. Art on the River is planning to bring art, music, and fun to Kiefer Park along the St. Clair River on  June 11th, 12th, & 13th.

This year’s featured artist is Cecil Williams, whose preferred media is stained glass and painting in oils. His paintings are exhibited in many locations around the United States and even as far as Germany. Mr. Williams will be creating a painting exclusively for Art on the River.

Art on the River is a grass-roots art show and music festival hosted by the community group Citizens for a Vibrant Community. This family friendly event includes art workshops, vendors, food, and dancing. This year’s music lineup includes a D.J. Dance Party on Friday night and Eliza Neals, Larry McCray, and Tommy Castro and the Painkillers on Saturday.

To learn more, visit the website <HERE> . https://www.artontheriverph.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Black River Canal Dredging and Sand Placement

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron’s contractor began dredging sand from the Black River Canal entrance at Lake Huron on Monday, April 19, 2021.

Weather permitting, sand dredged from Black River Canal will be placed in Lake Huron from
Holland Beach to the south beginning on Monday, April 26, 2021. Due to the work, Holland Beach will be closed.

The contractor will be utilizing Gratiot Avenue to Edison Blvd. and Conger Street to Holland Avenue to haul sand from the mouth of the Black River Canal to Holland Beach. There will be intermittent slowed and stop-and-go traffic in these areas. The public is encouraged to refrain from  parking on these streets during that time frame.

Submitted by the City of Port Huron Department of Public Works: 810-984-9730.

Kanchan Wankhede The Under Ground

Kanchan Wankhede to Lead Entrepreneurs at The Underground

Port Huron, MI — The Underground Business Incubator and Service Center is getting a new Director of Entrepreneurial Services, local human resources professional and advocate for minority and women owned businesses, Kanchan Wankhede.

Dan Casey, CEO of the St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance (EDA), said, “We are excited to welcome Kanchan to our EDA team.  She is a great fit for managing the region’s Smartzone Incubator and Business Center.  She has experience working with businesses and organizations that not only have a local or United States footprint, but that spread well into India, Europe and Asia.  As a small business owner herself, she understands the challenges and obstacles entrepreneurs face on a daily basis.  Area entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow their business will benefit from Kanchan’s knowledge, experience and desire to help them be successful.”

Kanchan is the Principal Consultant for her company Great Workplace LLC, and she has also be working with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County for the last year consulting local Minority and Women Owned businesses. She has helped many people motivate, organize, and bring greater success to their businesses.

In a press release, Wankhede said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.  So, aim high, believe you can and you are halfway there.  I look forward to assisting facilitate new startups and helping entrepreneurs grow though coaching, connections to potential funding sources and more in my new role at The Underground.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand