local news

PHS, City Recreation Collaborate for Ks for Kids Fun Run June 9th

If you need a goal for getting into shape for summer, how about training for the Ks for Kids Fun Run? The annual race is in a new location with a new partnership. The Superhero theme race will be held on June 9.

The race is a fundraiser for the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund and is being held with cooperation from the City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department. The race will honor local heroes and participants are invited to dress as their favorite superheroes.

The race will be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 9th, launching and ending at Pine Grove Park in downtown Port Huron. The route goes along the St. Clair River. Awards will be handed out to the top three running times in each age group. There is also a prize for the best costume.

Organizer Kim Dooley said, “The partnership with the Port Huron City Parks & Recreation Dept. gives us an opportunity to have a more centralized location in our district for the run. We hope it’s a big family event and a celebration of the beginning of summer.”

For more information about the race, please go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/PortHuron/KsForKidsFunRun

Prowlers Sign on for Another Five Years at McMorran

Port Huron will be the home of the Prowlers for at least five more years. The Federal Prospects Hockey League team has renewed their lease at McMorran Place in Downtown Port Huron until 2027.

In a statement on their website, the organization thanked the fans and said they are “ecstatic” to continue their relationship with McMorran. The Prowlers have been the home team in Port Huron since 2016.

Owner Barry Soskin described the team as “Bringing a Championship to the city in our first season, setting milestones and breaking professional hockey records for wins and winning streaks in our third year.”

He also said, “The arena is in the center of an expanding downtown, and we are excited to be a part of that growth.”

Regular season games conclude this weekend with Port Huron businessman and former Port Huron Beacons hockey player, Casey Harris, making an appearance on the ice on Saturday when the Prowlers take on the Columbus River Dragons.

The Prowlers have clinched a playoff spot with league playoffs starting immediately after the regular season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

You Can Help Animal Control Rehab 21 Animals Seized from Local Home

St. Clair County Animal Control could use some help in providing materials for animals that were recently rescued in a case of alleged animal hoarding and neglect in the City of Port Huron.

After a citizen complaint, a search warrant was drafted and executed on a home on the City’s south side. Animal Control and the Port Huron Police Department seized thirteen cats and kittens and eight dogs. Law enforcement reports that several of the animals required emergency veterinary care. The home was found to be in poor condition, and unsuitable for hygienic pet care.

While the case is under investigation, the animals are recovering with Animal Control. They will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared.

St. Clair County Animal Control is asking for donations of Clorox bleach, Dawn dish soap, unscented scoopable cat litter, Indoor Purina Cat Chow, and Small Breed Purina Dog Chow.

Suspected cases of animal neglect, cruelty, or hoarding can be reported to St. Clair County Animal Control.

810-984-3155 or animalcontrol@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Police Offering Law Enforcement Summer Camp for 4th-6th Graders

Do you know a kid who wants to be a police officer when he or she grows up? The Port Huron Police Department is offering the perfect Summer Camp for kids who have their eye on wearing a badge someday.

The 2022 Law Enforcement Summer Camp is being offered to boys and girls going into 4th, 5th, and 6th grade for the 2022-23 school year. The day camps will be offered at Cleveland, Garfield, Woodrow Wilson, and Holland Woods schools. There is no cost to attend.

The camps will run from June 20th to 23rd. Spots are limited and kids need to be signed up by May 20th.

Campers will explore police equipment and vehicles, run an obstacle course, design and race a pinewood derby police car, and learn about fingerprinting. They will also meet the K9 unit.

In addition to all that knowledge of what police officers do every day, campers will get their own t-shirt and get to take their pinewood derby car home. A free lunch will be provided by Port Huron Area Schools.

Visit the link below for the complete signup information.

2022 Law Enforcement Summer Camp

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mercatante Receives State Health Policy Champion Award

Dr. Annette Mercatante, the St. Clair County Medical Health Officer, will be heading to Lansing next week to receive the Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion Award.

The award is presented to those who have made noteworthy contributions toward the health and well-being of Michigan citizens regarding state or local policy.

Jennifer Michaluk, spokesperson for the St. Clair County Health Department, said, “Our staff is very touched that Dr. Mercatante has received this award. Dr. Mercatante has worked tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of the residents of St. Clair County. We refer to her as our fearless leader because she has devoted 15 years of service to understanding and addressing the needs of this community.”

Michaluk continued, saying, “As she finishes out her time with the Health Department, we celebrate her and all that she has done to make St. Clair County a better place.” 

Earlier this year, the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners voted to split Mercatante’s role into two jobs, effectively eliminating her position.  She indicated she will not be applying for either new job.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Art Contest to Bring Awareness to Storm Drains and Waterways

The Friends of the St. Clair River are looking to draw attention to storm drains. Storm drains can have a big impact on water quality. What goes into the drain generally goes right into rivers and streams.

The Thumb Coast Storm Drain Art Project will highlight the storm drains with art. Artists of all ages and abilities can enter the contest to create designs that demonstrate the importance of keeping water clean and thinking twice before pouring something harmful down the storm drain.

Entries need to be submitted by April 30th and the winners will be paid a stipend of $150 per drain to paint their designs. The art will be placed at 24 locations in Port Huron, St. Clair, and Marine City. They will be at highly visible locations like sidewalk intersections and park entrances.

Winners will need their own brushes, but paint and sealer will be provided. The winners of the design contest will be decided in May and the painting will coincide with festivals in respective cities to draw awareness to storm drains and water quality.

www.scriver.org/StormDrainProject

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland