local news

Winter Wonderland Coming to Downtown Port Huron January 23rd

On January 23rd, Downtown Port Huron will be transformed into this year’s version of ChillyFest: Winter Wonderland. This one-day, family-friendly event will feature some elements of previous ChillyFests along with some brand new ways to enjoy a winter day downtown.

Those who loved searching downtown shops for penguins will still have the opportunity to participate in the Penguin Hunt, and a scavenger hunt will lead to small treasures scattered throughout downtown. Individual businesses will be celebrating in their own ways, making for a fun shopping day as well.

The ice sculptures won’t be present this year, but 5-foot tall foam snowmen will be in front of the businesses on Main Street, and each one will be dressed uniquely. Snowmen in the City will be created by the Foam All company and sponsored by local businesses. Visitors may miss the ice-sculptures, but business owners are excited about this new, non-melting way to create a Winter Wonderland downtown.

Visit the ChillyFest Facebook page for updates and more details: https://www.facebook.com/chillyfestporthuron/

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

January Human Trafficking Awareness Month

In 2019 alone, the state of Michigan reported 22,326 victims and survivors of human trafficking. This includes sex trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of modern-day slavery. The human trafficking industry is a worldwide criminal enterprise that victimizes men, women, and children.

Governor Whitmer proclaimed January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Michigan and urges people to educate themselves on how they can identify and report this crime. There are several red flags or warning signs of human trafficking that may be revealed to the general public, first responders, health care professionals, and workers in the hospitality industry.  Knowing these signs can help people report the abuse.

Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, be deprived of basic life necessities, be in a constant state of fear, or not have simple forms of personal identification like a driver’s license, passport, or photo I.D. They may not admit that they are victims or ask for help.

Reports of suspected human trafficking can be made to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center on their toll-free hotline  which is available 24-7, every day of the year. All calls to the hotline are confidential. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center can be reached at 888-3737-888.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Little Black Dress Event Moves to Facebook Live for 2021

Port Huron, MI — The 15th Annual Betty Kearns Little Black Dress Event is moving to Facebook live for 2021. On  Friday, March 5th at 6 PM,  the committee will be streaming live from Kate’s Downtown Café. They have lots of fun planned for the event including raffles, memories, and support.

Raffle tickets can be purchased online at bluewaterlittleblackdress.org and sponsorships can be purchased in amounts from $500 to $3,000. There are no tickets needed for the event, simply visit the Facebook page <HERE> to view.

The Betty Kearns Little Black Dress Event was established in 2007 to raise money for local Breast Cancer Programs. The Betty Kearns Cancer Fund was established in 2016 to help all people fighting cancer. In 2020, the fund helped McLaren Port Huron purchase new equipment to help diagnose and treat prostate cancer. It also established a donor advised fund at the Ct. Clair County Community foundation to help St. Clair and Sanilac County residents who may need cancer treatment outside the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Law Allows First Responders to Use EpiPens

Senate Bill 417 was signed into law by Governor Whitmer last week, and now firefighters and police officers in Michigan will be allowed to carry and use EpiPens to treat life-threatening allergic reactions. The law also provides protection for school employees who administer EpiPens in good faith.

The bill’s sponsor, former State Senator Pete Lucido, said, “EpiPens are such a common tool used to help people experiencing allergic reactions, and our first responders will now be able to carry them while on duty.”

Lucido left the Senate after being elected Macomb county Prosecutor in the November election.

“These commonsense bills will make it easier for first responders and school workers to do their jobs and help save the lives of people in need. I can’t think of a better way to end my legislative career than having these bills become law,” said Lucido.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Mainstreet Memories Car Show Moving to Waterfront

Port Huron, MI — Mainstreet Memories, an annual car show in Downtown Port Huron, has announced plans for expansion in 2021. The non-profit is rolling out its plans for a bigger and better show this summer.

The group has raised $65,000 to benefit the Council on Aging serving St. Clair County since they started the event. They have had exponential growth in the car show each year since starting in 2015.

Previously held on Huron Avenue, this year’s show will be held at the Acheson Ventures downtown waterfront area. The advantages of the new location are cost savings, greater area for cars to park, and no need to close streets. In a statement on their facebook page, President Ron Steward said, “In discussions with the DDA, both groups feel comfortable with this change, and feel it opens new opportunities to grow and expand the event into a weekend long experience, the opportunities are endless.”

This year’s Mainstreet Memories Car Show is scheduled for July 31, 2021 and will be sponsored by Moran Automotive. More information is at mainstreetmemoriesph.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Soccer Sheds Damaged in East China Township

East China, MI — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is looking for information about vandalism to property in East China Township.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Department, the vandalism took place at the East China soccer fields on Recor Road. The damage is believed to have occurred overnight on December 26th or early on December 27th. Two AYSO Region 673 storage sheds were significantly damaged.

AYSO Region 673 is a volunteer-run organization that facilitates the soccer program in St. Clair, Marysville, Marine City, and Algonac. The sheds had been repaired by volunteers this past fall and contain items that are used to run the youth soccer programs.

Deputies were called to the scene on December 27th and noticed that locks had been pried off the sheds and the contents were ransacked. It is unknown if any theft occurred.

Any tips about the property damage should be reported to Deputy Jacob Garza at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office at (810) 985-8115. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland