local news

Blue Water River Walk Erosion Control Underway

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water River Walk in Downtown Port Huron is in the process of getting some significant restoration and protection work done this month. The Walk is part of the Bridge to Bay Trail and has seen some damage from fluctuating water levels.

The work is being funded with recent gifts totaling $150,000. Bill Butler, Board Chair for the Blue Water Land Fund, said, “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive major grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. We’ve also been blessed by other significant gifts from local private donors and the Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance.” The Land Fund owns the River Walk.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is overseeing the work. Foundation CEO Randy Maiers said, “This section of the Bridge to Bay Trail is one of the most popular and widely used routes, and it’s in serious danger of being eroded away.”

It’s location so close to the St. Clair River makes the River Walk section of the Bridge to Bay desirable for recreation, but also subject to erosion. A new Master Plan has been implemented, as has investment in protecting it from damage from high water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Public’s Help Needed to Locate Reginald Grasty

The Port Huron Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a suspected murderer. The St. Clair County Prosecutor’s office authorized a two-count warrant for Reginald Cu-Nu Grasty, thought to be in Detroit.

The warrants are for Open Murder and Disinterment/Mutilation of a corpse. The murder is believed to have taken place on the Grayfox, a retired Naval ship anchored in the St. Clair River. The victim, William Orlow, is thought to have known the suspect.

The body of Orlow was discovered on June 23rd, 2020. Grasty is believed to be a witness or a person of interest at that time. Evidence now points to Grasty as a murder suspect.

At a press conference today. Detective Lieutenant Chris Frazier said that Grasty should be considered dangerous. Grasty is believed to be homeless somewhere in the Detroit area. Details as to motive or how long between the murder and the discovery of the body were not given.

Tips can be called in to the Port Huron Police Department’s CAPTURE line at 810.987.6688 or at porthuronpolice.org. There is a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Reginald Cu-Nu Grasty. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Harbor Impact Volunteers Prepare for “Impact Sessions” This Week

The volunteers at Harbor Impact Ministries have been working hard to get ready for Impact Days this week. Like everyone else, they have had to make some modifications to maintain social distancing and keep both their volunteers and their clients safe.

Harbor Impact is a non-profit located at Blue Water Free Methodist Church in the former Sparlingville Elementary School in Kimball Township. The charity collects and distributes donated items to help community members in need. They provide other services as well, such as health care support, tutoring and literacy training, and spiritual counseling.

Impact Days are special days when qualified clients can come in and pick out the things they need to get through the month. There are actually “Impact Sessions” during this time, with organization of clients in alphabetical order. This month’s impact days are December 15th and 16th. Full details, including both how to donate items and how to sign up for services, can be found at harborimpactministries.com. Donating is currently by appointment only. Bussing to Harbor Impact is available through Blue Water Area Transit on Wednesday Impact Days.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

More Federal Block Grants Going Toward the Greatest Need in Port Huron

Port Huron, MI — The City of Port Huron has received another installment of Community Development Block Grants for COVID-19 relief from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City reached out to different agencies to see where the greatest need lies and where the most impact can be made. That measure of coordination seems to be working. Rent assistance was thought to be a need, and it is, but it is adequately funded by other agencies.

City Manager James Freed recommended to the City Council that money be given to the Economic Development Alliance to help give relief to businesses that employ moderate to low-income workers. Funding to restaurants and bars, which are currently crippled by the state mandated shutdown, was recommended also.

A recommendation was also made to give $30,000 to Mid-City Nutrition, which is a soup kitchen in downtown Port Huron. The use of disposable containers, needed to follow Covid mitigation protocol, is expensive and their growth in the number of meals served is substantial.

This round of disbursements totals over $170,000. The initial allocation was over $462,000.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lelito’s Legacy Gives Out Grants for “Pay to Play” Fees

The Lelito’s Legacy Foundation has granted $9,000 to student athletes who need a helping hand. The Foundation’s mission is to support low income student athletes who may have trouble paying the “Pay to Play” fees. School teams are not actually playing right now, but the Foundation is looking with hope to youth sports starting back up at some point. 

Foundation founder Tim Lelito, former NFL player and standout football player at St. Clair High School, said, “It has been a tough year for all athletes. I’m happy that as a foundation we were able to grant these funds and take the financial stresses off their plate, so when sports safely return, they’re ready to play!” 

The grants have stayed in St. Clair county, spread out among 15 public middle and high schools. Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, said, “It’s a blessing to have Lelito’s Legacy Foundation envision a safe and inclusive sports community for all, and no child should be left out of a game due to costs. Their donor advised fund has allowed our local schools to help more than 200 kids cover their pay to play fees.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Josh Chapman Named New CEO of YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Port Huron, MI — The YMCA of the Blue Water Area announces the selection of Josh Chapman as the new CEO. Current CEO, Denise Brooks is retiring after eleven years with the Y.

YMCA Board Chair, Geof Kusch, spoke of Chapman, saying, “He has shown an ability to build relationships and create partnerships and to manage effectively during the difficult times in which we find ourselves. This experience and Josh’s passion for our YMCA will help us move the YMCA of the Blue Water Area forward in service to our community.”

Chapman will be leaving his role as CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County in Gainesville, Texas. He has extensive experience at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area prior to his move to Texas. Chapman is credited with starting the Corporate Experience program and forming partnerships with local schools and other organizations.

Chapman said, “It’s both a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to rejoin the organization that has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional life every step of the way. I look forward to continuing the game changing efforts the Y provides to all in the Blue Water Area.” 

Chapman begins his new role on January 12, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland