port huron

Port Huron State Game Area Day

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division staff are hosting a tour of the Port Huron State Game Area on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The MDNR field office at 6181 Lapeer Road in Kimball Township will serve as the central meeting location, and MDNR staff will be set-up to interact with attendees.

The primary goals for this event are to:

  • Increase awareness of State Game Areas and make them more accessible to users, including hunters and non-hunters
  • Showcase the Port Huron State Game Area
  • Make MDNR Wildlife Division staff and local partners more accessible
  • Celebrate and showcase MDNR partnerships with the public

The Thumb Land Conservancy (TLC) is encouraged by this well-deserved attention to one of the most significant natural areas in the region. Several TLC members have promoted the Port Huron State Game Area, including Bob Haas who worked for the MDNR Fisheries Division for many years and authored the Black River Assessment. Bob passed away in June.

TLC Member John Fody did much of the field work to produce the 2012 Natural Features Inventory and Management Recommendations for the Port Huron State Game Area.

Tour planning is underway and will include driving and walking. There will be activities for kids at the field office, including a nature loop they can check out. They will have combo kits of blaze orange hats and vests to give out, as well as some other goodies that are still to be determined.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

Get Your Tickets for Hunter Hospitality House’s Raffle

Hunter Hospitality House has an annual raffle to raise money for its endowment fund, and this year’s prizes include a diamond ring and earrings donated by Lawrence Jewelers and up to $5,000 in cash.

There are only 300 tickets available for the raffle, and tickets are $100.00 each. The drawing will be held on September 30th, but tickets usually sell out before the raffle.

Hunter Hospitality House has three homes located near Mclaren Port Huron Hospital and Lake Huron Medical Center that enable families whose loved ones are sick a place to stay.

The nonprofit was founded by Jeff & Tracy Willard who dedicate their work in memory of their late son, Hunter. Families who stay at Hunter Hospitality House enjoy a home-like atmosphere while their loved one is hospitalized or being cared for in nearby medical facilities like Blue Water Hospice Home.

For more information and to get raffle tickets, visit

https://www.hunterhospitalityhouse.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Rockin’ the Rivers Starts This Week with Air Margaritaville

There’s still quite a bit of summer left with several weeks of warm evenings that are perfect for outdoor music. This year’s Rockin’ the Rivers Thursday concert series in Port Huron’s Kiefer Park kicks off on Thursday.

The four-concert series starts off this Thursday, August 4th with Air Margaritaville as the headliner and Dave Frendt as the opener.

The Rockin’ the Rivers concerts are traditionally well attended by music lovers of all ages. You just need to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food trucks are on-site and there is a kids’ zone full of entertainment for children.

The location is right on the St. Clair River in Kiefer Park, next to the Port Huron Municipal Office Center. Parking is free.

Thursday, August 12th brings Your Generation in Concert, a tribute band that covers five generations of hits.

August 18th features Elton Rohn and The Fabulous Henhouse Boys and August 25th features The Gobies, a local favorite, along with Paul Shonk Music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron DDA Wants to Know What You Thought of This Year’s Boat Weekend

Did you go to downtown Port Huron during this year’s Boat Weekend? Planners want to hear from you with a short survey about your experience.

The yearly celebration that serves as a kickoff to the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race had to improvise a bit this year as major construction closed down the usual venue.

City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority Director Natacha Hayden said that she thought the event went extremely well. Hayden said that the new layout due to the ongoing construction at the Zebra Bar parking lot “caused some last-minute changes, but it still allowed festival goers to enjoy festival favorites”.

Hayden said that there is always something that can be improved, and feedback is essential to do that. She is looking forward to gaining insight into the participants’ experiences.

The survey asks for a rating for various experiences and also asks some open-ended questions for general comments.

A link to the survey can be found below.

Boat Weekend Survey

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron Recognized as “High Performing” Hospital

McLaren Port Huron Hospital has something new to brag about. The hospital was named by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2022-23.

This is the 8th year of the Procedures and Conditions ratings, which are designed to assist patients and doctors in making choices about their healthcare, especially as it relates to common conditions and procedures.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”

McLaren Port Huron received the High Performing rating, the highest rating given by U.S. News and World Report, for being better than the national average in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, Heart Attacks, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.

Fewer than half of the more than 4500 medical centers received the High Performing rating for any condition or procedure.

Cecava said, “Being recognized as a High Performing Hospital, among some of the nation’s best health care providers, is an honor.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

65th Robinson Tennis Tournament Features Clinics with Pro Murphy Jensen

The summer’s best week of tennis is almost here. The Francis J. Robinson Memorial International Tennis Tournament kicks off on July 31st with special guest Murphy Jensen. Jenson is a former professional tennis player who will run Kick-Off Clinics and an Exhibition Match.

With matches running from August 3rd to 7th, this year’s Robinson is its 65th year of being a hometown tradition that brings players of all ages to the courts for competition, comradery, and fun. The tournament is usually attended by 200 to 400 players, with divisions for ages 10 and under to 60 and over. It is one of the longest-running community tournaments in the nation.

The tournaments are round-robin, with flights made up of players of compatible age and ability. Players at all levels will have the opportunity to play several matches against fellow tennis players with similar skills. Players need to be registered by July 28th.

A link to all the details about the tournament and the special clinics with Murphy Jensen can be found below.

http://www.phtennishouse.com/2022-robinson/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland