port huron

Patti Manley Elected Board Chair At Community Foundation Of St. Clair County

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has announced the election of Patti Manley as its new Board Chair, effective January 1st. Manley takes over for Hale Walker, who completed a two-year term as the Foundation’s Chair. 

As the Foundation enters its 80th year, Manley expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I could not be more pleased to have the honor of chairing the board of trustees.” The Community Foundation, the largest and oldest in Michigan’s Thumb Region, boasts over 200 volunteers and assets exceeding $100 million, including 300 endowments, the Blue Water River Walk, Knowlton Museum, and downtown Port Huron offices. 

Patti Manley, a Port Huron native, brings 42 years of experience with McBride-Manley & Co. to her new role–she joined the Foundation’s board in 2016, and has served on its Finance Committee as well as its main Grants Committee.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Patrick & James Announces Closure Amid Economic Downturn, Offers Final Week Blowout Sale

Amid the economic challenges faced by retail brick-and-mortar stores, Patrick & James, a cherished establishment located at 225 Huron Ave, in downtown Port Huron, is set to close its doors permanently. 

Owners Brian and Charitie revealed that the store’s final week, from January 8th – January 14th, will feature a store-wide 50% off sale. Customers are urged to redeem all gift cards by January 14th, and all sales during this period will be final.

In a heartfelt message, the owners expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you to all of our customers for their support and friendship these past 5 years! We look forward to seeing you one last time before we close our doors.” 

Patrick & James plans to redirect their efforts towards a new direction as they bid farewell to the Port Huron community.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Birchwood Mall Unveils Exciting Additions: A Haven For Creativity And Bonding

Birchwood Mall is set to become a hub for creativity and family bonding with the introduction of two unique stores. 

“A Little Hobby Ceramic Studio” and “The Process” are the latest additions, offering immersive experiences for both children and adults.

“A Little Hobby Ceramic Studio” combines a ceramics studio with a gift shop, providing a space where families can engage in creative activities and craft personalized keepsakes. Meanwhile, “The Process” promises a hands-on art and science experience, redefining learning through unique and interactive methods.

Birchwood Mall aims to foster a dynamic environment where families can learn and enhance their creativity together. These new stores contribute to the mall’s commitment to providing a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: Birchwood Mall.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

CDC’s Wastewater Surveillance Reveals Alarming Spike In COVID-19 Activity Across the U.S., Midwest Hit Hardest

The CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) is sounding the alarm as it reports a significant surge in COVID-19 activity nationwide. 

According to the latest data updated on December 28th, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently categorized as “very high” across the United States. Disturbingly, the Midwest emerges as the region with the most pronounced wastewater viral activity, indicating a potential hotspot for the virus.

The NWSS provides a crucial public health infrastructure, enabling local agencies to monitor infectious diseases through wastewater. This real-time data empowers health officials to identify outbreak trends early, target preventive measures effectively, and gain additional insights into disease spread.

For more details and information about your region’s data, visit: cdc.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Historic Rose Bowl Victory Propels Michigan Wolverines To First College Football Playoff National Championship

In a stunning 27-20 triumph at the 110th Rose Bowl over the University of Alabama, the University of Michigan Wolverines secured a historic spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game for the first time in school history. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a proud parent of two U of M students, presented a heartfelt tribute to the team for their victory. The Wolverines are the only college program with 1,000 wins, and are set to face the University of Washington Huskies in Houston, Texas, on January 8th.

The Blue Water Area extends its best wishes to the Wolverines, and we here at WGRT would like to also acknowledge Port Huron native Braiden McGregor, who plays Defensive End for the Wolverines, on his notable contribution to the team’s success.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Civic Theatre’s Second Annual Black Tie Gala Promises An Enchanting Evening with “Be Our Guest” Theme

Port Huron Civic Theatre (PHCT) invites you to the Second Annual Black Tie Gala, an enchanting evening themed “Be Our Guest.” The gala promises a night filled with dinner, dancing, raffles, and the return of the Stardusters, an 18-piece big band. Half the proceeds will contribute to saving for PHCT’s own building, and the other half will support future productions.

Tickets are available for individuals and groups, with options ranging from Single Seats to exclusive Sponsor Tables like the Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Gaston, Beast, and Belle tables. Sponsorship packages offer additional perks, including social media shout-outs and press releases.

Join the magic on Friday, February 9th, from 6 -10 p.m. at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. Secure your seat now for an unforgettable night of glamor and support for the Port Huron Civic Theatre.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell