port huron

E. Coli Contamination Closes Chrysler And Holland Beaches In St. Clair County

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Chrysler Beach in Marysville and Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. The beaches will remain closed until water samples show acceptable E. coli levels, as advised by the State of Michigan.

E. coli, a common microbe in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates fecal contamination. Elevated levels often follow storms or strong winds, which carry bacteria in stormwater runoff and stir it up from waves.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire To Perform Live Drawing At St. Clair County Library

Calling all comic book fans and aspiring artists. The St. Clair County Public Library, located at 210 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, invites you to its spectacular event, “Super Readers: A Marvel Artist Presentation” featuring Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire.

On Saturday, July 27th, from 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can watch DeCaire bring superheroes, sorcerers, dragons, and wizards to life in a live drawing performance. DeCaire, known for illustrating iconic characters like Thor, X-Men, Wolverine, The Punisher, Iron Man, and more, will be showcasing his rapid drawing skills in the Gilbert Wilcox Meeting Room.

This all-ages event promises an unparalleled experience of art, fantasy, and fun.

For more information and to register, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Record Absentee Voting In Michigan Ahead Of Primary Election

With just under four weeks until Michigan’s Primary Election Day, over 1.5 million voters have requested absentee ballots, and more than 178,000 have already submitted their ballots, breaking the previous records set in 2020.

“This is great news for Michigan, and for democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The current absentee ballot requests total 1,518,665, surpassing the 2020 numbers by 157,833. 

Michigan citizens can register to vote online or in person and cast their ballots in person from July 27th to August 4th, or on Election Day, August 6th.

Voters can also track their absentee ballots or find more information at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan SHPO Awarded $75,000 Grant To Survey African American Recreation Sites From The Green Book Era

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has received a $75,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund’s African American Civil Rights History program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. 

This grant will fund a preservation consultant to survey properties listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers published from 1936 to 1966. The project aims to create a historic context on African American recreational tourism in Michigan and nominate a site for the National Register of Historic Places. 

State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker emphasized the importance of recognizing these sites to deepen understanding of African American history in Michigan. The project is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to document and preserve Civil Rights history.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Drone Show Will Be Replacing Port Huron’s Annual Fireworks Display This Year

On Thursday, July 18th at 10 p.m., the City of Port Huron will feature a new and exciting 200-drone show at Desmond Landing located at 1456 3rd St, Port Huron. The drone show will be replacing the traditional fireworks display for 2024. 

This innovative event is brought to you by the Blue Water Festival and Downtown Port Huron and promises to be a spectacular visual experience viewable from the area where the Black River meets the St. Clair River.

Sponsored by Moses Roses and executed by Firefly Drone Shows, the show will be postponed to a later date in case of rain. Don’t miss this extraordinary event that combines technology and artistry in a dazzling display over Port Huron’s beautiful waterfront.

For additional details and updates, visit: thebluewaterfest.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Blue Water SandFest To Host Michigan’s Premier Sand Sculpting Championship

The Blue Water SandFest, held from August 2nd – 4th at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, will feature Michigan’s first and only major sand sculpting competition. 

Set against the stunning Lake Huron backdrop, the event includes Semi-Pro Solos, Doubles, and Amateur contests. Visitors can enjoy free sand sculpting lessons, demonstrations by master sculptors, and the Quick Sand Speed Sculpting Show.

The festival boasts a Kids Zone with a huge sandbox, a live music festival featuring local and Nashville artists, and a beer garden. Food vendors, cornhole games, and tours of Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, guided by the Port Huron Museum for $5, add to the fun. The event aims to support the restoration of the lighthouse and grounds. Enjoy three days of family-friendly excitement at Blue Water SandFest!

For more information, visit: bluewatersandfest.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell