St. Clair County

Flag Retirement Ceremony Open to Public

The St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs is inviting the community to their annual U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on Wednesday, August 25th at 6 PM. The event takes place at the American Legion Post 382 at 1322 Clinton Avenue in St. Clair.

The “It’s Your Flag” ceremony involves the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 382, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 382, and scouts from Boy Scout Troop 315, Cub Scout Pack 261, and Boy Scout Troop 261.

Those wishing to dispose of worn, torn, faded, and unserviceable American flags can deliver them to the American Legion Post before the event so they can be properly and respectfully disposed of at the ceremony.

Flags can be placed in the flag receptacle at the rear of the building, and the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs will be present to ensure flags that have been collected at the St. Clair County Administration building in Port Huron are properly disposed of as well.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron Schools Develops Committee to Address Pandemic Recovery

A group of education stakeholders met on August 4th to develop a strategic plan for students in the Port Huron schools. The group’s members are from a variety of sectors, including students, and they will focus on helping students recover from the effects the pandemic had on education.

Theo Kerhoulas, Port Huron Schools Superintendent, said “The purpose of the committee is to review feedback and identify major areas for planning consideration as we create the best learning environment for our students and families, while supporting our community needs in the significant recovery from the pandemic. These stakeholders will advise my team in development, implementation and communication of the recovery plan for Port Huron Schools.”

The stakeholders include teachers, parents, community representatives, and school administrators and board of education members. The recovery plan will involve determining where things stand presently and developing a strategy to address wellness, academics, school climate, and family and community engagement in the future.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Bridge Traffic Backup Causing Traffic Jams

Backups on the Blue Water Bridge are causing serious delays and traffic jams on eastbound I-94 and M-25/Pine Grove (in both the North and Southbound lanes).

Avoid the area if possible and seek an alternate route into Port Huron if you are travelling on the expressway. As of 2 PM on Friday, Eastbound traffic is backed up just after the Dove Road exit on eastbound I-94.

Festival of Trees Staying at the Hospital for 2021

McLaren Port Huron has decided to host their popular Festival of Trees event at the hospital again this year and forgo the pre-pandemic gala at the Blue Water Convention Center.

Festival of Trees is held from Thanksgiving through the New Year, and last year’s event transformed the South Tower lobby into a winter wonderland. Spectators could drive by and see the beautifully decorated trees through the windows.

The 2021 event raised more than $65,000 to support new technology for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

This year, McLaren Port Huron will transform all main floor public areas into winter wonderlands viewable to the public throughout the South, Main, North, and Karmonos lobbies.

All funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support the purchase of equipment to enhance breast imaging services at the Demashkieh Women’s Wellness Place.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

New Principals for Central and Fort Gratiot Middle Schools

Port Huron Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of two new principals in our district. Starting in the 2021-22 school year, Mr. Joe Kramer will become the Principal of Central Middle school and Mr. Craig Cassady will become Principal of Fort Gratiot Middle School. Previously, both were leaders in the district as principal of the STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson and assistant principal of Central Middle School respectively. 

Joe Kramer led the STEAM Academy as it transitioned to a 3rd-5th science, technology, engineering, arts and math focused school, which paired with K-2nd sister school the Literacy Academy at Cleveland. He has been the principal there since 2017. Prior to Port Huron Schools, Mr. Kramer was an innovative education leader in the Baltimore County region of Maryland. He has a strong athletic background, with an impressive college baseball record at Saginaw Valley State University. 

Since 2011, Craig Cassady has served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Holland Woods and then Central Middle Schools. Prior to joining Port Huron Schools, Mr. Cassady taught in Albion, Jackson and Algonac, Michigan. He is a proud graduate of Port Huron Northern High School. 

Mr. Kramer and Mr. Cassady respectively assume roles held by Shawn Shackelford and Alycia Shagena who recently accepted administrative roles in the district’s Central Office as Executive Director of Student Services & Diversity and Director of Human Resources.

“We had an excellent candidate pool for both principal positions,” noted Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas. “It speaks to the strength of our district that both of these positions were filled by internal candidates. Both Mr. Kramer and Mr. Cassidy have proven themselves as committed educators who focus on student success and well being. They have big shoes to fill but I feel the schools will thrive under their leadership. They both build great relationships with the students and families they serve. ” 

Submitted by Port Huron Schools

Offshore Powerboat Race In St. Clair This Weekend

The St. Clair Classic is taking over the city of St. Clair this weekend, and a full line-up of entertainment and fun is planned in Race Village and the Riverview Plaza.

Race Village was set up mid-week, so expect road closures on M-29 until Monday, August 2nd at noon. Boats have also been arriving and are available for viewing in the Dry Pits on Riverside Road.

Race Village Opens to the public at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and stays open until midnight with live entertainment planned along with shopping and restaurants.

The City of St. Clair also allows visitors to bring their own food and beverages into the city. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed in Palmer Park, Rotary Park, and in specific public places on 3rd street, Vine Street, M-29, and Clinton.

The races begin on Sunday with an opening ceremony Flag Float Down tentatively scheduled for 11:15 AM, and the 1st race is at noon.

The awards ceremony is in the Riverview Plaza after the race followed by and after party with live music.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand