St. Clair County

Port Huron, MI — Many area residents enjoy snowmobiling on the Black River’s ice over the winter, but that season has come to an end. With temperatures rising and water runoff from melting snow, the river is no longer safe for recreational activities.

On Sunday, March 7th, ice breaking operations will begin on the river, and the bridges at Military, 7th, and 10th streets will be open intermittently throughout the day.

According to a press release from Chief Corey Nichols, Fire Chief of the Port Huron Fire Department, ice breaking will be conducted from the mouth of the Black River to the I-94 overpass.

Breaking up the ice in the Black River helps water flow freely to the St. Clair River and is part of the overall flood mitigation efforts in the area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

St. Clair, MI — Spring is in the air, and the St. Clair Women’s League is kicking it off with their annual Spring Flower Sale. The sale features hanging baskets, porch pots, and flats of assorted flowers.

All orders have to be submitted by April 3rd, and customers can choose a pickup date of May 15th or May 22nd. Flowers will be available for pickup on those dates at the St. Clair Middle School on Yankee Road in St. Clair.

Download the order form <HERE> and orders can be mailed to the St. Clair Women’s League at P.O. Box 243, St. Clair, MI 48079

The St. Clair Women’s League has been serving the community for over 40 years, and 100% of the profits from the flower sales with go to local causes and charities.

Visit the St. Clair Women’s League Facebook page <HERE> to learn more.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Port Huron, MI — The Blue Water Area is anticipating warmer temps next week, and Spring Fever will likely set in as the remaining snow melts. With already high water levels in the area, residents of waterfront communities should begin preparing now for spring rain and potential flooding.

The City of Port Huron has begun distributing mailers to property owners in flood prone areas, and they are working on plans for sandbag distribution and sandbag filling stations. They hope to have these established the week of March 8th.

Mark White, Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of  Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said, “We’ve been following the St. Clair River ice jam since it started back in the beginning of February and the impact on homes along the river especially in East China Township, a few homes in Cottrellville, Marine City, and Algonac.”

White noted that property owners along the St. Clair River most heavily impacted are those who are at a lower elevation than other surrounding properties. Individual homes may have mitigation efforts in place, but it really takes a collaborative effort from neighbors and adjoining properties to minimize the negative effects.

White expressed concern for many families, especially those in the Pointe Drive area of East China Township who have been repeatedly affected by flooding. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management established a self-reporting damage assessment tool for residents which enables them to submit damage reports and photos. “If you have damage, log into this tool. It provides a lot of data for us and gives us an idea of what kind of damage has been done,” said White.

Report St. Clair County flood damage <HERE>.

Keep up with the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Dave McElroy started his position as General Manager for Blue Water Area Transit Center (BWATC) on March 1st. McElroy took over for Jim Wilson who recently retired.

McElroy said, “I’m honored to be chosen by the Board of Commissioners as the new  General Manager of BWATC. I plan to continue the tradition of providing St.  Clair County with the exceptional transit service as established by both my  distinguished predecessor, Jim Wilson, and the professional and dedicated  staff of BWATC.”

McElroy is a Port Huron native and has been involved with BWATC for more than 12 years, serving most recently as the Commission’s Assistant General Manager and Finance Director. He has also been an active member of the community serving on boards for both the YMCA of the Blue Water Area and the area’s Regional Trails.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand