Features

Feature Story Chloe Nabozney.

Chloe Nabozney redefines norms as an aspiring young, black female police officer from a rural town

Chloe Nabozney, a recent graduate of Landmark Academy in Kimball, talks about her goal of becoming a police officer after attending the St. Clair County Explorers Program. She hopes to inspire other young, black women to become cops in a predominantly male field.

Feature Story Laundry Room French 75

Keeping the Prohibition era alive at Port Huron's speakeasy, The Laundry Room

The Wrigley Center’s speakeasy in Port Huron has become a popular destination for locals because of its unique Prohibition-era atmosphere, specialty cocktails, and live music.

Feature Story Lakeside Park's splashpad.

Where to stay cool during the summer in St. Clair County

The summer is here, and the weather is already proving so. Check out these parks, beaches, and pools in the Blue Water Area that can help you cool off and enjoy the sun in these waterfront communities.

Longform Cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.

Commmunity mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.  

Feature Story A replica of a freedom quilt where triangles, signifying flying geese heading north, pointed slaves toward freedom.

Celebrating Juneteenth at SC4’s interactive exhibit

Now through June 30, the public can visit the exhibit in the Fine Arts Museum at St. Clair Community College to learn about the significance of June 19 and its historical background leading to the abolition of slavery. Included are many interactive experiences along with a timeline leading to the end of slavery in the United States.

Feature Story Digital rendering of the Lincoln Avenue Loft project in Port Huron.

Port Huron’s Lincoln Avenue Loft project aims to address urgent housing needs

The Lincoln Avenue Loft Project will bring 40 income-restricted workforce housing units to a central Port Huron site, addressing the city’s deepening housing crisis. With supportive services, transit access, and proximity to key employers, the development aims to create long-term stability for working families and residents.

Partner Content Emmett Township Park.

New grants boost placemaking in St. Clair County

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has made placemaking the center of its mission to connect people and places, from the coastlines of the St. Clair River to the rural stretches of the county’s western towns.

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

Feature Story Art advocate and educator Jason Stier poses with Wally the Walleye, a public art piece crafted by dozens of Blue Water Area residents of all ages.

Creating Connections Through Art: A conversation with educator Jason Stier

Art teacher and advocate Jason Stier empowers at-risk youth through art education. As vice president of the St. Clair Art Association, he also helps facilitate public art events and projects that foster creativity and connection in the Blue Water Area.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Feature Story veterans

Veterans in St. Clair County can rely on community mental health

St. Clair County Community Mental Health (St. Clair County CMH) continues to meet veterans’ mental health care needs. A certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), St. Clair County CMH offers veterans a wide range of services regardless of their ability to pay or residency. 

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Feature Story Blue Water Pride 2023.

Start your summer at these fun-filled events in St. Clair County this June

With the summer season on the rise, check out these fun-filled activities — from the Sturgeon Fest to the Blue Water Cruise, happening all across the county.

Partner Content (from left to right): Ella Vokes (Memphis High School), Kaelin Morris (Yale High School), and Alan Daugherty (Yale Jr. High School), received awards for winning the artwork and creative writing portions of the Creative Arts Contest.

St. Clair County CMH celebrates 60 years of positive impacts on mental health and stigma reduction

For the past 60 years, SCCCMH has revolutionized mental health care in St. Clair County by emphasizing community-based, patient-centered care. The agency has made great strides in reducing mental health stigma and expanding access to care.

Feature Story Tires and Treads Community Project

Tires and Treads Community Project provides clothes and shoes to children in need across the county

Tires and Treads is a community-driven, local non-profit organization that strives to ensure every child has access to basic clothing needs, which was the dream of the organization's founder, Fran Morris.

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Partner Content Make St. Clair.

The Big Give 2025: A celebration of community generosity and local impact

The Big Give 2025 is officially a wrap—but its spirit, impact, and stories of generosity will continue to echo across St. Clair County for months to come. For 24 hours, donors from near and far came together to show just how much they care about this community and the causes they love.

Feature Story Ethan Trombley making sandwiches at Trombley's Country Market.

More than just a market, Trombley’s Country Market continues to serve as a community hub

For decades, family country stores in St. Clair County have served as not only places to buy goods, but local community hubs. Nathan Trombley of Trombley’s Country Market in Emmett Township talks about how his family store has weathered the years in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan.