Features

Feature Story Rob and Alana Ward.

Father-daughter team embark on second season running Shea Tree Farm

After taking over Shea Tree Farm last year to protect the property from plans for housing development, Blue Water Area residents Rob and Alana Ward share their experience learning how to run a Christmas tree farm and future plans for the business.

Longform Katie Wendel, director of planning and advocacy at Area Agency on Aging 1B, which recently launched a voucher program to help unpaid caregivers afford respite care.

Finding temporary care is a challenge for Michigan's many unpaid caregivers, but help is available

Approximately 1.7 million Michiganders are unpaid caregivers, and they often desperately need a break from that work. Resources, like a new voucher program to pay for respite care, can help.

Partner Content Stock - Holiday Self-Care

Managing your mental health during the holidays to make the most of this festive time of year

The holiday season can be a stressful time of year, but prioritizing mental health, setting boundaries, and creating intentional spaces for grieving can help. St. Clair County Community Mental Health shares several strategies and activities to help navigate and minimize seasonal stress.

Feature Story Wild-Rice-Small

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

In the western Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community strives toward the goal of food sovereignty, strengthening the community's ability to produce more of its own fresh and local food sources. 

Feature Story Eunice and Jesus Castillo Jr.

A glimpse into the past: The legacy of the former Our Lady of Guadalupe Hispanic Mission

For more than six decades, the former Our Lady of Guadalupe Hispanic Mission in Port Huron served as a cornerstone in the community, offering a central gathering place and support system for the Hispanic community.

Partner Content Community Foundation of St. Clair County staff pose for a photo with members of the Port Huron Police Department which received a grant for the department's community outreach trailer.

Giving back anonymously

While all donors share the common goal of giving back and effecting change, some people opt to remain anonymous, seeking to contribute without recognition. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County shares a look at this process and options for anonymous giving.

Longform Ken Nixon, director of outreach and community partnerships for Safe & Just Michigan.

Lack of data raises questions about quality and cost effectiveness of Michigan's prison health care

According to Michigan researchers and advocates for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, health care in prison is far less than adequate.

Feature Story Marysville Blast From The Past is located at 1315 Gratiot Blvd. in Marysville, Michigan.

Multigenerational passion for antiquing leads to new business, Marysville Blast From The Past

New Blue Water Area antique store Marysville Blast From The Past continues the tradition of a shared passion for antiquing across multiple generations.

Feature Story In addition to wine, a selection of meads is also available at Belle River Winery made from honey raised on the property.

Belle River Winery to open second location in Port Huron

Belle River Winery is expanding its presence and offerings with a new location opening soon in downtown Port Huron.

Feature Story Irene Michels (right) poses for a photo with her youngest sister, Maggie Toole.

Throughout several generations, local family creates positive impact in Blue Water Area

The Reyna family is a remarkable example of multi-generational contribution to the Port Huron community. The Reyna family’s move was a new beginning and the family’s continued impact in the Blue Water Area has helped shape the landscape with notable structures and community activism.

Development News Halloween display at 613 N. Riverside Drive in St. Clair, Michigan.

Blue Water Area Halloween homes

If you’re searching for a thrill this Halloween, check out a few of these spooky homes in St. Clair County.

Feature Story The Attic Finds is located off of Dixie Highway in Fair Haven, Michigan.

Family-owned business The Attic Finds is set to expand offerings

The Attic Finds and General Store, located on Dixie Highway, originally started as a store specializing in refurbished furniture and gift items. Over time, it has expanded to encompass a clothing boutique, an arts and crafts consignment shop, and is soon set to introduce local produce to its offerings.

Partner Content Mid City Nutrition team in Port Huron, Michigan.

Foundation and partners fund local food banks

As the demand for food assistance increases, supplies at food banks are dwindling and the Community Foundation, in collaboration with the DTE Energy Foundation and other generous contributors, has been actively addressing this issue by providing grants to bolster local food programs.

Feature Story Meghan Monarch

Port Huron hometown author makes her debut with superhero romance novel

Meghan Wiley, a former elementary school teacher turned author, recently debuted her first book which gives a nod to her hometown in a fictional romance novel that delves into the world of superheroes.

Feature Story Katrina Watkins, Executive Director of Bailey Park Neighborhood Development Corporation

Nonprofit Relief Fund awards announced: Small nonprofits are big winners this time aroundNonprofit Journal Project: Feature

More than 2,000 applicants vied for grants from the Nonprofit Relief Fund, created to provide post-pandemic support to small nonprofits.  Award announcements were made in early October. Grantees are able to use the unrestricted funding where it's needed most.

Feature Story Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan

NAMI Michigan's Kevin Fischer, "Michigan’s CMHs are the front door"

MI Mental Health recently had a chance to talk with Kevin Fischer, executive director, NAMI Michigan, about the important role that community mental health agencies play in Michiganders’ mental health.  

Longform Angela Gabridge, MiGen executive director, co-chaired a coalition that requested Michigan state funding for LGBTQ+ health.

Michigan addresses LGBTQ+ health disparities with historic $10 million budget allotment

A new allotment in the state budget will directly support the work of community-based organizations that are already providing health-related services to LGBTQ+ Michiganders.

Development News The new fire station in Port Huron is expected to be completed by March 2024.

New Port Huron fire station expected for spring completion

Replacing the decades-old Central Station, the Port Huron Fire Department’s new facility Station No. 1 is expected to increase community safety with reduced response times, additional training opportunities, and more.

Development News The Parks Department working to plant a tree.

Free wood and mulch available for Port Huron residents

The City of Port Huron Forestry Division offers free wood and mulch throughout the year to residents, but following several storms this summer they’re also hosting a special distribution day later this month.

Feature Story Ron Smith (left) and Doug Tucker are a two-person band from St. Clair County, Michigan.

Meet life-long friends and talented musical duo, Smith and Tucker

High school rock band turned entertainment duo, Ron Smith and Doug Tucker of Smith and Tucker have deep roots in the Blue Water Area, drawing crowds to sing along with them and their guitars, mandolins, and harmonicas.