Features

Cassie Harms, 25, is the owner of Cassie Harms Designs in St. Clair, Michigan.

Entrepreneurship

Quilting success leads young professional and St. Clair business owner to international recognition

Harold PowellFriday, October 28, 2022

St. Clair businesswoman Cassie Harms turned away from a career in accounting to pursue her passion for designing and creating quilts. Today, her work has received international recognition.

Penny Roskey and Remi, the inspiration behind Roskey's children's book "The Reminator 2 and B-Yond."

Kids and Education

Local children’s book author finds inspiration close to home

Harold PowellFriday, October 28, 2022

“At school I spent most of my time reading and I’ve always loved children's books, so when Remi came along it really inspired me,” says Penny Roskey, author of “The Reminator 2 And B-Yond.”

Community Development

Spooky season bring eerie fun to the Blue Water Area

Andrea HarringtonThursday, October 20, 2022

The Blue Water Area is host to plenty of events this year offering spooky fun for everyone this Halloween.

(From left) Maggie Toole, Thelma Castillo, and Heather Fagan participated at the inaugural Hispanic American Heritage Celebration held by St. Clair County Community College.

Diversity

Local speakers share culture and experience at first-ever Hispanic American Heritage Celebration

Harold PowellThursday, October 20, 2022

“The way to get rid of discrimination and ignorance is through education and sharing our experiences with others who may not be aware of certain aspects of our culture,” says Thelma Castillo, Hispanic American Heritage Celebration moderator.

Minority Philanthropy Initiative 2022 — Port Huron Old Newsboys

Community Development

Port Huron Old Newsboys, other nonprofits receive grants at Community Foundation multicultural event

Beth McKennaThursday, October 20, 2022

Several local nonprofits received grants to support their services during the second-ever Minority Philanthropy Initiative, including Port Huron Old Newsboys giving a boost to its efforts to help local youth stay warm this winter.

Established in 1836, Murphy Inn is located at 505 Clinton Ave. in St Clair, Michigan.

Community Development

Murphy Inn resident ghosts make it a top haunting in Michigan’s Thumb Coast

Andrea HarringtonThursday, October 20, 2022

Established in 1836, Murphy Inn in St. Clair is reported to be the home to several spirits — and not of the vodka or gin variety.

(From left) SCCCMH nurses Lauren Higgins, Melissa Nicholson, and Mary Croteau, prepare for a vaccination clinic. Offering vaccination clinics on-site with nursing staff works to eliminate barriers to care for some individuals receiving CMH services.

Healthy Communities

What is integrated healthcare and why is it important?

St. Clair County Community Mental HealthTuesday, October 18, 2022

St. Clair County Community Mental Health shares insight into the benefits of integrated healthcare and how it can better connect mental and physical health to provide patients with more comprehensive care.

Port Huron has already broken ground on the PlayABLE park project. Several accessible structures will soon be added to Gratiot Park, with projected completion in April 2023.

Community Development

PlayABLE Walk and Roll to bring disability-friendly play to Port Huron’s Gratiot Park this spring

Riley ConnellFriday, October 14, 2022

The Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department is working to make Gratiot Park playable for everyone with the addition of several new disability-accessible structures.

Volunteers help participants at an accessible kayak launch.

Community Development

Fort Gratiot Township works to make parks and recreation accessible for all

Sarah SpohnFriday, October 7, 2022

Fort Gratiot Township has a wide range of parks, trails, and recreation opportunities within the community. From the region’s waterways, bike paths, and, playgrounds, the township is focused on ensuring recreational opportunities are accessible for all.

Guests pose for a photo at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron during the Minority Philanthropy Initiative giving circle event in 2021.

Arts and Culture

Upcoming Minority Philanthropy Initiative a celebration of culture, community, and giving

Harold PowellFriday, September 30, 2022

The Minority Philanthropy Initiative returns to the Blue Water Area this month, a multicultural celebration with community and philanthropy at its heart.

A display of Nancy Shaw's "Sheep in a Jeep" children's books at the Bear & The Hare in St. Clair.

Community Development

Authorfest to bring nationally recognized Michigan authors to the Blue Water Area

Andrea HarringtonFriday, September 30, 2022

This weekend Michigan-based authors will be gathering in St. Clair during Authorfest, sharing insight into their work and offering book signing opportunities.

“With how busy we've been with their ice cream selling here, people love our ice cream,” says co-owner Matthew Faulkner. “We see it on social media, they love the flavor profiles, they love the styles, and they love the taste of it.”

Entrepreneurship

Hippy Dippy Creamery offers unique treats and fun in Marysville

Liz FredendallFriday, September 30, 2022

St. Clair County residents Jamie and Matthew Faulkner aim to provide sweet treats and community connections through their new business, Hippy Dippy Creamery, which opened earlier this summer.

Diversity

SC4 partners with U of M to host Wolverine Invitational, furthers mission of inclusivity

Harold PowellFriday, September 30, 2022

“We really want to bring awareness to our campus and community to show that we are concerned about the needs our students face and that we’re committed to making SC4 a place where all students can feel they have a place and belong,” says Pete Lacey, Senior Vice President at SC4.

Mary Jenkins, co-owner of Mine & Yours Estate Sales Outlet LLC in Port Huron, Michigan.

Entrepreneurship

A new venture in a new city: Macomb County resident opens resale shop in Port Huron

Harold PowellFriday, September 30, 2022

“We want to be not just a store, but we want to be a prominent community member,” says Mary Jenkins, co-owner of Mine & Yours Estate Sales Outlet LLC. “It’s all about giving back … We plan to service the community in some way, shape, or form.”

For the first time, Lake Bonisteel Music Association will be awarding scholarships to two schools, allowing them to get supplies and tools for their students.

Kids and Education

Annual community celebration connecting local youth with music returns to Blue Water Area

Danielle PatrickFriday, September 30, 2022

Lake Bonisteel Music Association will be hosting its annual Blue Chili Grass Festival this weekend, providing live entertainment from bluegrass artists and opportunities for aspiring musicians.

Employees use the decompression room at St. Clair County Community Mental Health.

Healthy Communities

As mental health becomes priority in the workplace, St. Clair County CMH leads employers by example

Gabrielle HaidererFriday, September 30, 2022

At St. Clair County Community Mental Health, supporting the mental health of its employees is one of its top priorities. Experts at the organizations share their experience and offer suggestions for employers who are seeking ways to improve mental health in the workplace.

Community Development

Unique fall treats for all to enjoy

Andrea HarringtonFriday, September 30, 2022

Fall has arrived bringing with it changing colors, cooler temps, and an abundance of seasonal treats available at several businesses across the Blue Water Area.

WSAQ Q-County 107 Radio's morning personality, Matt Markham, gets ready to camp out on the roof of MiMutual Mortgage in downtown Port Huron.

Kids and Education

Annual community roof-sit raises funds and awareness about child abuse

Danielle PatrickFriday, September 16, 2022

Each year, the St. Clair County Child Abuse and Neglect Council holds its annual roof-sit benefit to educate the public about child abuse and raise funds for its youth programs.

The ownership of Birchwood Mall changed in February 2021, when Kohan Retail Investment Group purchased the mall. Since then there's been significant expansion with 13 new businesses at the mall and 4-5 more about to enter into a contract.

Entrepreneurship

Shopping small gets big push in retail world in Fort Gratiot Township

Sarah SpohnFriday, September 16, 2022

As more shoppers aren’t spending as much time or money in traditional big chain retailers, the future of shopping malls is in question. Locally, Birchwood Mall has found a way to give small businesses a big focus.