Features

Development News A scene from last year’s Icy Bazaar in St. Clair. This year’s event promises to be the “biggest one yet,” says Bryan Ulatwoski, president of the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce.

‘The biggest one yet’: Live ice carvings, fireworks slated for St. Clair’s Icy Bazaar this weekend

“This year’s Icy Bazar will be the biggest one yet. We have 32 separate ice sculptures sponsored by different businesses in St. Clair County,” says Bryan Ulatwoski, president of the St. Clair Chamber of Commerce.

Feature Story Luna Beauty offers free consultation, makeup tools, skin care products, and a wide range of cosmetic products with a specialty in vegan-friendly makeup.

From the earth to the moon: Local entrepreneur aims for the stars with new line of beauty products

Entrepreneur and Port Huron resident Samantha Webb is a new face in the world of beauty and skin care products. She started her business Luna Beauty in July 2020 with the intent to empower women.

Feature Story “There’s not just one thing or one tip that is the end-all, be-all fix; it’s a combination of factors. I wanted to write something to inspire people, to movitave them. I wanted to provide that ‘Aha!’ moment for people,” says author Cheryl Keaney.

Local fitness trainer reflects on her new book and offers tips for the New Year

“There’s not just one thing or one tip that is the end-all, be-all fix; it’s a combination of factors. I wanted to write something to inspire people, to movitave them. I wanted to provide that ‘Aha!’ moment for people,” says author Cheryl Keaney.

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10 must-see holiday displays in Port Huron

Check out some of our favorite holiday displays to see in Port Huron this year.

Feature Story The Strive Mentorship program from St. Clair County Community College is expected to debut early next year.

SC4’s new professional mentorship program to lift underrepresented students and non-students alike

“I think that any student or non-student can benefit from this program. Things such as building their resume, going through mock interviews, and job shadowing. I believe those are things people need a little bit more of to secure gainful employment,” says SC4 DEI Coordinator Haran Stanley.

Development News The Closet by A Beautiful Me is located at 235 Huron Ave. in downtown Port Huron.

Sparking curiosity, building confidence: Pop-up shop to feature local young women entrepreneurs

“By giving girl entrepreneurs the space to sell their business product, they can discover growth opportunities,” says Karen Palka, executive director of A Beautiful Me.

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‘It’s been crazy busy’: Sweet Tooth Cafe fills a coffee gap in downtown Marine City

The recently-opened Sweet Tooth Cafe serves sweet treats, coffee, and various other beverages in downtown Marine City.

Feature Story “We are back to being busy again and I love it,” says Michelle Stuckey-Wolford, owner of Wonder Wolf Entertainment.

Meet Michelle Stuckey-Wolford, the most wonderful wolf of the year

“The name came to me in the middle of the night,” says Michelle Stuckey-Wolford, the founder of Wonder Wolf Entertainment. “I just found the word wonder to be really exciting and it's something that, when people see my work or they see me in costume, I want them to feel wonder.”

Feature Story In Port Huron, the Parks and Recreation Department is putting on Winter Celebration in Pine Grove Park, running now through Sunday, Jan. 2.

Christmas in St. Clair County: Holiday markets, visits from Santa, arts and crafts, and more

There is no shortage of family-friendly events happening in St. Clair County this year.

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Friends of the St. Clair River works to protect natural resources and inspire environmental prideThe Nonprofit Journal Project

"A sturgeon can live up to 100 years and that's our mentality, always looking ahead at the bigger picture, but realizing that it's the small steps that get you there," says board president Shari Faust. "Through the efforts of our volunteers, scientists, and staff, Friends of the St. Clair River will continue to protect, restore, and educate about our natural resources."

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Local hemp farmers celebrate opening of new Thumb Coast CBD store in Birchwood Mall

For the McCalmons, the growth happening on their St. Clair County farm is just as important as growing the business itself. And helping their customers? Even moreso. “Our main concern is making sure that we have quality products,” Kyle McCalmon says. “Money comes second.”

Feature Story “Instead of crowded big box stores, you can shop downtown with a cup of coffee or social district drink in your hand. You can end up spending hours walking around under the Christmas lights,” says Cynthia Cutright.

Small Business Saturdays, Giving Tuesday, and a wealth of holiday fun planned for the Thumb Coast

“When I think about heading downtown, I think about the experience. It’s a true shopping experience,” Cynthia Cutright says. “Instead of crowded big box stores, you can shop downtown with a cup of coffee or social district drink in your hand. You can end up spending hours walking around under the Christmas lights, the garland wrapped around the lampposts.”

Partner Content Thanksgiving marks the official beginning of the 33rd annual Festival of Trees.

Festival of Trees expands to include the storefronts of downtown Port Huron

“We were really trying to figure out how we can continue to engage the community and expand the festival in a safe way. And we really wanted to take the opportunity to partner with downtown Port Huron and the local businesses. They supported the hospital so much throughout the pandemic that we want to do the same for them,” says Jamie Guyor, philanthropic officer for the McLaren Port Huron Foundation. “We hope that this will drive some additional patrons to their businesses — and especially over the holidays. It’s a great partnership.”

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Family-owned Country Christmas Tree Farm offers opportunity for holiday traditions old and new

This weekend, Country Christmas Tree Farm & Gifts will be opening its doors for the season. Learn more about the family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm which has been in business for more than a decade. 

Feature Story The Port Huron Museum’s Carnegie Center.

Port Huron Museums to host 2nd annual fundraising telethon for innovative visible storage project

“We are pursuing a visible storage project, with the goal of transforming the basement of the Carnegie Center into a visible storage space. This means that we would have glass cases filled with artifacts from our collections storage, moved out into the public eye,” says Kayla Wendt, curator of collections and exhibits for Port Huron Museums.

Development News After months away, the women’s apparel boutique returns with a grand opening event on Saturday, Nov. 13, with planned giveaways for the first 100 customers.

‘We are so excited to be back’: Papaya Branch celebrates new location in downtown Port Huron

“We don’t try to mimic or match other stores; our store is more personal,” says Laura Lyon, owner of The Papaya Branch Boutique. After months away, the women’s apparel boutique returns with a grand opening event on Saturday, Nov. 13, with planned giveaways for the first 100 customers.

Feature Story “I’m really excited about the opening of the kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church. It opens doors for many new business owners as well as those who are currently running an established business,” says kitchen coordinator Daysha Woodley.

Thumb Coast Kitchens opens to the public: ‘An integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem’

“I’m really excited about the opening of the kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church. It opens doors for many new business owners as well as those who are currently running an established business,” says kitchen coordinator Daysha Woodley.

Feature Story Bellies were full, spirits were high, and $12,000 was awarded to local nonprofits at the first Minority Philanthropy Initiative giving circle event, writes community correspondent Harold Powell.

Reflecting on the MPI giving circle, a celebration of the region’s diversity

“We enjoyed the opportunity to meet and network with such a diverse group of people and organizations, and we’re appreciative of the $5,000 grant prize,” says Tony Miller, director of the Unity for Youth program at RC3. “It will support our efforts to spread and cultivate love and unity in our community.”

Development News The Saildrone Explorer was seen in the St. Clair River and Black River canal this past October.

Drones explore Lake Huron and neighboring waterways for Great Lakes fishery data

Data collected from the experiment will help towards the sustainable management of the Great Lakes fishing industry, a $7 billion-per-year economy.

Feature Story Inside Hummingbird Home, a vintage and home decor shop in downtown Richmond.

Vintage and home decor store Hummingbird Home renovates historical building in downtown Richmond

Built in 1914, this historical building in downtown Richmond was home to numerous businesses before local entrepreneurs Dianna and Michael Maniaci purchased it and began renovations.