Features

Feature Story Cliff Thomason. Photo by Nick Hagen.

Amid challenges, the Athletic Factory continues to support student-athletes on and off the courtThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Cliff Thomason is the founder of The Athletic Factory in Port Huron, which works to support student-athletes.

Feature Story “The ribs and rib tips are the most sold item along with the collard greens. They're gone — I literally can't keep ribs for any length of time,” Jalen Hayes Sr. says.

Cooking since he was 10, local man opens new BBQ joint in Port Huron

“The ribs and rib tips are the most sold item along with the collard greens. They're gone — I literally can't keep ribs for any length of time,” Jalen Hayes Sr. says.

Feature Story DClist

Photo essay: A sneak peek at Discovery City from Port Huron Museums

The Port Huron Museums organization is gearing up for kid-centric Discovery City, a new playscape located inside of the museum that is set to open to the public Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Feature Story Not all heroes wear capes, but these heroes could definitely fly, writes community correspondent Harold Powell after attending the unveiling of the Tuskegee Airmen memorial event in Port Huron on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial: A historic moment for the residents of Port Huron

Not all heroes wear capes, but these heroes could definitely fly.

Development News Early concept drawings not yet finalized - EDA Business Center (Front view)

EDA of St. Clair County wins grant to build state-of-the-art business center on Desmond Landing site

“EDA of St. Clair County is very grateful to the Economic Development Administration and local partners for this investment which allows us to create a game-changing, south side, entrepreneurial and economic development business center,” says Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County.

Longform A camper returns from a Detroit Outdoors camping trip to Pictured Rocks.

Southeast Michigan's parks work to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all residents

Outdoor recreation professionals across our region have focused more attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and begun thinking about them in new ways, in recent years.

Longform Friends of the St. Clair River volunteers Barb Ford (left) and Chris Danner remove nightshade along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron.

Here's how an army of volunteers plays a crucial role in improving Southeast Michigan parks

Numerous volunteers help maintain, program, and advocate for parks and trails throughout the region.

Development News Downtown Port Huron at night.

Three must-follow Instagram accounts documenting life in the Blue Water Area

These are some of the must-follow Instagram accounts found throughout the Blue Water Area. 

Feature Story A Boat the Blue-themed storefront mural from local artist Faith Serio.

Boat the Blue organizers draw inspiration from Wimbledon in downtown window decorating contest

“We’re trying to bring more culture and art to the area, to bring everyone downtown and get more kids involved,” Audrey Torello says. “We want this to grow and become something really special.”

Feature Story “The beauty of the stage (designed by Brian Dambacher) is that it’s completely mobile, so we can erect it anywhere with a few days’ notice and get on with our bad selves,” says Sadaat Hossain.

Local arts group brings ‘fringe’ theater to the forefront with month-long festival in Port Huron

“We are hoping to create a nice social night out, offering the community a great experience. The more art, the better, absolutely...and again, I feel it is a step toward a total Arts/Tourist/Performance/Entertainment vibe for downtown Port Huron,” says Fringe Collective Kinetic Theatre co-founder Scott Dambacher.

Feature Story “We started this business to let people know that whatever you're going through, to never give up,” says Jennifer Williams.

Mom and daughter tackle business and cancer with courage and valor

“We started this business to let people know that whatever you're going through, to never give up,” says Jennifer Williams.

Feature Story TwoRivers Winery is located in downtown Marine City at 218 S. Water St.

New winery in downtown Marine City offers a taste of the Blue Water Area

With nearly 50 different varieties of wines, a new winery that opened earlier this summer is offering yet another way to enjoy downtown Marine City.

Feature Story A rendering of the proposed theater in St. Clair.

New $3M performance arts theater one step closer to starting construction in St. Clair

“The goal is: How do you use arts as a catalyst for economic impact? We tried with Snug and Riverbank and it worked really well. So let’s have another venue up in St. Clair and all of a sudden we become a two-day destination,” says Kathy Vertin.

Feature Story Ts-1

St. Clair Rotary Club to hold 1st annual Turtle Race, raise funds for construction of new park

With funds raised from the turtle race, the St. Clair Rotary Club plans to build a new park on the banks of the Pine River: Wildlife Landing.

Feature Story Inside an Algonac A-Frame

Ten unique Airbnbs, vacation rentals, and more in the Blue Water Area

From lake houses to downtown apartments, entire farms and private islands, St. Clair County has its fair share of incredible places to stay for a night, weekend, or even longer.

Feature Story Be-list

A look back at a welcome return: Boat Week

When it comes to the city of Port Huron, there are few events as big and as popular as Boat Week, and this year was no exception.

Development News A new initiative to help St. Clair County manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 is underway.

New opportunities for small and mid-size Blue Water manufacturers to embrace Industry 4.0

“Smart factory changes can reduce material waste, help to solve labor shortages, create efficiencies and increase production. Most importantly, by becoming an early adopter of [Industry] 4.0, a manufacturer is creating a competitive advantage for their business,” says Dan Casey.

Feature Story Members of the public were able to get their first look at the electric buses during a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 14, 2021 at the Blue Water Area Transit on Lapeer Avenue in Port Huron.

First in Michigan, Blue Water Area Transit introduces electric buses to its fleet

Blue Water Area Transit recently became the first public transit agency in Michigan to introduce fully electric battery-operated buses to its fleet, a move which will help further low or no emission goals within the region.

Feature Story UIAFTC co-founders JR Robinson, Southfield, and Rick Adams of Port Huron (L to R)

Firearm safety and education is top priority for new training center in Port Huron

Adams and Robinson met sometime last year and built an immediate bond through their passion for firearms training and education. Shortly thereafter, UIAFTC was born.

Longform Mount Magna at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly.

The DNR turns 100 this year. Here's how it's shaped Southeast Michigan's natural areas.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created, managed, or otherwise supported numerous natural areas in Southeast Michigan over the past century. Here's a look back at the agency's role in the region, and where it may be headed next.