Features

Development News “This is certainly another tool we have to help our businesses post-pandemic,” says Cynthia Cutright, director of the Port Huron DDA.

Keeping local dollars in the community: Downtown Port Huron launches gift card program

“I always thought shopping downtown was a more personal experience and the gift cards will help keep those dollars local that we would otherwise lose to gift cards from the big box stores,” says Cynthia Cutright.

Feature Story Driven by his love and passion for cooking, Christopher Moore has made the leap into being an entrepreneur.

Local chef chooses to follow his dreams, opens catering company

“I try to give it my all. Later on we might branch off into some (food) trucks, but even with the trucks, I want it to be where you can get that fine dining cuisine,” says Christopher Moore. “I want to do something different.”

Development News Re-3

Commercial real estate watch: Summer edition

Starting a business? Here are some prime commercial real estate opportunities in St. Clair County.

Feature Story “People are nervous at first but everyone’s high-giving and hugging by the end,” says Cecelia Shuler.

How three Blue Water women are making waves with their new community building group

“We weren’t expecting Unlabel’d to blow up as quickly as it has. It shows how much we’re truly lacking in making genuine connections with each other in our society,” says Cecelia Shuler, co-founder of the community building organization.

Longform A hiker at Independence Oaks in Clarkston.

Trail etiquette: 8 rules to remember while exploring Michigan's great outdoors

What should park-goers be mindful of as they lace up their shoes to hit the trails? We asked parks professionals for tips on how to respect natural areas as well as the people (and animals!) we share them with. 

Feature Story Host of the “WPHM Morning Show” at 1380 WPHM-AM, Paul Miller, interviews the Director of the St. Clair County Library System, Allison Arnold, in the studio on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

Putting a face to the voice: Get to know the people of Port Huron radio

"There's something to be said for the medium of radio - I think it's unlike anything else," says Paul Miller. "I think people find comfort in knowing the voices they're accustomed to hearing are there and with them during the good times like summer festivals and celebrations, as well as bad times - like global pandemics!"

Feature Story “The most rewarding part is helping somebody feel powerful, helping somebody feel amazing, helping somebody get the job that they never thought they could get,” says Chakira McCain.

How a Fort Gratiot stylist is helping people look and feel their best

Stylez By Cain was started from a natural passion for fashion, wanting to help boost women’s self esteem, and seeing a void in that space locally.

Feature Story List-1

Ready for a road trip? M-25 between Bay City and Port Huron is calling

Traveling along M-25 gives you 150 scenic miles of Lake Huron coastline. You’ll see everything from quiet sand dunes and beaches to bustling downtowns and exuberant festivals.

Feature Story “I get to make someone happy by just cutting their hair and being their friend again,” says Charles “Chuck” Darghali.

‘I love coming to work’: A Fort Gratiot entrepreneur on getting back to what he does best

Fort Gratiot’s Salon Shear Brilliance is back to its former glory and serving customers again.

Longform PEAC students Conor Waterman, Amanda Salinas, Owen Conley, Shawn Kohsmann, PEAC founder John Waterman, and PEAC student Tiara Sims on MoGo adaptive cycles on the Detroit Riverfront.

Southeast Michigan advocates pursue accessible outdoor recreation for people of all abilities

Parks systems, nonprofits, and other advocates are working to improve facilities, equipment, and infrastructure so all can enjoy Southeast Michigan's parks and trails.

Innovation News A sign advertising mountain bike trails at Stony Creek.

Southeast Michigan bike and conservation groups are gearing up to celebrate National Trails Day

National Trails Day takes place the first Saturday in June. And these Southeast Michigan organizations want you to help them celebrate.

Development News Hanging flower baskets recently installed in downtown Port Huron.

Downtown Port Huron kicks off the summer with music, art, and more

“We want to get folks back to shopping local,” says Cynthia Cutright. “We want to get people moving around downtown again.”

Feature Story A mock-up of the new-look Military Street tunnel on the Blue Water River Walk.

Making muralists: New public art project aims to teach mural-painting skills to 20 local artists

“The ultimate goal is to teach local artists how to be muralists, and for more public art in the community,” Jody Parmann says. “Now they’ll have more tools in their tool kits.”

Development News Military Street tunnel with graffiti.

Graffiti-covered tunnel at Port Huron's Blue Water River Walk is getting a facelift

This Port Huron tunnel is getting a new lease on life. And city officials are hoping the rehab will make a local river walk more welcoming.

Feature Story Vantage Point Farmers Market in Port Huron, Michigan is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of October.

Looking for Michigan-made produce and products? 3 farmers markets to visit in St. Clair County

From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, to wine and prime cuts – St. Clair County farmers markets are rich with local produce. Learn about some of the markets in the area and when and where you can find them near your community.

Feature Story A Little Something offers what every vegan has been wishing for this summer: a place they can find delicious vegan ice cream.

5 places to eat without the meat: Vegan and vegetarian options in Port Huron

A look at how some of our local restaurants are offering new vegan and vegetarian dishes as well some twists on old favorites.

Longform From left, Tyler and Adam Pokowski, Steve Vigneau, and Wade Robbins ride the Shelden Trails at Stony Creek Metropark.

With expanding trails and engaged riders, mountain biking flourishes in Southeast Michigan

Since mountain biking first caught on here about 30 years ago, infrastructure and a community of enthusiasts have sprung up to support the sport across Southeast Michigan.

Feature Story The marina site on the Belle River in Marine City is highlighted in red.

Blue Meets Green identifies new marina, improved internet access as priority projects for the region

“This is not just four people in a room deciding the region’s priorities. This is a cross-section of people from the public, private, and non-profit sectors — and it’s all non-political. We’re just here to make St. Clair County a better place and move it forward,” says Jeff Bohm, co-chair of Blue Meets Green and District 5 County Commissioner for St. Clair County.

Development News A section of the Bridge to Bay Trail in Port Huron.

Great Lakes Way project aims to unify greenways and water trails along Michigan's southeast coast

The proposed project lays out two roughly parallel routes along Michigan's coast in St. Clair, Macomb, Wayne and Monroe counties.

Feature Story Noel Suarez (fourth from the right) and the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Re-Opening of Suarez Auto Sales in its new location

Never give up, never quit: How a local business owner thrives against all odds

“Do not give up, keep fighting, don’t take no for an answer. Motivate yourself, do not quit,” says Noel Suarez, owner of Suarez Auto Sales.