Features

Development News Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 18

Port Huron students to deliver messages of hope to senior citizens this MLK Day

“It’s inspiring to see our students challenge themselves in the memory of Dr. King to provide hope to some of the most vulnerable citizens in our community, shut in seniors,” says Port Huron Schools superintendent Jamie Cain.

Feature Story Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church‘s history can be traced back to the 1800s

Port Huron’s historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church is alive with stories to tell

The community of South Park, and the city of Port Huron in general, would likely be a lot different had it not been for the men and women who have and continue to pass through the doors of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Feature Story Shawn Shackelford, principal of Central Middle School

Essay: What happened at U.S. Capitol was disheartening but there’s an opportunity for learning

Shawn Shackelford, principal of Central Middle School, reflects on Wednesday’s events at the U.S. Capitol. “As educators, we are often confronted with the age-old question from students, ‘When will we ever need this stuff in the real world?’ Well,” he writes, “the answer is now.”

Feature Story COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Blue Water Convention Center

Longtime Blue Water pharmacist touts the safety and importance of COVID-19 vaccine

“Immunization statistics in St. Clair County are low compared to other counties,” says Jim Kaski. “If you don’t have your immunizations then the whole community is at risk.”

Development News Kate's Downtown loves to serve fresh, locally-sourced food.

Downtown retailers rally to promote Port Huron restaurants

“Even though all of our businesses have been hurt by COVID-19, our restaurants especially continue to hurt. And the idea for the promotion actually came from our retailers,” says DDA director Cynthia Cutright.

Development News A rendering of the Wrigley Center development in downtown Port Huron

Community Foundation invests in downtown Wrigley Center: ‘It will attract visitors from all over’

The Wrigley Center development is the sort of transformative project that has the potential to influence the direction of downtown Port Huron for years to come.

Development News The Learning Lab at Port Huron High School

Internet access ‘almost as important as nutrition’ and Port Huron Schools found a way to provide it

“Getting food, technology, and the internet into our families' homes is essential before remote learning can happen effectively,” says PHASD acting superintendent Theo Kerhoulas.

Feature Story Downtown Port Huron gets festive for the holidays

How Blue Water businesses are promoting holiday shopping in the times of COVID-19

The backbone of every community is its local businesses, and the backbone of every local business is their community.

Feature Story “In talking with other Y’s that have been doing food drives for a while, we were able to learn a lot,” says Denise Brooks.

Community food drives are a success with the YMCA behind the wheel

“Whatever we can do and however creative we can be about it, we'll give it a try,” says Denise Brooks. The YMCA of the Blue Water Area has given away 250,000 lbs. of food so far through their program.

Development News RE-1

Real Estate Watch: Blue Water live-work spaces, Airbnbs, and lakefront homes

Port Huron and its surrounding communities continue to offer a vast array of housing types, in price, style, and locale — COVID-19 or not.

Feature Story Daylicious Drinks and Treats specializes in frozen drinks and dipped berries

Hard work yields sweet rewards for Port Huron mail carrier-turned-entrepreneur

“I don’t have much, but I’m willing to share what little I can,” says Daysha Woodley, owner of Daylicious Drinks and Treats. “The smallest gesture can have the biggest effect on someone.”

Feature Story St. Clair’s Riverview Plaza gets festive

New takes on familiar traditions highlight the holidays on Michigan’s Thumb Coast

Organizers of St. Clair’s new Christmas Market event recognize that this year will be a learning experience, for them as well as their guests.

Development News Birchberry

Port Huron mom of five finds time to revive handmade knitwear brand amid a pandemic

“Everyone’s been having a pretty tough year,” says Ashley Teigeler of Birchberry. “People are bored, sitting around the house. My mom and my husband had their hours reduced at work. This is a way to boost our income — especially around Christmastime.”

Development News Downtown-PH

Michigan small businesses eligible for $15K COVID-19 relief grants, application window opens soon

Timeliness and preparedness appears key. The MEDC says that the grants will be available to eligible businesses on a “first-in” basis.

Feature Story Pete Patsalis started Hook One Charters when he was just 21 years old

‘Why not make it happen here?’ Young Blue Water entrepreneurs challenge the status quo

Four young local business owners saw a need in their community and took the gamble to fulfill it.

Feature Story A close-up of one of the trees in this year’s festival

32nd Festival of Trees moves to McLaren Port Huron to preserve a holiday tradition

“Something that we hear each year is that the festival helps kick off the holiday season. Being such a big part of the community, we couldn’t let it slip away this year,” says Jamie Guyor, development officer for the McLaren Port Huron Foundation.

Feature Story The recording studio Arytel Music Group opened its doors in September 2020

Small businesses cite awareness and availability as hurdles to finding financial resources

Awareness and availability are two of the biggest challenges when it comes to obtaining resources for small businesses. Connecting the community with vital information in these times of uncertainty has proven critical.

Feature Story Harold D. Powell is the new Community Correspondent for The Keel

The Keel welcomes Harold D. Powell as its Community Correspondent

“Even beyond me getting the position, I think the Community Correspondent role is something that’s much needed,” says Harold D. Powell. “Someone’s life will be touched in a positive light. I really believe that.”

Development News The new mural on the MiMutual Mortgage building in Port Huron

‘It’s a destination’: New mural goes up in downtown Port Huron

“I think it’s a nice catalyst for other mural projects to happen downtown. This painting, the design appeals to a lot of people. It’s very colorful and people appreciate that,” David Stoneberg says. “It puts a foot in the door. I hope it leads to more.”

Development News Main Street Ensemble is enthusiastic about the QR codes, Stepp says

Blue Water visitors bureau brings innovation to tourism pilot project

“It’s the easiest, fastest way to get tourism information while walking around a city. Whether you’re looking for a good restaurant, park, or event, just scan the code with your phone. You don’t have to spend your time looking around for a visitors guide,” says Katie Stepp, marketing manager for the Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.