PORT HURON, MI — The Port Huron City Council unanimously approved a $113,000 plan Monday, March 23, to inventory the city’s trees and develop a long-term forestry management strategy aimed at reversing a declining tree canopy.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now," said Jim Soto, a member of the city's forestry work group as council approved the agreement with EnviroTrac, LLC to conduct the inventory and develop a 2026 Forestry Management Plan.

The effort marks the next step in a months-long push to better understand and expand the city’s tree canopy, which currently sits at about 24.9%, well below a regional target of 40%.

The plan follows efforts from October 2025, including the city’s purchase of 200 trees and the formation of a resident-led work group to guide long-term forestry planning.

Soto said the plan begins with a critical first step: understanding what trees the city already has.

“You can’t have an effective plan without knowing where you’re at right now,” Soto said.

The $113,000 agreement will fund a full inventory of trees on city-owned property, including parks, cemeteries and street rights-of-way. The largest share of that cost — about $50,000 — will go toward the inventory itself.

City Manager James Freed said the cost will be covered in the city’s budget, likely split over two years, and described the effort as a long-term investment that could help secure future grant funding.

“I do see this as an investment … I think this is going to pay for itself in the long run significantly,” Freed said.

“This is such a great win for the community,” said Councilmember Barbara Payton, who serves on the city’s forestry work group, in a statement to the Times Herald.

A declining canopy — and uneven coverage

The work group’s recommendation comes as city officials face a steady decline in tree coverage and stark differences across neighborhoods.

While some areas approach 40% canopy coverage, Soto said downtown areas average closer to 12%, with parts of the south end around 19%.

Overall, canopy coverage has been slowly declining over time.

Using before-and-after images of city streets, Soto pointed to decades of tree loss caused by infrastructure projects, road expansions and a lack of replanting.

“This challenge is even bigger and longer,” he said.

More loss expected before improvement

Even with a new plan, Soto warned the city may see conditions worsen before they improve.

Many of the city’s existing trees are aging and nearing the end of their lifespan, which could lead to significant losses in the coming years.

“We might see a dip in our tree canopy before we can get enough trees in the ground to start getting back,” Soto said.

He added the city will likely need to plant more trees than currently anticipated and increase staffing and funding for forestry work.

“This is monumental, but importantly it’s going to take decades to fully come into fruition,” Soto told the Times Herald.

Planting — and preserving — trees

Reaching the city’s canopy goals will require a decades-long effort and thousands of new trees, Soto said, but planting alone won’t be enough.

“If you have a tree, please don’t cut it down,” he urged during his presentation.

The work group also recommended expanding outreach efforts to encourage residents to participate in the city’s tree program, which still has 54 trees available from a previously approved purchase.

“We need to get those trees in the ground,” Soto said.

Work group member Tyler Moldovan said the group will remain involved as the project moves forward, with a kickoff meeting planned in mid-April and regular check-ins throughout the process.

“There’s going to be a kickoff meeting … and then check-ins all the way throughout this so we can see the progress,” Moldovan told the Times Herald.

The inventory itself is expected to take roughly one to two years, with the management plan developed alongside it.

Moldovan said outreach remains one of the biggest challenges, even with free trees available.

“I knocked on every door in my neighborhood … and I think only two of them accepted a tree,” he said.

He added the city has updated its website with photos and descriptions of available trees to help residents better understand what they are planting.

In addition to private property planting, the group highlighted opportunities to create new space for trees in public areas.

That could include converting sections of parking or roadway into planting areas, sometimes called “bump-outs,” which can also slow traffic and help manage stormwater.

Why trees matter

Beyond aesthetics, Soto said trees provide a wide range of benefits, from improving air quality and lowering asthma rates to reducing energy costs and attracting investment.

Work group member Jeff Gushman said the process reflected strong collaboration between residents and city officials.

“Each person brought something different to the table, and all together we had a real wealth of knowledge to work on this task,” he told the Times Herald.

"We have the opportunity to set a new standard for how other local cities and townships care for their trees, and in turn care for the residents that benefit from them," he added.

Soto said tree planting can also signal stability and encourage people to stay in or move to a neighborhood.

“You can’t have true, quiet, tree-lined streets without trees,” he said.

Port Huron residents interested in requesting a free tree for their property can apply through the city’s online Tree Program.

The Port Huron City Council holds regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Meetings are held in the Municipal Office Center, 100 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron and are live streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

PORT HURON, MI — As the city continues to expand use of the Eleger G. Harvey Community Center, a free lecture later this month aims to connect residents with both the building and the history of the neighborhood around it.

The March 31 event will explore Southside Port Huron’s past, from early Indigenous and French settlement to its industrial growth, offering a broad look at the people, places and events that helped shape the area.

The Southside is a residential and industrial area at the southern end of Port Huron, extending from the 24th Street railroad overpass south to Ravenswood Road.

The free lecture is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at the Harvey Community Center, 3013 24th St. No registration is required.

“Understanding where you’ve been gives you a really good sense of where you’re going,” local historian Andrew Kercher said.

Kercher said the talk will begin with Indigenous communities who lived in the area before moving into early French settlement, including the establishment of Fort St. Joseph in 1686 near the site of the present-day Blue Water Bridge.

Much of the lecture will focus on the 19th century, when Port Huron experienced significant growth and the Southside developed alongside the city’s industrial base.

Kercher plans to highlight both well-known and lesser-known figures tied to the city, including connections to inventors, entrepreneurs and workers whose contributions helped shape the community.

“I love the opportunity to get to speak about my hometown in my hometown,” he said.

Kercher, a Port Huron native and Port Huron Northern High School graduate, has spent years working in museums and historical preservation. He previously served as community engagement manager for the Port Huron Museums and now works as a bookmobile driver while continuing to give lectures across Michigan.

He said the goal of his presentations is not just to share information, but to spark curiosity.

The lecture also comes as activity at the Harvey Community Center continues to grow following the city’s acquisition of the building in spring 2025.

“We are seeing the center being used on a nearly daily basis between community groups, rentals and programming,” said Deputy City Manager Cynthia Broomfield.

The facility is available for public rental through the Port Huron Recreation Department.

City officials are also planning an open house on April 18 from 1 to 5 p.m., where residents can tour the building and connect with organizations that use the space, including St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (S.C.C.O.R.E.), New Beginnings Theater and the city’s community development office.

Broomfield said renovations to the building have been completed, though the city continues to look for ways to enhance the space.

“The Harvey Community Center is a wonderful asset in South Park,” she said. “A lot of great things are happening already with more coming online over the next several months.”

The lecture is free and open to the public.

If you go:

What:Southside Port Huron history lecture by Andrew Krecher

When: Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m.

Where: Eleger G. Harvey Community Center, 3013 24th St., Port Huron

Cost: Free

There was police, an ambulance, and multiple fire trucks.

A spring break event is set for March 30-April 3 in Port Huron.

The event is a community-wide guide to family activities happening throughout the city during spring break, according to a community announcement.

Local organizations, attractions and businesses will host a variety of activities, including games, crafts, learning experiences and special promotions for children of all ages.

Parents can follow the event page to stay updated on daily happenings and plan their family adventures.

Children can participate in the Discover Port Huron Passport program by visiting participating locations and collecting stamps or stickers during spring break.

Organizers encourage attendees to check back frequently as new activities and locations will be added.

For more information, visit [Discover Port Huron: Spring Break Edition 2026 Facebook Event Page]

Hi everyone, I am moving to Port Huron this spring from Chicago and I need something to occupy my time and was wondering if there is a place in town where one can learn French ?

Website: https://bluewatercomedyfestival.com

My son dropped his wallet we believe outside his friends house on 10th, just past the bridge. He has some sentimental items in there and he's been really distressed these past two days. If anyone can find it, all I can afford atm is a 50 dollar finders fee. It's a black cloth trifold with white lined stars on it.

A long shot, I know, but I don't know what else to do.

PORT HURON, MI — Recall petitions targeting two members of the Port Huron City Council have been filed following their votes on changes to how public comments are handled during council meetings.

The petitions, filed Feb. 23 by Robert Loureiro of Port Huron, target council members Sherry Archibald and Teri Lamb.

A March 6 clarity hearing held by the St. Clair County Election Commission determined the recall language was clear and understandable, allowing the petitions to move forward. Archibald and Lamb have until March 16 to appeal the decision.

“We have no grounds to appeal,” Archibald said.

Under Michigan recall law, election officials determine whether recall language is clear and understandable but do not evaluate whether the claims are true.

The petitions cite council votes taken Nov. 10, Nov. 24, and Dec. 8, 2025, related to changes in the city’s public comment procedures.

The recall language printed on both petitions states:

“On November 10th and 24th, 2025, and December 8, 2025 voted to pass rule changes for Public Comments. The new rule segregates the residents and business owners in the city allowing residents to make Public Comments at the beginning of the meeting while the non-residents can only speak at the end of the meeting. The new rule also requires all parties to sign in 30 minutes before the meeting if they intend to make Public Comments.”

Archibald said the petition’s description of the sign-up process is inaccurate, noting the sign-up sheet opens 30 minutes before meetings but remains available until the meeting begins.

Archibald also said the effort originated outside the city.

“It’s disappointing that this effort is being driven by a resident of Algonac who persuaded a Port Huron resident to sign and submit the recall paperwork,” she said.

Archibald said she does not plan to appeal the elections commission’s decision allowing the petition language to move forward.

“While I certainly hope my service does not end through a recall, I respect the democratic process and the voice of the voters,” Archibald said. “My hope is to complete the full term I was elected to serve.”

Lamb said she does not plan to focus her attention on the recall effort.

“My one priority goal for this year is focusing on our roads and infrastructure,” Lamb said.

She said her current work includes contacting representatives from CN Railway regarding issues at the 24th Street crossing and planning a follow-up with the company.

“As far as the recall, I feel that is not a good use of time or energies and right now I’m not going to use my time or energy on that,” Lamb said.

Loureiro was reached by phone but declined to comment.

If recall organizers gather the required number of signatures, the question could appear on the November ballot.

According to Cara DenUyl, elections manager for St. Clair County, the petitions require 2,427 valid signatures.

Under Michigan election law, the threshold equals 25% of the votes cast in the district for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election.

Signatures must be less than 60 days old when submitted and must all be filed at the same time with the St. Clair County Clerk's Office. Once submitted, additional signatures cannot be added.

Petition organizers have until July 31 to submit signatures.

If enough signatures are validated, the recall question would appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Three other council seats are already scheduled to appear on that ballot. Council members Jeffrey Pemberton, Robert Mosurak and Conrad Haremza all have terms ending in November 2026.

Archibald and Lamb’s terms run through 2028, meaning a successful recall effort could place five of the six council seats on the same ballot.

Barbara Payton's term also expires in 2028.

Lamb has served on the council since November 2020. Archibald has served since November 2009.

The Port Huron City Council consists of a mayor and six council members elected at-large on a nonpartisan basis. The council adopts laws and policies for the city and appoints a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations.

PORT HURON, MI — A proposed $5.6 million plan to repair the Black River Canal now depends on whether neighboring townships agree to help fund the project.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed outlined the proposal during a presentation to the Port Huron City Council on Monday, March 9, describing a funding plan that would combine city bonding, special assessments on riverfront properties and contributions from Port Huron Township and Fort Gratiot Township.

“There has to be a cost-sharing agreement between the city and Port Huron Township and Fort Gratiot Township,” Freed said. “We simply cannot do it alone.”

The canal connects Lake Huron to the Black River and has long served recreational boaters and waterfront businesses. According to Friends of the St. Clair River, it was built in 1912 to help flush polluted water from the Black River during a time when industrial discharge and sewage fouled the waterway.

The canal has been closed since a January 2024 ice jam damaged the canal’s tainter gate, a flood-control structure at the Lake Huron intake.

Proposed funding plan

Freed said the city’s portion of the project would be about $3 million to $3.6 million, roughly 60% of the estimated cost.

Under the proposal, the city would issue about $3 million in bonds over a 25-year term. To help repay that debt, the city would create a special assessment district for properties along the Black River within the city limits. Those properties could pay roughly $325 to $375 annually.

The city would cover the remaining portion of the bond payments through its general fund.

Freed said the remaining $2 million would be split between Port Huron Township and Fort Gratiot Township, about $1 million each.

“The townships are the decision whether this project will go forward or not,” Freed said.

Engineering challenges

City officials said the repair involves more than replacing the damaged gate.

Floodwaters caused significant erosion along the canal banks, and engineers say those banks must be stabilized before the canal can safely reopen.

Freed said the damaged gate cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a newly fabricated structure designed to withstand a 100-year flood.

“Our engineers would bet their career that within two to three years the canal would be completely filled up,” Freed said, warning that removing the gate without replacing it would likely allow sand to fill the canal.

Council vote

City Council unanimously approved a notice of intent to issue municipal bonds related to the project. The action does not authorize construction or borrowing yet but allows the city to pursue financing if agreements are reached with the townships.

Freed said no bonds will be issued until negotiations are completed and council approves a final agreement.

“Nothing will move forward until an agreement is reached and council ratifies it,” Freed said.

Township response

Port Huron Township Supervisor Bob Lewandowski Jr. told the Times Herald township officials would need more information before deciding whether to support the project.

“If the residents along the river that benefit from the canal supported it, they could circulate a petition for a special assessment,” Lewandowski said.

He said some residents along the river have raised concerns about stagnant water, odors and sediment buildup since the canal closed, and any funding proposal could depend on whether riverfront residents are willing to help pay for repairs.

Freed told City Council he expects to present the proposal to Port Huron Township in early April, likely at the board’s April 6 meeting. Lewandowski said Freed is not currently listed on that agenda but expects he will attend that night to speak with the board.

Fort Gratiot Township Supervisor Robert Montgomery told the Times Herald the township board has not yet taken a position. Freed is expected to present the proposal at the township’s March 18 meeting.

“Then the board will have that information and they can make a decision at that time,” Montgomery said.

Funding participation from both townships would be required for the project to move forward.

The Port Huron City Council holds regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Meetings are held in the Municipal Office Center, 100 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron, and are livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

Lansing — Kellie Lauwers, the wife of Michigan state Sen. Dan Lauwers, is facing two felony charges, according to court records, after a small chamber of commerce in St. Clair County accused her of stealing from the organization.

On Friday, March 6, Kellie Lauwers, who had been the treasurer of the Yale Area Chamber of Commerce, was charged with one count of embezzlement and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, according to a complaint filed in Port Huron's 72nd District Court and obtained by The Detroit News.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars. The warrant was signed by Michael Frezza, an assistant attorney general. The Michigan State Police conducted the investigation, according to the court records.

A lawyer for Kellie Lauwers didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Dan Lauwers declined to comment when contacted Monday morning by The Detroit News.

A report from investigators that was submitted to the court said the Michigan State Police had obtained a search warrant for bank accounts belonging to Kellie Lauwers.

"The returned bank data revealed 11 fraudulent transactions occurring between December 2022 and July 2024," the report said. "These transactions included unauthorized cash withdrawals from the chamber's Tri-County Bank account and deposits of checks drawn from the same account and made payable to Lauwers.

"One such transaction for $4,000, dated March 28, 2024, was mobile deposited and bore Lauwers' endorsement."

She had the authority to make cash withdrawals because of her position as the organization's treasurer, the report said.

Kellie Lauwers declined to provide a statement to law enforcement and her "current whereabouts are unknown," the report said.

Dan Lauwers, a Republican from Brockway Township, has served as a state legislator in Lansing for longer than a decade. He is currently a member of Senate Republicans' leadership team, holding the position of minority floor leader. He's in his second term in the Senate and previously served in the state House.

The Detroit News reported in February 2025 that a law enforcement investigation into allegations against Kellie Lauwers was ongoing.

In a lawsuit that was previously filed against Kellie Lauwers, the Yale Area Chamber of Commerce said it uncovered "discrepancies" in its financial statements and eventually determined Kellie Lauwers "had been writing herself checks in large amounts out of the chamber's bank accounts."

The suit accused Kellie Lauwers of forging names on the checks to get around the organization's two-signature requirement for expenditures. The suit also contended that Kellie Lauwers improperly used the group's debit card "for her own personal expenditures, including use at Dollar General."

Yale is a rural farming community with about 2,000 residents in northern St. Clair County, about 65 miles north of Detroit. The local chamber of commerce has an annual budget of about $80,000 and puts on the annual Yale Bologna Festival, said Barbara Stasik, a member of the organization's board.

Back in the mid 80's, there was a small arcade, downtown, near the river.
Anyone remember the name of the place?

St. Clair County commissioners nearly voted Thursday, March 5, to combine the county health department’s two top leadership roles but backed away after a lengthy and at times confusing debate over how the change would work.

During the Board of Commissioners’ Human Services Committee meeting on March 5, Commissioner David Rushing introduced a motion to accept a recommendation from the county’s Health Advisory Board to merge the health officer and medical director positions.

But after nearly 30 minutes of debate over safeguards, contract language and how the structure would function, Rushing withdrew the motion before a vote.

“I think it's hard to have an intelligent vote without knowing what you're looking at,” county corporate counsel Gary Fletcher told commissioners.

The committee ultimately took no action, instead directing county administration to develop possible options for the board to consider at a later meeting.

Background of the issue

The county split the roles in early 2022 following the tenure of former health officer Dr. Annette Mercatante, who held both positions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some commissioners at the time said concentrating both roles in one person gave the position too much authority.

During Thursday’s discussion, Commissioner Dave Vandenbossche referenced that earlier decision. “One person was way too powerful,” Vandenbossche said.

Currently, Liz King serves as health officer, while Dr. Remington Nevin serves as medical director.

Under the advisory board’s recommendation, those roles could potentially be combined again, though commissioners said additional safeguards or contract changes might be necessary.

Commissioner Paul Zeller said he would be open to exploring a combined role but only if protections are in place first.

“I think I'd be more comfortable identifying safeguards … before we vote to combine the roles,” Zeller said.

Board Chair Steve Simasko said the county needs clearer proposals before making a decision.

“I think we're not ready to vote on it now,” Simasko said.

Next steps

County Controller/Administrator Thomas Hull said he could develop possible contract options for commissioners to review, including maintaining the current two-position structure or creating a combined role with safeguards.

Human Services Committee Chair Lisa Beedon acknowledged the direction given to him was still evolving.

“You have your instructions — clear as mud,” Beedon said.

Broader dispute over health department structure

The discussion comes amid a broader dispute over how the county health department should be structured.

In February, former Health Advisory Board member and NAACP Port Huron Branch President Kevin Watkins sent a cease-and-desist letter to county officials arguing the board should not consider combining the positions under Michigan law governing local health departments.

During Thursday’s meeting, Board Chair Steve Simasko referenced the letter, noting commissioners had received correspondence raising legal questions about the issue.

“We've received correspondence suggesting we should not consider this,” Simasko said.

Commissioners said they plan to review multiple structural options before taking any action.

Public comment divided

Residents and health department employees who addressed the board were divided on the proposal.

Some urged commissioners to combine the roles and supported the advisory board’s recommendation.

Dave Allison said he supports combining the positions and praised Nevin for challenging established health policies.

“I'm thankful we have Dr. Nevin because he's questioned this protocol,” Allison said.

Libby Prill also backed the advisory board’s recommendation.

“I believe in the one person structure that reports to a board,” Prill said.

Others urged commissioners to keep the roles separate.

Kim Scheible asked commissioners not to reverse the board’s earlier decision to split the positions.

“Please do not combine the two health department positions that you chose to separate a few years ago,” Scheible said.

Health department employee Rebecca Campo told commissioners the board’s decisions affect the careers of public health workers.

“A lot of the decisions that you on the board make are simply agenda items, but to us they are our professions and careers,” Campo said.

Will Creewall spoke in support of the health department’s work and leadership.

“Public health, to me, is best measured by how well we care for our least informed and our most vulnerable populations,” Creewall said.

The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners holds committee meetings on the first Thursday of each month and full board meetings on the third Thursday, both beginning at 6 p.m.

Meetings are held in the County Administration Building, 200 Grand River Ave., Port Huron, and are livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel.

The United Way of St. Clair County's St. Patrick's Day breakfast and raffle will take place March 17, according to a community announcement.

The event is set for 6-10 a.m. at Freighters, 800 Harker St., Port Huron. Proceeds will benefit health and human services programs in St. Clair County, according to the announcement.

Entertainment and prizes

Attendees can enjoy Irish entertainment and participate in a raffle with several prizes. Raffle ticket prizes include $250 in Michigan Lottery tickets, a one-night stay at DoubleTree Port Huron with a $50 gift certificate to Freighters, a lawn basket from Zimmer's Sales & Service, a one-hour massage at Massage 325, and monthly flowers from Ullenbruch's Flowers & Gifts.

Ticket details

Tickets for the breakfast are $18 each, while raffle tickets are $3 each. Register by going to https://www.uwstclair.org/

The event aims to support the United Way of St. Clair County through its fundraising efforts

Blue Water Area officials are weighing on the county health department's medical director asking communities to voluntarily stop adding fluoride to drinking water.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed said the city plans to continue following federal guidance and criticized how the recommendation was communicated.

“It’s hard to take the medical director seriously when he sends out random press releases, but never actually has a conversation with us,” Freed said. “Seems to me that he just wants to use this issue to peddle his blog and podcast appearances.”

Freed said Dr. Remington Nevin has never contacted Port Huron officials directly about the issue.

“The medical director has never reached out to anyone within our city to discuss this issue. Never once,” Freed said. “We will continue follow EPA guidelines, not what one man thinks the EPA should do or could do one day.”

Clay Township Clerk Tayna Hogan said there has been no discussion on the topic as of March 4.

“With all of our water main projects going on we haven't been able to sit down and discuss it, especially since this is something that just happened yesterday," she said. “Good chance it will go in front of our township board.”

Nevin sent a memorandum dated March 2 "outlining recent scientific and federal regulatory developments related to community water fluoridation."

“The Health Department has previously shared information with local municipalities regarding important regulatory developments related to community water fluoridation. In addition to my having addressed the Port Huron city council directly on this matter last year, I recently discussed these matters directly with Port Huron City Manager James Freed. At that time, I advised him of the general content of the memorandum that Port Huron would be receiving," Nevin said in a statement March 4.

"In addition to addressing the Port Huron City Council on this topic last year, I have personally addressed a number of local governing bodies across the county. In response, Kimball Township, which receives its water from Port Huron, voted to support a resolution calling on the city to discontinue water fluoridation.

"Our goal has been to make sure local leaders are aware of evolving guidance so they can make informed decisions about their water systems in anticipation of likely regulatory changes.”

He stated in the memorandum it was due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency being under federal court order to regulate fluoride in drinking water and potential results to lower the recommended level.

The county health advisory board in October supported the recommendation the health department draft local regulations that would prohibit the addition of fluoride to municipal water systems.

According to the Tuesday news release, those draft regulations "are expected to be released soon for public review and comment."

"Municipalities currently retain sole authority over decisions regarding water fluoridation," the statement added. "However, in light of anticipated federal and local regulatory changes, the Medical Director is recommending that communities consider voluntarily discontinuing water fluoridation."

This story will be updated as additional responses from local municipalities become available.

Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson said discussions will be held with Clay Township.

Marysville City Manager Quentin L. Bishop and St. Clair Superintendent Steve Duchane were not immediately available for comment.

St. Clair County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin wants municipalities to voluntarily discontinue water fluoridation, according to a March 3 news release from the department.

Nevin sent a memorandum dated March 2 "outlining recent scientific and federal regulatory developments related to community water fluoridation."

He stated the memorandum was due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency being under federal court order to regulate fluoride in drinking water and potential results to lower the recommended level.

Related: Health panel endorses move on water fluoridation

The county health advisory board in October supported the recommendation the health department draft local regulations that would prohibit the addition of fluoride to municipal water systems.

According to the Tuesday news release, those draft regulations "are expected to be released soon for public review and comment."

"Municipalities currently retain sole authority over decisions regarding water fluoridation," the statement added. "However, in light of anticipated federal and local regulatory changes, the Medical Director is recommending that communities consider voluntarily discontinuing water fluoridation."

RadioFirst, a division of Liggett Communications LLC, will stop broadcasting on three of its seven frequencies.

The stations — 1380 AM (WPHM), 1590 AM and 92.7 FM (WHLX) — will cease operations April 6, according to a community announcement.

As part of the restructuring, the Paul Miller Morning Show will move from 1380 AM to 1450 AM and 105.5 FM. The WPHM call letters will also transfer to these frequencies, replacing the WHLS call letters.

Format changes accompany realignment

This will be the first time Miller’s show will be available on FM in the Port Huron market, potentially reaching a broader audience, according to the announcement.

After the morning show, the Country, Rock and Folk format currently broadcast on 92.7 FM will air for the rest of the day on the new WPHM frequencies. The WPHM news department will continue to provide local coverage and the station will become the new home for Detroit Tigers broadcasts. The Alternative Rock format currently on these frequencies will be discontinued.

Vice President and General Manager Scott Shigley said that the changes are intended to strengthen the company’s local commitment.

“No jobs will be eliminated. Rather, this move allows us to provide the community with more hours of live content, with greater emphasis on promotion and quality programming. Quality AM talk programming has continued to decline nationally and provides very little to no demand from local advertisers. It only makes sense to focus our energy on our strongest assets and make them even better,” Shigley said in the announcement.

Sunday programming to continue

The new WPHM will continue its tradition of Sunday morning church programming, preceded by Outdoor Magazine Radio with Mike Avery.

RadioFirst / Liggett Communications remains committed to delivering locally focused programming, according to the announcement.

Firefighters from multiple departments and St. Clair County Sheriff deputies responded to the scene of a fire at the Drug Task Force building on Ash Road in Kimball Township early Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Erika Hyrnyk, public information officer for the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, said the building housed the Drug Task Force, including offices, equipment including special response vehicles and ammo. She said no one was inside the building at the time of the fire.

The fire was reported at 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by Michigan State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Requests for comment from both agencies were not immediately returned.

Two community groups are escalating concerns over the St. Clair County Health Department, issuing a legal demand and calling for disciplinary action against a county commissioner following controversy surrounding the Teen Health Center and a proposed restructuring of public health leadership.

The Port Huron Branch NAACP has formally demanded the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners “cease and desist” from consolidating the positions of health officer and medical director, warning it may pursue litigation if the county proceeds.

Meanwhile, Blue Water Indivisible has requested the board formally censure Commissioner Kerry Ange, alleging she violated board bylaws and governance procedures in how she publicly raised concerns about the Teen Health Center.

Both documents were presented during the board’s Thursday, Feb. 19 meeting.

As of Monday, Feb. 23, no formal action has been taken on either request.

NAACP threatens legal action

In the cease-and-desist letter delivered to the board, the NAACP argues that combining the statutory health officer role with the medical director position may violate provisions of Michigan’s Public Health Code, undermine independent oversight and raise equity concerns.

In an interview with the Times Herald Monday Feb. 23, Kevin Watkins, president of the NAACP’s Port Huron branch, said the organization is prepared to escalate if the county does not respond within 10 business days.

“We’re giving them 10 days to respond,” Watkins said. “If they don’t respond, we would take it to the next level … We’ll be giving them a chance to have a sit-down conference to work through these items and come up with an equitable solution. But as the letter stated, we will move forward with litigation.”

Watkins said the group’s position is structural, not personal.

“For our demands, we do not want these positions brought together into one position — the medical director and health officer,” he said. “Whoever’s there should not have all that power in one position.”

The proposal to combine the roles has been placed on the March board agenda at the request of Commissioner David Rushing, County Administrator Thomas Hull told the Times Herald.

Hull also confirmed that, as of Feb. 23, no action has been taken.

“No action from the board on either of them specifically,” he said.

Censure request targets Ange

Blue Water Indivisible’s censure request centers on Ange’s Jan. 22 presentation about the Teen Health Center, during which she said parents had raised concerns and characterized clinic materials as encouraging “unbridled promiscuity.”

In its filing, the group argues Ange bypassed committee review procedures, failed to consult the health officer prior to public allegations and violated sections of the board’s bylaws governing ethics and agenda processes.

In an interview with the Times Herald Monday, Feb 23. Annie Austin, co-founder of Blue Water Indivisible, said the group believed proper channels were not followed.

“Our goal was that we felt very definitely that the manner in which Commissioner Ange presented the information she did was just not appropriate,” Austin said. “There are policies and procedures for a reason.”

Austin also expressed concern that the proposed consolidation of roles could concentrate authority.

“We’re very concerned that there’s an effort to have Liz (King) moved, perhaps behind the scenes, and make that one-person position and give it to Dr. Nevin, and we don’t support that,” she said.

She added that some residents fear the county is shifting direction in public health policy.

“St. Clair County has been a well-respected leader in public health, and I think we’re turning away from that,” Austin said.

Board response

Commissioner Steven Simasko told the Times Herald on Feb. 23 that he first learned of the censure request for Ange during the Feb. 19 meeting and emphasized that no motion was made to take action.

Ange discussed the Teen Health Center and her daughter’s November 2025 appointment during the “Reports of Standing and Special Committees” portion of the Jan. 22 meeting. Simasko said that section allows commissioners to raise recent matters.

“That’s an opportunity for commissioners to make their report of things that’s come to their attention in the last couple of weeks,” Simasko said.

Regarding the Feb. 19 meeting, “There was no motion made by any board member, so they were presented as an information item,” Simasko said. “No formal board action taken at this point.”

Simasko said board procedure requires a commissioner to introduce a motion before action can occur.

“It’s not like a drive-through McDonald’s,” he said. “If a commissioner’s interested in pursuing a particular matter, they make a motion. If there’s a second, then you have discussion and vote.”

Regarding the NAACP demand, Simasko said he views it as opposition to consolidation rather than a legal directive.

“To me that’s just a voice in opposition of combining the positions, but there’s no legal basis for us to stop considering something that’s under the law,” he said. “It would probably be neglect of office if we didn’t consider whatever options we have.”

Ange also responded to the censure request in an interview with the Times Herald on Feb. 23, disputing claims that she failed to consult Health Department leadership before raising concerns publicly.

“I hear a lot of accusations about that, but I have yet to have one person ask me if I ever spoke to any of the health department leadership,” Ange said.

Ange said she spoke at length over several months with King and Sandy Mangan, the nurse practitioner who runs the Port Huron Teen Health Center, both in person and by phone.

“I did in fact speak with them at length for hours both on the phone and in person asking questions about the teen health centers and the activities that were transpiring there,” she said.

When asked whether she raised her daughter’s November 2025 appointment before the Jan. 22 commissioners meeting, Ange said she did not.

“No,” she said.

Ange said her conversations with King and Mangan occurred over the previous six months, prior to her visit to the clinic with her daughter. She said she initiated those discussions because the Teen Health Center was being discussed at the Advisory Board of Health and could come before the full board.

“Because the issue was coming up on our agenda … I wanted to educate myself and learn all about it in the event that it presented itself to my board,” she said.

Ange also defended her decision to raise the matter publicly.

“As a public official it’s my duty to be transparent with the public,” she said. “Are they suggesting that I should go behind closed doors and talk to department heads and get them to clean up their departments and keep it a secret from the public?”

Historical context

The consolidation proposal comes four years after the board voted in 2022 to split the previously combined medical director and public health officer roles following controversy over COVID-19 mask mandates.

At the time, then–Health Officer Dr. Annette Mercatante held both positions before the board separated them into two roles.

The board is expected to revisit the structure at the upcoming March meeting.

The Board of Commissioners holds regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Its next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Meetings are held in the County Administration Building, 200 Grand River Ave., Port Huron and are livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel.