Features

Feature Story Deer at Port Huron State Game Area.

Changing colors signal hunting season in the Blue Water Area

Within the county, there has been an increase in the interest of hunting among youth. Various groups including the DNR and Four Squares Sportsman Club offer training, practice, and insight to help new and old hunters within the area.

Partner Content Natacha Hayden

Natacha Hayden to join the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation announced that Natacha Hayden, currently the Port Huron DDA Director, will join their team in January 2025 to take a high-profile position within the Foundation.

Feature Story Left to Right: Marquicia Pierce and Kanchan Wankhede.

Smartzone: How a state-run tool is helping businesses reach new technological heights

A new tool based in Port Huron is helping businesses get the support they need to keep growing.

Partner Content Stigma graphic.

Breaking the chains of stigma: Building a healthier and more vibrant community in St. Clair County

Oftentimes, there is a stigma surrounding mental health. SCCCMH tells The Keel how stigma can negatively impact a community and how to create a healthier and judgment-free environment. 

Partner Content Passengers loading on a COA bus in Port Huron.

The unique community partnerships of Blue Water Area Transit

Blue Water Area Transit partners with many agencies in the community to provide transportation services and has received numerous awards.

Feature Story Fathers are important figures in children’s lives

Better fathers mean stronger communitiesNonprofit Journal Project

Stronger fathers mean stronger kids. The Children’s Center in Detroit has a dad-focused program that links fathers to the resources they need and gives them a place to connect, share concerns, and encourage each other to invest more deeply in their children’s lives.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Feature Story Champions of Wayne students with Wayne Memorial High School staff and mentors at the Student Achievement Banquet on June 20, 2024

Visionary Wayne Memorial High School program helps students succeed by paying themNonprofit Journal Project

At Wayne Memorial High School, Champions of Wayne pays students $250 per semester to work with mentors to meet personalized goals.

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Feature Story Left to right: Treasurer, Cathy Lipa, Pat O’Connor and Corresponding Secretary, Jan Zimmer.

St. Clair Women’s League to host community fundraiser event at Rivercrab restaurant

The St. Clair Women’s League includes residents giving back to their community by raising funds through charity events. Attend their yearly fundraising event at the Rivercrab restaurant on November 7.

Feature Story Andrea Huizar (middle in blue) coaching a volleyball team.

The Athletic Factory continues momentum with a new volleyball program

The Athletic Factory in Port Huron is adding to its roster of programs with its Hitters Elite travel volleyball teams.

Feature Story Goodells County Park

Snap into nature with a smartphone photography workshop

St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting a workshop on how to take professional-looking pictures using a smartphone camera. The event will take place at Goodells County Park on September 28. 

Partner Content Kevin Totty.

In loving memory of Kevin Totty: A beloved community leader, mentor, and friend

Beloved community member, Kevin Totty passed away this month. The Community Foundation highlights his life and work within the Blue Water Area to honor his legacy. 

Longform Elizabeth Agius

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Longform GHS Urgent Care

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

Partner Content McLaren Port Huron's 2024 Graduate Medical Education program residents.

New residency program at McLaren Port Huron increases access to primary care, family medicine

McLaren Port Huron launched a Graduate Medical Education program, providing resident physicians with clinical training. The program will increase primary care access and family medicine throughout the Blue Water area.

Feature Story Lakeside Beach in Port Huron.

Battling Litter with Adopt-a-Beach event in Port Huron

Littering on beaches is an issue within the Port Huron area. Skyler Principe from Friends of the St. Clair River is combatting this problem by partnering with the Alliance for the Great Lakes and hosting an Adopt-a-Beach event at Lakeside Park and Beach this month.

Partner Content This summer, the staff at SCCCMH, along with volunteer Nora Condland, and through a generous donation from the Home Depot in Fort Gratiot, created this outdoor space at the Child and Family Services Building.

Normalizing mental health for our youth

St. Clair County Community Mental Health emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health awareness in children through having conversations, education, and programming. 

Feature Story Josh Chapman, President and CEO, YMCA of the Blue Water Area

Blue Meets Green collaborative feeds economic prosperityNonprofit Journal Project Feature

The Blue Meets Green collaborative considers all sectors while cultivating a prosperous St. Clair County.  

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.