Features

Feature Story Display of flowers at Palmer Park done by the St. Clair Garden Club.

St. Clair Garden Club adds charm to the city through floral landscaping

The city of St. Clair is well known for its beautiful landscaping and it is their very own garden club members who are the behind-the-scenes artists investing their time to beautify their beloved town.

Feature Story Khalid El-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum.

Mobile Museum brings African American history to life in Port Huron

Khalid El-Hakim, the founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, visited Port Huron to showcase 150 artifacts highlighting African-American history ahead of Juneteenth. 

Feature Story James and Nicole Christie.

Sailing through life's waves together: The maritime love story of James and Nicole Christie

In the tranquil waters of Port Huron, Michigan, James and Nicole Christie, boat restorer and yacht captain, share a unique love story, interwoven with their mutual passion for the maritime world.

Feature Story Jackie Hanton, vice president of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, running with her daughter Kennedy underneath the Blue Water River Walk archway.

Blue Water River Walk celebrates 10-year anniversary

After years of restoring the shoreline, The Blue Water River Walk has become one of the must-see sights in the area and is known for its wetlands, artwork, and pedestrian trail.

Feature Story Cecil Harvey at the Senior Talent Show in February 2024 sharing art pieces he makes out of cans.

A guardian angel on Cecil Harvey's shoulder

Cecil Harvey, 91 years old, should have been on the ship Daniel J. Morrell when it sunk in Lake Huron in November 1966. For the past few years, he has volunteered at the Council on Aging and is a member of the Port Huron Senior Center’s Advisory Board.

Partner Content May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Month: Cultivating a community of compassion

Moving beyond May, combating stigma is a priority. St. Clair County Community Mental Health highlights the ongoing efforts to educate the community, provide resources, and promote compassionate support to ensure all residents can access the mental health care they need.

Longform Lunchtime at Oehrli Elementary School in Montague, Mich.

Michigan's free school meals yield high returns for student health and academic success

Michigan has become one of eight states to make free school meals available to all, creating notable benefits for students' health.

Feature Story Elaina (left) and Tom (right) Turner with Trash the Clown.

Trash the Clown hopes to shift perspectives and spread kindness by cleaning up Port Huron

A colorful character, Trash the Clown, is out on a mission to spread kindness, inspire compassion, and shift perspectives. This volunteer community trash crusader fills bags of discarded items throughout the Port Huron community and invites fellow residents to join the cleanup crew.

Partner Content Intuitive Ion staff using the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy technology to check a patient.

Robotic biopsy technology saves hundreds of lives at McLaren Port Huron

McLaren Port Huron is one of a few hospitals in the state to utilize robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology. The use of the innovative tool is helping to diagnose lung cancer earlier, and giving patients better outcomes.

Feature Story Bosco's Bees honey bees.

"Getting Buzzed" Bosco’s Bees discusses the health of pollinators in St. Clair County

St. Clair County is facing a decline in its European honeybee population and native pollinators. Bosco's Bees is a local apiary weathering this crisis and discusses how their farm has dealt with the resulting challenges.

Partner Content McMorran Plaza in downtown Port Huron.

The Community Foundation's economics of placemaking

The downtowns of Port Huron and St. Clair are enjoying the economic impact of recent placemaking projects which lure young people, couples, and families to hang out. 

Partner Content AAoM Kids List

When it comes to autism and mental health, stigma and discrimination play a huge role

Being autistic does not mean a person cannot experience good mental health. However, studies have shown that 78% of autistic children have at least one mental health condition. Stigma and discrimination are often a contributing factor.

Feature Story Nate Perry, owner of Michigan Honey Hole Fishing holding a King Salmon.

Michigan Honey Hole Fishing provides individualized fishing experience

Lexington resident Nate Perry launched Michigan Honey Hole Fishing in 2022, attracting people from as far as Japan and Australia to glean from his expertise in navigating some of Michigan’s best-known waters in search of all kinds of fish.

Partner Content Clarissa Lademer

The Community Foundation to support veterans through new fund

After receiving donations, the Community Foundation launched the veterans fund to support programs, projects and initiatives that benefit veterans living in St. Clair County.

Longform Robert Sheehan  and colleague, Valerie Jamerson, take a look at the new Tool Kit.

Social Work Career Promotion Tool Kit shares benefits and pathways to rewarding careers

The toolkit is designed to enhance recruitment and promote social work career opportunities across the state. It includes sample language for websites, emails, and social media posts as well as recommended language for various professionals, including high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and behavioral health providers. There are also photographic materials for outreach usage.   

Feature Story Outside of Devine Designs Downtown located at 225 Huron Ave.

Divine Designs Downtown brings affordable fashion to downtown Port Huron

Michele Radle-Seib has been a thriving business owner in the downtown area for over a decade. She ventures out into a new industry to win the hearts of residents and brings a unique and affordable shopping experience for all to enjoy. 

Feature Story Stacy Elliott holding her book Grandfather's Whispers.

Stacy Elliott to publish her first book Grandfather’s Whispers in August

Stacy Elliott, the Grant and Program Manager at the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County talks with The Keel about the process of writing her first published novel and her book launch party set in August.

Feature Story Marysville Community Center is located at 876 E. Huron Blvd.

100 years of community spirit: The history of Marysville

Explore the history of Marysville as the city celebrates its 100-year anniversary on May 10 at Alexander's Premier Banquet Facility. 

Feature Story Clara Garcia at the Port Huron Senior Center Talent Show on February 20, 2024.

Music makes Clara Garcia's feet wiggle

Clara Garcia is an 86-year-old retired nurse and member of the Port Huron Senior Center who loves to dance. She takes exercise classes, hula hoops, and has visited over 30 countries.

Longform Vibrant Futures

Early Education Community of Practice brings unified message to state focus on early childhood care

The Community of Practice has expanded to 30+ Michigan organizations focused on early childhood. Members have access to a variety of resources and experts and are able to provide solutions and mobilize quickly.