The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron wrapped up its holiday season with record-breaking generosity. The local homeowners association raised more than $7,000 for the Port Huron Salvation Army through its annual Red Kettle drive — up 17 percent from last year. Over the past decade, the community has contributed more than $55,000 to families in need. Volunteers collected donations as visitors enjoyed the neighborhood’s dazzling centennial light displays, carolers, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron young people are gearing up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the return of the MLK Youth Empowerment Breakfast this Saturday at Kingdom Authority Ministries on Lapeer Avenue. Ages 13 to 24 can join for free under this year’s theme, “Dreams in Motion: Turning Purpose into Power.” After a long pause since before the pandemic, organizers say they’re excited to bring back the high-energy event with live music, free breakfast, and leadership training focused on youth voice and civic engagement.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan State Police say a 60-year-old East China man is facing serious charges after investigators found child sexual abuse material on his devices. Detectives with the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Mark A. Piper after discovering he was sharing files online. Piper turned himself in and now faces ten counts, including aggravated possession and using a computer to commit a crime. He’s already been arraigned and was back in court this week for a probable cause hearing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers heading toward the Blue Water Bridge this weekend should expect a brief detour. The Michigan Department of Transportation will close the westbound I-94 and I-69 connector from Pine Grove Avenue for pavement repairs Friday through Monday. Westbound traffic will be routed along Pine Grove and Griswold Street before rejoining the freeway. The project aims to fix past patchwork failures and boost long-term safety. MDOT urges drivers to plan ahead and check its website for live traffic updates.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A slick stretch of M-53 near Marlette sent emergency crews racing to a crash early Monday morning. Around 7:30, deputies say a southbound car spun out on the icy road and slid into oncoming traffic just south of Clifford Road. The impact sent the 49-year-old driver from Brown City and her passenger to Aspire Rural Health in Marlette. The other driver, a 75-year-old woman also from Brown City, was taken to McLaren Lapeer for treatment. Her passenger was not hurt.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, drivers finally have smoother travel as Lapeer Avenue reopened at the end of December after months of delays. City Manager James Freed says sidewalks and paving are done, with only final cleanup and grass seeding planned for spring. The $2.9 million project hit snags last year, leading the city to withhold more than $100,000 in penalties from contractor Boddy Construction over missed deadlines. Freed says the city may think twice before hiring that firm again, but for now, residents can enjoy a fully open route through town.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet