George James

Students at a Chesterfield Township elementary school in Macomb County will soon have a place to get snacks and winter clothing, thanks to a hometown NFL player. Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin returned Friday to Higgins Elementary School, where he was a student from 2000 to 2005. His foundation donated $6,000 for a new space called the Hawk Hut. School staff say 41% of Higgins students rely on free or reduced-price lunch. The Hawk Hut will offer snacks, boots, sweatshirts and jackets when it opens next month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Tuscola County arson case is starting over as the county’s top prosecutor prepares to leave office. Prosecutor Erica Walle has announced she will resign October 25th. Forty-one-year-old Amanda Mecomber of the Unionville area appeared in district court in Caro on a new charge of burning an insured home in March 2024. Judge Jason Bitzer tossed the first charges in August because of Walle’s dating relationship with the detective on the case. The St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office has taken over, and Bitzer set bond at $100,000 cash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Summer on the St. Clair River is over for one of Port Huron’s best-known attractions. The Huron Lady II has wrapped up its 2026 season. Since late May, the 73-foot boat has carried passengers on 90-minute narrated cruises from its dock along the Black River in downtown Port Huron. Riders got a close-up look at the Blue Water Bridges, the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and Great Lakes freighters along the way. Port Huron-area fans will have to wait until next year to climb aboard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tuscola County voters have big decisions on the November 3rd ballot. Countywide, they will decide whether to renew the property tax that pays for veterans services. That would not raise the rate. The countywide veterans’ proposal would continue funding at about 17 cents per $1,000 of taxable value for six years. A separate question asks whether to add a new tax for the same purpose, because the county’s veterans office says it needs more money. In the townships, Akron and Columbia want to renew fire and ambulance funding, while Almer Charter and Dayton are asking for new road money.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Families in Sanilac County still have time to squeeze in some fall fun before camping season wraps up. Jellystone Park North Port Huron, along Lake Huron in Carsonville, is hosting Halloween-themed weekends as the campground heads toward its season closing. Campers can expect spooky family fun, like trick-or-treating and campsite decorating. The park sits just 5 minutes north of Port Sanilac, making it an easy Thumb-area getaway. Once the final weekend ends, the campground will shut down for the winter.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Algonac school district voters will choose three board members from a field of four candidates on November 3. The Port Huron Times Herald asked each candidate about their background, their reasons for running and their experience. On the ballot are Jennifer Baker of Harsens Island, 52-year-old Nicole Emery and 50-year-old Janice Pasko, both of Clay Township, and Sandee Kuhfeldt. Kuhfeldt says she would bring practical business experience, community involvement and a willingness to listen. Winners will serve 6-year terms on the Algonac School Board.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet