In St. Clair County, high school students can now join a new Teen Advisory Group to champion mental health. This group, launched by the local Community Mental Health organization, will meet monthly to create awareness campaigns and reduce stigma. Open to students living or studying in the county, applications are due by May 30 at scccmh.org/TAG, with meetings starting in August. Transportation and food are provided, empowering teens to lead change in their communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sanilac County, the Community Mental Health team donated $1,304 dollars to the “Shop with a Hero” program, helping local kids shop with first responders for the holidays. On April 8th, Deb Messing handed the check to Sheriff Paul Rich. The funds came from the staff’s “Casual for a Cause” fundraiser, where employees pay $3 dollars to dress casually every other Friday. This year’s donation continues a proud tradition, with past contributions supporting local groups like Thumbs Up for Kids, the Humane Society, and Veterans’ Affairs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Registration is now open for St. Clair County’s annual Summer Camps, offering hands-on experiences for students entering grades 2-10. Running June 16-18 and June 23-25 at the St. Clair TEC in Marysville, campers can choose from a variety of fun programs like robotics, art, creative writing, and construction. Each camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with breakfast, lunch, and transportation provided. The cost is $25 per session, with scholarships available. Registration closes May 19th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Michigan’s Thumb region, early voting for the May 6 special election is underway. Folks in Tuscola County are deciding on school millages for Vassar and Reese districts to fund operations and building upgrades. Huron County’s Laker Schools seek $12.7 million for new facilities, while Fairhaven Township aims to tackle mosquito issues with a new assessment. Sanilac and St. Clair counties are voting on Yale and Algonac school funds, plus road improvements in Kenockee. Lapeer’s townships are also considering a Davison schools fund.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac County joined the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on April 26, collecting over 190 pounds of unused or expired medications. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office led with 64 pounds, followed by Marlette PD with 47.2 pounds, and Croswell PD with 30.8 pounds. Other local departments, including Lexington, Brown City, and Deckerville, also participated. These departments offer year-round drop-off boxes for safe disposal of medications during business hours.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

As summer approaches, Huron County Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski is warning about the dangers of heatstroke in vehicles, a leading cause of preventable child deaths. On National Heatstroke Prevention Day, May 1, Rutkowski is joining efforts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote the “Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock” campaign. Since ’98, over 1,000 children have died from vehicular heatstroke, with 39 deaths last year alone. Rutkowski stresses, “This is 100% preventable.”

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet