George James

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has named this year’s winners of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund. Since 2000, the program has helped young livestock exhibitors with college costs. Last year, a total of $62,000 went to 39 Michigan students. Local recipients include Grace Shupe of Huron County, earning $2,000, and Sanilac County’s Madyson Garza and Emma Noll, each awarded $1,500. The scholarships are supported by the annual Michigan Livestock Expo auction and community donations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Three local townships — Emmett, Grant, and Ira — are turning $600,000 in state and community funding into new places to play. The projects grew from residents’ ideas with guidance from the Community Foundation and experts who helped navigate Michigan’s DNR grant process. Grant Township will build a $200,000 splash pad, Emmett Township’s $100,000 upgrade adds an accessible play area, and Ira Township’s $300,000 plan brings a green treehouse and nature trail. Construction starts this year, giving families fresh ways to gather and enjoy the outdoors in the near future.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Six remarkable women from the Blue Water area will be honored next month at the Blue Water Woman of the Year Awards in downtown Port Huron. The ceremony takes place March 11th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McMorran Theatre. Honorees include library director Allison Arnold, county commissioner Lisa Beedon, Port Huron planning deputy Jazmyn Thomas, mental health leader Amy Smith, breast cancer advocate Emily Goudy, and youth mentor Laura Burrell. Tickets are now on sale, including food, drinks, and celebration of local women making a difference.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Harbor Beach is mourning the loss of 36-year-old Shana Umbreit, whose body was found more than three weeks after she went missing. Police say she was last seen January 23rd at Brown’s Market. Since then, neighbors, friends, and volunteers across Huron County organized searches and shared posts hoping to bring her home. Investigators aren’t releasing where she was found or if foul play is suspected. The case remains open as police await autopsy results and ask anyone with tips to call Harbor Beach Police.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County commissioners are taking their solar power fight to the Michigan Court of Appeals. The board voted last Thursday to appeal a judge’s decision that struck down county health regulations on solar farms. Circuit Judge Michael West had ruled in favor of DTE Energy and Portside Solar, saying the county’s rules were really zoning laws disguised as health codes. Commissioners say the appeal is about fairness for residents, not cost. The Fort Gratiot solar project has drawn community pushback over noise, health, and property concerns. A court date hasn’t been set.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two community groups are challenging actions by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. At its February 19 meeting, the Port Huron NAACP warned of legal action over the board’s plan to merge the county’s Health Officer and Medical Director jobs—moves critics say tighten control under controversial Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin. The group delivered a Cease and Desist Notice, citing cuts to health services. Also, Blue Water Indivisible requested that Commissioner Kerry Ange be censured for an unscheduled presentation about teen health materials. The board plans to revisit the issue March 5th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet