George James

Downtown Algonac is looking a little more festive this winter. Dozens of decorated snowmen now line the St. Clair River as part of Algonac’s first Snowman Decoration Contest, drawing families downtown through February 28th. The 20 snowmen, built and decorated by local groups and businesses, feature everything from classic winter looks to humorous. The $1,800 raised from the displays is helping buy new chairs for the Algonac Community Center. City leaders say the strong turnout may make this snowy showcase a new winter tradition.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Port Huron City Council has approved a new policy aimed at keeping more city workers local. Under the plan, full-time employees who live within Port Huron will get a 5% pay boost. City leaders say it’s a voluntary way to strengthen neighborhoods and improve response times, especially in police and public works departments. Mayor Anita Ashford says it’s about building community pride and keeping tax dollars in town. The policy takes effect later this month after a unanimous council vote last Monday night.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities say there was no danger to students or staff after a substitute teacher brought two antique blades to Bad Axe High School last Wednesday. Before classes began, a staff member reported seeing one of the items, prompting Principal Craig Archer to step in. The teacher explained they were historical artifacts used for a lesson about world travel. As a precaution, Archer removed the blades, and the school resource officer secured them until they were taken off campus. Superintendent Greg Newland thanked staff for acting quickly to keep the school safe.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Michigan woman is suing the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, claiming it broke the state’s open records law by refusing to release unedited video of deputies shooting a dog. Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek says the department’s heavy redactions hide key details of the December 13th incident outside the county animal shelter. Her attorneys argue the public deserves to see what really happened before and after the shooting. The sheriff’s office says deputies fired after the dog bit one of them and kept acting aggressively as they tried to bring it inside.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet