George James

A Port Huron man, Maximus Jack Manns, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for suffocating his infant daughter Taytum while bed-sharing. Despite previous warnings and educational programs against co-sleeping, Manns took 7-month-old Taytum to bed, resulting in her tragic death. The CDC reports 3,700 infants died from sleep-related incidents in ’22. Manns, released on a $10,000 bond, accepted a plea deal and faces sentencing on March 31st under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, with a possible 15-year prison term.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The East China Educational Foundation’s annual Chili-Heart event now includes a chili cook-off alongside the 5K run and walk. On February 8th, from 10 a.m. to noon, participants can join the cook-off in St. Clair Middle School gym. Entry fees are $25 for competitors and $15 for attendees. The 5K run and 2-mile walk start at 9 a.m., with registration costing $25. All proceeds support educational scholarships for local students. Preregistration closes on February 6.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water Middle College Academy (BWMC) will host an Open House on February 22nd, at the St. Clair County Community College Welcome Center. Prospective students and families can meet staff, current students, and learn how the program helps high school students graduate with a diploma and an associate degree. BWMC covers all tuition, books, and fees, offering up to $45,000 in savings. The deadline to submit an interest form for the ’25-’26 school year is March 31st.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Acheson Ventures has begun demolishing the old Maritime Center in Port Huron, a building made of trailers that had fallen into disrepair and been broken into. Work started Wednesday and was expected to finish in two days. The center, which had been closed for over a year, was a popular stop for freighter watchers but saw a sharp decline in visitors. Acheson Ventures, which has been trying to sell the 3-acre property for years, believes clearing the site will make it more attractive to potential developers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Yale Area Chamber of Commerce is suing its former treasurer, Kellie Lauwers, accusing her of embezzling at least $32,300. Lauwers, wife of Michigan State Senator Dan Lauwers, allegedly wrote checks to herself and used the chamber’s debit card for personal purchases. Court documents claim she admitted to taking the money but has not repaid it and is resisting efforts to recover the funds. The chamber accuses her of forging signatures and altering financial records to cover it up. No criminal charges have been filed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet