Local News

Kathy and Darwin Sneller of Sebewaing were honored statewide over the weekend. The Huron County couple, owners of Starward Farms, were inducted into the Michigan Farmer’s Hall of Fame Saturday. The Snellers have run their 943-acre dairy and crop farm for more than 50 years, raising 100 milking cows and growing sugarbeets, corn, wheat, soybeans and hay. Their herd earned a national breeder award for 34 straight years. The induction ceremony took place at Presbyterian Church in Hastings, featuring remarks from state and national farm leaders.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County health officials are warning residents that mosquito-borne viruses like West Nile remain a risk, even after years with few or no local cases. Medical Director Doctor Remington Nevin says low case numbers don’t mean the danger is gone, and outdoor time should always be treated as carrying some risk. Most infected people show no symptoms, but about 1 in 5 develop fever or body aches, and severe brain-related illness is possible, especially in older adults. With no vaccine available, the health department urges long sleeves and EPA-registered repellent.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Community Roof Sit for Kids fundraiser is underway in downtown Port Huron through Friday, benefiting the St. Clair County Child Abuse & Neglect Council, which relies on it for up to 40% of its budget. Activities continue behind the MiMutual Mortgage building at 6th and Pine streets, which started with Sunday Funday, featuring games, bounce houses and face painting, followed by Markham’s roof ascent at 6 p.m. with Port Huron firefighters. Roof Top Rally Day, a business fundraising competition, happens tomorrow.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron families can help support local schools while enjoying discounted food and free kids’ activities tomorrow. Savvy Sliders and Happy’s Pizza on 24th Street will host a back-to-school customer appreciation event from 4 to 7 p.m., with 10% of proceeds benefiting Port Huron Area School District programs that support students. Kids can enjoy free face painting and balloon characters, while customers can grab $1 custard shakes or a buy-one-get-one deal on kids’ personal pizzas, while supplies last, according to organizers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Monarch butterflies are gathering along Lake St. Clair shorelines as their fall migration south gets underway, continuing through November. Michigan-born monarchs are flying up to 3,000 miles to central Mexico and southern Florida, using the shoreline to navigate and avoid getting lost over open water. Closer to Port Huron, Lake St. Clair Metropark near Lake St. Clair has become a known stopover, where monarchs cluster in trees to roost overnight for warmth and safety. Wildlife officials say late summer and early fall gardens with blooming flowers are also drawing butterflies.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two Detroit teens accused in a nonfatal Wendy’s parking lot shooting in Eastpointe are headed to Macomb County Circuit Court. 16-year-old Rayonnate Steen Jr. and 15-year-old Isaiah Reynolds were bound over Aug. 28th after a preliminary hearing, and will be arraigned before Judge Jennifer Faunce on Monday. Steen faces assault with intent to murder and weapons charges; Reynolds faces assault with intent to murder and carrying a concealed weapon. Police say the June 10th shooting followed a verbal dispute.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet