Local News

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

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

Due to the forecasted hazardous weather conditions, the following will be closed on Thursday, February 6th, 2025.

• Algonac Community Schools
  
  Anchor Bay School District
  
  Armada Area Schools
  
• Blue Water Choices
  
  Brown City Community Schools
  
  Capac Community School District
  
  East China School District
  
  East Shore Leadership Academy
  
  Imlay City Schools
  
  Landmark Academy
  
  Marysville Public Schools
  
  Memphis Community Schools
  
• New Life Christian Academy
  
  Peck Community School District
  
  Port Huron Area School District
  
  St. Clair TEC
  
  Woodland Development Center
  
  Yale Public Schools
  
• Cardinal Mooney
• Holy Cross Catholic
• Immaculate Conception Elementary – Ira Township

On Presidents Day, February 17th, many Michigan workers will get the day off as the state observes the federal holiday honoring Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Though originally set for Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, the holiday now falls on the third Monday in February. Federal offices, including courts and post offices will be closed. State offices and local city and county offices will also shut down. Public schools, the stock market, and banks will be closed, but grocery stores will operate, with some having limited hours.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents can now vote for their favorite local businesses and organizations in the annual Blue Water Area Community’s Choice Awards. This round features top nominees selected by the public, and those who vote in at least 25 categories are entered to win a $250 gift card. Voting is open daily through February 17th.Winners will be announced in April. To vote, visit YourChoiceAwards.com/BlueWaterArea, and select nominees in each category. Votes count instantly—no final submission needed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet