Local News

A Huron County man will lose his hunting privileges for years after a jury found he helped organize an illegal deer hunt. Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski says 61-year-old Christopher Ahearn of Kinde was convicted for aiding the unlawful taking of deer during a restricted season in Lincoln Township back in December of ’24. Testimony from hunters, along with DNR evidence and messages, showed he coordinated the hunt. Jurors reached a verdict in under two hours. Ahearn cannot hunt for the rest of this year plus five more.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in Tuscola County are dealing with dangerous flooding after days of severe weather, prompting Governor Whitmer to declare a state of emergency. Floodwaters have damaged roads, bridges, and culverts, with at least one roadway now permanently closed until repairs are made. Across Michigan, more than 40 counties are seeing similar destruction from heavy rain, snowmelt, and storms. The emergency order allows state resources to move in quickly and gives local communities access to funding, to repair infrastructure and support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers across Michigan’s Thumb region should expect delays as road work ramps up. The Michigan Department of Transportation is spending about $475,000 to seal pavement cracks on key highways in Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac counties. Work starts May 11th on M-24 in Lapeer County, then moves through nearby counties, covering routes like M-25, M-46, and M-53. Crews will fix cracks to extend road life and prevent bigger damage. Motorists should plan for intermittent lane closures through late June, depending on weather.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Tourism leaders along Michigan’s sunrise coast are rolling out a new push to bring in visitors. The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has unveiled a new brand, “Discover Michigan’s Thumbcoast,” along with a logo inspired by local sunrises, water views, and shoreline communities. Officials say the goal is to better highlight the region’s waterfront, trails, downtowns, and year-round events. The campaign also directs travelers to thumbcoast.org and social media for trip planning and local updates.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A domestic violence standoff in St. Clair County ended without injuries after a heavy police response in Kenockee Township. Michigan State Police from the Lapeer Post were called to a home on Kilgore Road around 2 p.m. Monday. Residents were urged to avoid the area as troopers worked to secure the scene, though officials said there was no threat to the public. After hours of negotiations, the suspect surrendered just after 5:20 p.m. He is now in the St. Clair County Jail, facing multiple felony charges.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A disco-era mystery is coming to Michigan’s Thumb. The Sanilac County Historical Society is hosting a 1978-themed murder mystery May 17th from 2 to 5 p.m. at the museum village in Port Sanilac. Guests will move through historic buildings, question live suspects, and piece together who killed a fictional Detroit singer. The interactive event wraps with a final reveal inside the church. Tickets range from 65 to 75 dollars and include drinks and food. Proceeds support the museum’s preservation efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet