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Local News

Students Shine in First Local ACT-SO Competition

Two Port Huron students are being recognized after making a strong showing at the city’s first-ever ACT-SO competition. Malencia Price earned silver medals in both written poetry and spoken word, while Jamal Waldon took silver in contemporary instrumental music. The event, hosted last Sunday at the Hersey Reinvestment Center, marks a new step for the local NAACP chapter in supporting youth achievement. Organizers say both students plan to attend the national ACT-SO event, as the community now rallies to help fund their trip and grow the program.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Huron County Man Loses Hunting Rights

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

Thumbcoast Launches New Tourism Brand

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

Standoff in Kenockee Township

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

Disco Murder Mystery Coming

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

Port Huron Eyes Golf Cart Use

Golf carts could soon become a new way to get around in Port Huron. A bill from State Representative Joe Pavlov would update state law that has kept the city from allowing them because of its population size. The change would let Port Huron use newer census data and create its own local rules. If approved, drivers must be at least 16 with a license and stick to daytime travel on roads 30 miles per hour or less. Final approval would still come from Port Huron City Council.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet