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Local News

Police Encryption Shuts Off Public Scanner Access

Police scanners in Port Huron are going quiet this week as the city encrypts all police radio traffic, cutting off public access to calls. City officials say the move follows Michigan State Police rules to protect sensitive information after an FBI audit found gaps statewide. Police say daily operations will not change, but only authorized users will hear transmissions. Some residents oppose the switch, saying it limits transparency, while officials argue it improves officer and public safety.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Farmer Earns Top Honors

A Michigan farmer is getting statewide recognition for high wheat production. Sanilac County grower Dwight Bartle placed third in the ’25 Michigan Wheat Yield Contest, producing just over 148 bushels per acre of soft red winter wheat on his Brown City farm. The contest, supported by the Michigan Wheat Program and National Wheat Foundation, highlights growers using new methods to boost yields. Bartle, a Michigan Wheat Board member, also grows corn, soybeans, and sugar beets and stays active in community service.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Prowlers Clinch Series at Home

Port Huron is moving on after a 4-2 win over the Blue Ridge Bobcats at McMorran Arena Saturday, clinching their playoff series on home ice. After falling behind early, Lukas Lacny tied it in the second period. Bobby Price then gave the Prowlers the lead in the third, and Ryan Alexander added another less than two minutes later. Player-coach Matt Graham sealed it with an empty-net goal. The Prowlers now prepare to face the defending champion Binghamton Black Bears.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Young Farmer Award

Young farmers are taking center stage as leaders shaping agriculture’s future. Michigan Farm Bureau has named its annual Young Farmer Award winners, highlighting innovation and community impact. Among them is Huron County’s Katie Adam, recognized for her work supporting crop producers and improving sustainability and profits. Adam also helps run her family’s multi-generation farm. State leaders say these young professionals are driving progress in agriculture through leadership, new ideas, and strong ties to their local communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fifth Graders Headed to International Robotics Competition

Five fifth-grade students from St. Edward on the Lake Catholic School are heading to an international robotics competition at Georgia Tech in Atlanta this June after ranking among the top one percent of programs statewide, making them one of only two elementary teams in Michigan to earn the invitation. Coach Crystal Forro and her son Avery lead teammates Matthew Hyde, Kaileigh Deegan, Regina Osantowski, Jemma Hengehold-Parrott, and Emersyn Schuler, who advanced through regional and state competitions, with the event set for June fifth through seventh.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron Sweater Maker gets Hollywood Spotlight

A classic knit sweater is turning heads far beyond the big screen. A Port Huron-based yarn company, Mary Maxim, is behind the fox-themed (technically wolf-themed) cardigan worn by Ryan Gosling in the new sci-fi hit “Project Hail Mary.” After the film’s debut, the design quickly sold out online. Now back on preorder for about $90, there’s a twist: it comes as a DIY knitting kit. Company leaders say demand has surged as they race to restock materials and ship orders nationwide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet