Local News

City of Port Huron officials are launching an emergency food distribution effort as federal SNAP cuts take effect November 1. City Manager James Freed says the initiative aims to make sure no child or family in Port Huron goes hungry during the federal funding shutdown.

Beginning Monday at nine in the morning, five semi trucks loaded with about forty four thousand pounds of food will begin serving residents. Each truck carries enough to feed three hundred to five hundred families. The first stop is the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

In addition, Mid City Nutrition has funded five thousand hot meals, expanding immediate access for seniors, children, and families in need.

Freed thanked YMCA director Josh Chapman and Mid City Nutrition director Sarah Jones for partnering quickly during the crisis. Local Coast Guard families and other federal workers affected by missed paychecks will also have access to support.

Residents needing assistance can visit the YMCA starting Monday or contact Mid City Nutrition for meal service details.

Last Friday’s crash on M-53 in Imlay Township claimed the life of 69-year-old Washington man Stephen Sobanski. According to the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Sobanski’s Jeep crossed the centerline around 3:40 p.m. and collided head-on with a southbound semi. Sobanski died at the scene, while a 15-year-old passenger and the truck driver were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. M-53 remained closed over five hours for cleanup.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Five Croswell-Lexington High School seniors have earned the annual Diane Wendt Scholarship from the Sanilac County Community Foundation. Honorees include Morgan Stillson, Mary Carver, Madison Greenaway, Brynn Hurley, and Brooklyn Murray. Their accomplishments span theatre, band, cheer, athletics, and academics. The scholarship will help them pursue college studies at Eastern Michigan, Saginaw Valley State, Michigan State, and St. Clair County Community College, supporting degrees in musical theatre, business, kinesiology, human biology, and science. The award recognizes exceptional students.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is facing a clash between housing development and green space. The city ended Polly’s Place garden’s lease on 27th Street to make room for nine new homes, sparking pushback from founder Julian Ruck and local residents. Ruck says the garden is an educational hub for students and families, while city leaders cite water costs and previous property issues. Councilmember Barbara Payton and supporters argue the garden is vital for the community. Negotiations and public debate over the site continue.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan lawmakers are moving to protect food aid as the federal government shutdown threatens benefits. Federal SNAP payments, which feed nearly 1.4 million residents and total about $260 million monthly, are set to pause starting in November. House Democrats propose using $900 million in state funds to keep SNAP running and an extra $12.5 million for local food banks and pantries. The plan faces political hurdles: Republicans control the House and blame Democrats in Washington for the shutdown, while state Democrats point to federal inaction.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

East China Park has seen growing damage over the summer, with graffiti, broken fixtures, and even cut-down trees causing an estimated $10,000 in losses. Parks Manager Deanna Slanec says repairing the damage could take until spring. Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office have stepped up patrols, and security cameras are being installed to catch vandals. Officials say two young men appear responsible for it, and no new incidents have occurred since patrols increased. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Deputy Dawson Sugars.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet