Local News

Fire crews from across St. Clair County rushed to a major fire early Wednesday at the Drug Task Force building on Ash Road in Kimball Township. Deputies say flames broke out around 3:20 a.m., destroying offices, vehicles, and ammunition stored inside. No one was in the building when it burned. The Michigan State Police and federal ATF agents are investigating how it started. So far, investigators haven’t released any details or confirmed the cause.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Michigan man convicted of murder more than 50 years ago in St. Clair County is asking for a new sentence. Willie Bankston, now 73, has been serving life for the 1973 shooting death of 20-year-old Tyrone Manns near Kimball Township. His attorney argues a new Michigan Supreme Court ruling gives 19- and 20-year-olds a chance at parole, saying it should apply to Bankston, who was 20 at the time. A resentencing hearing is set for April 2nd before Judge Cynthia Lane in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Six remarkable women from the Blue Water area will be honored next month at the Blue Water Woman of the Year Awards in downtown Port Huron. The ceremony takes place March 11th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McMorran Theatre. Honorees include library director Allison Arnold, county commissioner Lisa Beedon, Port Huron planning deputy Jazmyn Thomas, mental health leader Amy Smith, breast cancer advocate Emily Goudy, and youth mentor Laura Burrell. Tickets are now on sale, including food, drinks, and celebration of local women making a difference.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Three local townships — Emmett, Grant, and Ira — are turning $600,000 in state and community funding into new places to play. The projects grew from residents’ ideas with guidance from the Community Foundation and experts who helped navigate Michigan’s DNR grant process. Grant Township will build a $200,000 splash pad, Emmett Township’s $100,000 upgrade adds an accessible play area, and Ira Township’s $300,000 plan brings a green treehouse and nature trail. Construction starts this year, giving families fresh ways to gather and enjoy the outdoors in the near future.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Harbor Beach is mourning the loss of 36-year-old Shana Umbreit, whose body was found more than three weeks after she went missing. Police say she was last seen January 23rd at Brown’s Market. Since then, neighbors, friends, and volunteers across Huron County organized searches and shared posts hoping to bring her home. Investigators aren’t releasing where she was found or if foul play is suspected. The case remains open as police await autopsy results and ask anyone with tips to call Harbor Beach Police.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has named this year’s winners of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund. Since 2000, the program has helped young livestock exhibitors with college costs. Last year, a total of $62,000 went to 39 Michigan students. Local recipients include Grace Shupe of Huron County, earning $2,000, and Sanilac County’s Madyson Garza and Emma Noll, each awarded $1,500. The scholarships are supported by the annual Michigan Livestock Expo auction and community donations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet