Local News

UPDATE: Mackinac EAS: Mackinac Bridge, previously closed due to falling ice, is now OPEN. Crossings will be in ESCORT MODE @ 20mph. Please travel safely.

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The Mackinac Bridge is currently closed to all traffic due to hazardous ice falling from its cables and towers following a severe ice storm over the weekend. The Mackinac Bridge Authority has not provided a specific timeline for reopening, but crews are working to clear the ice as quickly as possible.  

Travelers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. For real-time updates, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s website or text “MacBridge” to 67283.

Friends of the St. Clair River will honor local environmental champions at the annual River Bash on April 10th in Port Huron. This year’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize St. Clair County RESA for its leadership in environmental education, the Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau for promoting the region’s natural beauty, and artist Jason Stier for using art to teach at-risk youth about nature. The event, held at the Port Huron Yacht Club, features live music, a silent auction, and a rare chance to see baby sturgeon before their June release. Tickets are $50 at scriver.org until April 7.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water Community Action is rallying support for local students through The Big Give on May 14th. Donations will fund BWCA’s annual Backpack Giveaway, providing 1,000 fully stocked backpacks to children in need across St. Clair County. To boost impact, BWCA urges early donations before May 12th, allowing them to pool funds for a larger contribution and a bigger share of bonus funds. Supporters can donate online, by mail, or through The Big Give. Every dollar helps local kids start the school year prepared.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Harper Woods man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed chase ended in a crash near Port Huron. Deputies responded to Menards in Port Huron Township on March 29th after reports of a theft. The suspect, 49-year-old Ontario McDowell, fled in a Dodge Ram, leading police on a chase down Lapeer Road. Deputies stopped pursuing due to speed, but McDowell crashed at the Allen Road roundabout and ran into the woods. A K9 unit tracked him down. He was hospitalized, then jailed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron father, Maximus Manns, was sentenced to two years of probation for involuntary manslaughter after accidentally suffocating his infant daughter, Taytum, in September of ’23. Manns, 20, pleaded guilty and was granted sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which could erase his criminal record if he completes probation. Despite previous warnings about the risks of co-sleeping, Manns brought Taytum to bed with him, leading to her suffocation. Experts warn against bed-sharing due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lambton County families have two exciting options for Professional Activity (PA) Day fun on Friday, April 4. The Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs is hosting “Blown Away: The Power of Wind” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring hands-on activities like building pinwheels and testing wind-powered robots. Meanwhile, Lambton Heritage Museum will showcase live hawks and owls during “Wildlife Encounter: Birds of Prey” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet