“Hands Off” March Saturday

In the Blue Water Area, locals are gearing up for a protest against President Donald Trump’s administration this Saturday. Blue Water Indivisible and Blue Water Allies are teaming up for the “Hands Off” march, kicking off at 1 p.m. from the Huron Lightship in Pine Grove Park to Thomas Edison Parkway. A pre-march rally starts at noon. This comes as part of a nationwide push against Trump’s second term, sparked by his and Elon Musk’s move to cut thousands of federal jobs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac Museum Celebrates Record Fundraising

The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum in Port Sanilac is marking major accomplishments. Its February online auction raised over $16,000, thanks to local businesses and community support. This funding supports future events and projects, including a new outdoor history exhibit, “A Walk Through History,” funded by a $2,500 Bridging Michigan Grant. The museum also received $27,550 from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for a new Pavilion Epicenter Project, with $6,000 raised in memory of volunteer Shirley Schmidt. The project is halfway to its funding goal.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Mackinac Bridge Reopened After Closing Due to Falling Ice

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.

High-Speed Chase on Lapeer

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

Port Huron Father Sentenced

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

The Big Give

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