Chilly Fest Fires Up Downtown

Downtown Port Huron is heating up this weekend with the return of Chilly Fest, running Friday and Saturday. The annual winter festival takes over McMorran Place and the Wrigley Center with ice sculptures, live music, family fun, and the popular chili crawl and cook-off. Most events are free, but the chili crawl costs $10, with proceeds supporting local outreach. New this year, restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and Freighters are joining the lineup. Visitors can skate and sample creative chili recipes downtown, with winners crowned Saturday evening at the Wrigley Center.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Deputies Nab Teen

Authorities in Sanilac County are still looking into a late-night break-in at Brown’s Marketplace in Deckerville. Deputies and local police rushed to the store around 10:30 last Friday night after a report of a burglary in progress. Officers set up a perimeter, and witnesses said someone was seen running from the scene. Investigators later tracked a 16-year-old suspect to a nearby home, where the stolen goods were found. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with more details to contact their detective bureau.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Clinton Township Man Admits Guilt

A Clinton Township man has admitted guilt in a road rage shooting that happened in Sterling Heights late last year. Police say 21-year-old Logan Shea pleaded guilty to firing a gun from a vehicle, assault with a weapon, and two counts of felony firearm. Investigators say Shea flashed a badge and pointed a gun at another driver before firing shots. Officers later traced a white Chevy Silverado to his home, seizing several weapons. Shea’s gun will be forfeited, and his sentencing is set for March 5th in Macomb County Court.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Hazlewood Steps Up as New CFO

St. Clair County Community Mental Health has tapped a longtime local leader to keep its finances steady. Finance Director Danielle Hazlewood has been promoted to chief financial officer, following the retirement of Karen Farr, who served more than a decade in the role. Hazlewood, a lifelong Blue Water Area resident, brings over 20 years of government finance experience and strong local ties. Agency leaders say her leadership will help maintain SCCCMH’s financial strength while supporting mental health services across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Elks Exceed Goal in Winter Blood Drive

Port Huron residents showed strong community spirit last week as the Elks Lodge 343 surpassed its blood drive goal, collecting 42 units to help ease local shortages. Despite freezing weather, 49 donors turned out for the lodge’s 82nd drive, organized with the American Red Cross. Since starting in ’13, the lodge has collected more than 2,800 pints—enough to fill over 350 gallons. The group is now aiming for 3,000 pints and will host its next drive on Feb. 11th. Donors can sign up at redcross.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Warren Man Sentenced After Online Sting

A Warren man who thought he was meeting a teenage girl at Port Huron’s Ozokucon last year is heading to jail. On Monday, a judge sentenced 27-year-old Brennan Schwartz to six months behind bars and five years of probation. Schwartz must also register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to accosting a child, using a computer to commit a crime, and tampering with evidence. He was caught in a sting by YouTuber “Skeeter Jean,” who lures suspected predators to public meetups.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet