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

The St. Clair County Technical Education Center in Marysville is inviting local families to its annual Open House on February 19th, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event gives 10th graders and their parents a close-up look at hands-on career programs available to juniors and seniors—everything from computer programming and engineering to cosmetology, health care, and welding. Visitors can meet instructors, tour the labs, and learn how TEC helps students earn free college credits while preparing for jobs and college success.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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

The St. Clair County Health Department has made it easier for families to request vaccine waivers. Parents can now walk in during regular hours to complete the process and receive the required state waiver form after reviewing educational information on vaccine risks and benefits. Until an online system launches, the department is keeping things simple for local families. Officials also remind residents they can opt out of Michigan’s vaccine tracking system, the MCIR, and use paper records instead.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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

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