Last month a barn fire destroyed more than 100 pigs and $200,000 in equipment on Alan Thueme’s farm near St. Clair. Firefighters from multiple nearby towns stopped the blaze from spreading, but the loss was heavy. The barn, originally built in the 1920s and part of a family farm since 1946, held decades of local farming history. Neighbors and fellow farmers quickly stepped up, raising over $18,500 through a GoFundMe and helping clear debris. Despite the damage, Thueme’s key breeding hogs survived, and the farm will keep running.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Brown City, residents voiced concerns at a July 1st meeting about a proposed 70-home development by Maple Valley Estates LLC. They worry about cramped conditions on just 13 acres, poor road conditions that school buses and snow plows avoid, and ongoing sewer issues from past mistakes. While new homes are needed, locals fear there aren’t enough jobs to support buyers or renters. The developer promised to fix the roads and sewers, with construction set for summer ’28 if approved.

Reporting fgor WGRT – JP bZet

Aspire Rural Health System is helping local student athletes in the Thumb region gear up for sports with $10 cash-only physicals at nine locations this July and August. No appointment needed, just a parent or guardian. Half of each fee goes straight to the student’s school athletic department to fund equipment and travel. Walk-in physicals run from 1 to 4 p.m. on dates like July 10th in North Branch and August 14th in Bad Axe, keeping kids healthy and local teams strong.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet