Port Huron Elks Lodge 343 beat its blood donation goal at its January 26 drive, collecting 42 pints as part of an ongoing effort to fight local shortages. Despite the cold, 49 people turned out, giving whole blood and power red donations totaling more than 5 gallons. Since launching its first drive in ’13, the lodge and the American Red Cross have gathered nearly 2,830 pints—about 353 gallons. Their latest blood drive happened last week at the lodge. No word yet on pints collected.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Sanilac residents can kick off St. Patrick’s Day early with live Irish music on Sunday, March 15th. The Sanilac County Historical Society is hosting a fundraiser concert at the Blue Water Sports Bar. The local band Ourselves will perform Irish ballads and songs inspired by Michigan’s Great Lakes. Admission is free, but a $5 donation helps support the county’s Historic Village and Museum. The bar will also serve half Reuben sandwiches for $5. It’s a festive way for neighbors to celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend and local history together.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Michigan woman is suing the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, claiming it broke the state’s open records law by refusing to release unedited video of deputies shooting a dog. Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek says the department’s heavy redactions hide key details of the December 13th incident outside the county animal shelter. Her attorneys argue the public deserves to see what really happened before and after the shooting. The sheriff’s office says deputies fired after the dog bit one of them and kept acting aggressively as they tried to bring it inside.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities say there was no danger to students or staff after a substitute teacher brought two antique blades to Bad Axe High School last Wednesday. Before classes began, a staff member reported seeing one of the items, prompting Principal Craig Archer to step in. The teacher explained they were historical artifacts used for a lesson about world travel. As a precaution, Archer removed the blades, and the school resource officer secured them until they were taken off campus. Superintendent Greg Newland thanked staff for acting quickly to keep the school safe.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet