Port Huron Schools dodged a financial bullet this week. The Michigan Department of Education listed the district as at risk of losing nearly $500,000 in federal funds due to a sudden deadline change by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, moving it from next year to last Friday. However, the superintendent assured everyone that the district isn’t affected. Thanks to smart planning and an improved supply chain, they completed a major HVAC project on time, securing all federal dollars. Local schools remain in great shape without dipping into general funds.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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

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

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.

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

Friends of the St. Clair River will honor local environmental champions at the annual River Bash on April 10th in Port Huron. This year’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize St. Clair County RESA for its leadership in environmental education, the Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau for promoting the region’s natural beauty, and artist Jason Stier for using art to teach at-risk youth about nature. The event, held at the Port Huron Yacht Club, features live music, a silent auction, and a rare chance to see baby sturgeon before their June release. Tickets are $50 at scriver.org until April 7.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet