Fort Gratiot’s Blue Water Cruise Weekend brought classic cars, food, and family fun to town. The event kicked off Friday evening with Cruise Night, where locals visited 15 businesses for food specials and music. Saturday featured the Keith Peterson Memorial Car Show at Birchwood Mall, showcasing up to 70 classic cars and awarding prizes. Live music, a pin-up contest, and a charity raffle supporting Healing Hearts Home Care added to the festivities. The carnival rides at Birchwood Mall ran through Sunday, making it a full weekend of summer fun for all ages.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Downtown Lapeer is receiving a $15,000 boost through Michigan’s Main Street Vibrancy Grant, part of Governor Whitmer’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ initiative. The money will fund a range of projects including historic plaques, a History Walk, and an English-style phone booth that plays local recordings. Plans also include new bike racks, cleaner streets, a fresh community mural. A new software subscription will help boost volunteer recruitment, community engagement, and event planning to keep downtown lively and connected.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron Northern High School, college advisor Maya Savedra helped nearly 50 students overcome big challenges to plan for college. Over two years, she boosted FAFSA completion rates from 30% to 47%, making college more accessible for many first-generation and low-income families. Now, due to nationwide AmeriCorps funding cuts, Savedra’s role—and others like hers—have been eliminated, leaving students without critical support. Savedra has joined St. Clair County Community College to continue helping students, but she warns the impact won’t be the same.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet