The Mackinac Bridge was closed to most vehicles Monday morning due to high winds reaching 50-64 mph, with only passenger cars, vans, and empty trucks allowed. The closure affected traffic heading to the Straits, and drivers were advised to reduce speeds to 20 mph as they approached. Bridge personnel were on-site to direct vehicles. The Bridge Authority required escorts for large vehicles overnight Sunday.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Michigan slipped to 41st in the rankings of the best states for entrepreneurs, dropping six spots from last year. The decline is due to slower job growth and a drop in consumer spending, which fell to just 0.4%. Michigan also saw a loss of educated workers, with over 7,000 leaving the state. Despite these challenges, the national entrepreneurial scene is booming, with a record number of new businesses opening each month, driven by trends like remote work, the gig economy, and advancements in AI.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
The Sherman Woods Homeowners Association in Port Huron raised just over $6,000 dollars for the Salvation Army during its recent Red Kettle Christmas campaign. For the ninth year, volunteer residents managed a Red Kettle drop-off over eight holiday weekends, plus Christmas Eve, as visitors enjoyed festive decorations. President Fred Kemp praised the community’s support. Since ’16, the campaign has raised $48,328. The efforts included carol singing, Santa visits, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
With freezing temperatures hitting the Thumb region, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to follow winter car seat safety tips. Bulky winter coats can prevent car seat straps from tightening correctly, putting children at serious risk in an accident. Instead, parents are advised to dress kids in layers with a snug fleece jacket, then add a blanket or coat over the straps for warmth. For car seat safety assistance, contact St. Clair County’s program at (810) 966-3706.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
An early morning fire at Bree Manor Apartments in East China Township displaced 20 to 30 residents Sunday morning, prompting a swift community response. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County activated its disaster response fund to cover emergency needs like shelter, food, and clothing for the first 48 hours. Local organizations rallied to help: St. Clair High School provided temporary shelter, Blue Water Transit transported victims, and the St. Clair Inn opened its doors overnight. Officials confirmed no foul play in the fully involved blaze.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Port Huron secured a $16.5 million tax credit from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to build the Lincoln Avenue Loft Project near McLaren Port Huron. The development will create 40 affordable housing units aimed at local workers struggling to afford homeownership. City Manager James Freed highlighted the project as a boost for economic growth, workforce support, and social equity. The site, near Erie Street and Lincoln Avenue, is currently vacant but will soon transform into much-needed housing for the community.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet