St. Clair County students brought home national recognition from the annual SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Three talented teens from the Technical Education Center competed against the country’s top young tradespeople. Rori Cowhy of Yale High School competed in welding sculpture, while Marysville’s Michael Carrier and Yale’s Blake Duvall took on advanced CNC machining events. Former TEC student Lucas Bauman placed ninth in the nation in the college division. TEC leaders say their strong showing highlights the quality of local career and technical training.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, the Health Advisory Board refused to cut local family planning services after a heated meeting on Wednesday. Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin had urged the county to drop federal Title X funding, citing staffing shortages and other priorities. But dozens of residents pushed back, warning that hundreds of patients could lose access to birth control, STI testing, and preventive care. Board members agreed more time is needed for a solid transition plan to protect patients. The program served 871 people last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Officials in Huron County responded quickly Monday evening after multiple reports of smoke rising from Heisterman Island in Saginaw Bay. The uninhabited, state-owned island sits off Fairhaven Township. Dispatchers got the first calls shortly after 5 p.m., right after strong thunderstorms rolled through the area. Using a drone between storm cells, the Huron County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fire was limited to the middle of the island with no signs of people in trouble. The Michigan DNR is now deciding on further action.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet