Rotary Club Raises $20,250

The St. Clair Rotary Club has raised $20,250 to help fight polio worldwide, thanks to the leadership of local couple Diane and Jim Ives. The two hosted fundraising dinners at their St. Clair home, welcoming 35 guests. Donations of $6,750 were tripled through the Gates Foundation match. The funds will go directly to vaccines and programs aimed at eradicating polio, which still affects children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rotary International has led the global fight against polio for over 35 years, helping reduce cases by 99.9%.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia Mayor Cuts Budget

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has cut $5.7 million in police facility costs from the city’s draft ’26 budget, citing rising police expenses and concerns about the burden on taxpayers. The proposed new $120 million building would have added a 6.3% property tax hike, with payments stretching 30 years. Bradley says the plan is incomplete, with no final cost, location, or scope, and it ignores inflation, interest rates, and other city needs. He stressed that police infrastructure must focus on Sarnia residents. Council will review the revised budget later this month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

ISP Certified to Fight Human Trafficking

AVS Broadband has made Michigan history as the first internet provider in the state to earn Operation IFast certification, a national program that helps fight human trafficking. Working with the Huron County Sheriff’s Office and Pigeon Police, the company trained staff to spot and report suspicious activity without invading customer privacy. The move is part of Agri-Valley Communications’ larger effort to expand trafficking awareness across its network of companies. AVS hopes other Michigan providers will follow suit in protecting vulnerable residents statewide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Coach Logan Welch Remembered

Logan Welch, a beloved Grand Blanc sports coach, was honored Sunday afternoon in the Grand Blanc High School gym. Visitation was Friday at Swartz Funeral Home in Flint, while his burial remained private. Welch was shot and killed on Nov. 5th in Almont by 32-year-old William Channer III, who was later wounded by Lapeer deputies and faces five felony charges, including first-degree murder. A GoFundMe for Welch’s wife and unborn child has raised over $175,000 from more than 1,800 donors. He is remembered as a devoted husband and passionate sports fan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet