In Sarnia, Army Cadets spread holiday cheer to Canadian troops serving far from home. During the recent Santa Claus Parade, young cadets and the community teamed up to collect over 800 heartfelt letters and drawings from residents. The messages, weighing nearly 12 pounds, were sent off to soldiers stationed in Latvia, Great Britain, and Germany. Cadet leaders say the outpouring shows the true caring spirit of Sarnia-Lambton.This new tradition will continue at future parades.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

An Imlay City man is in critical condition after a Thursday evening crash on Brown City Road in Goodland Township. The 33-year-old’s SUV collided with the back of a slow-moving military-style vehicle, went under its cargo bed, and hit a tree. Firefighters had to cut him free before he was rushed to McLaren Lapeer and later transferred to a Royal Oak hospital. The other driver was unharmed. The road was closed for about four hours as deputies and reconstruction teams investigated. The cause of the crash is still under review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Fairgrove man is facing serious charges after a scary domestic violence incident in Gilford Township on December 7th. Michigan State Police say 40-year-old Chad Morrison allegedly assaulted a woman and threatened her with a gun late that evening. She escaped and called 911. Troopers talked him out of the house, seized firearms, and arrested him after he resisted. Morrison was arraigned Monday on 15 felony charges, including weapon and assault counts. His next court date is December 22nd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marysville junior Keira Meier turned a tough ’24 season into a breakthrough this year, making her first-ever state finals appearance in girls diving. After a painful board hit last year, Meier missed meets due to illness but returned determined. Coaches say she quickly regained form, even mastering the dive that had troubled her. Her hard work paid off, earning an eighth-place regional finish and a spot at the Division 3 state finals in Holland last month. Marysville coaches praised her resilience and dedication.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A judge has denied a request for a new trial in the decades-old murder case of Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. Douglas Laming, convicted in October of ’24 for her rape and murder, sought a retrial, claiming his trial lawyer failed to challenge key testimony and that the jury wasn’t properly warned about his co-defendant Anthony Harris’s motives. Judge Cynthia Lane rejected the motion Friday, saying the jury had enough information about Harris’s plea deal and the evidence was properly presented. Laming is serving life without parole.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Small businesses across Eastern Michigan have a short window to apply for new grant money aimed at local growth. The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network opened applications starting today for its ’26 Small Business Grant Program, offering awards up to twenty thousand dollars. Funding is available for businesses in Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties. Grants support equipment, inventory, and technology purchases. Applications close December 23rd, with awards announced January ninth.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet