George James

In Port Huron, drivers finally have smoother travel as Lapeer Avenue reopened at the end of December after months of delays. City Manager James Freed says sidewalks and paving are done, with only final cleanup and grass seeding planned for spring. The $2.9 million project hit snags last year, leading the city to withhold more than $100,000 in penalties from contractor Boddy Construction over missed deadlines. Freed says the city may think twice before hiring that firm again, but for now, residents can enjoy a fully open route through town.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A slick stretch of M-53 near Marlette sent emergency crews racing to a crash early Monday morning. Around 7:30, deputies say a southbound car spun out on the icy road and slid into oncoming traffic just south of Clifford Road. The impact sent the 49-year-old driver from Brown City and her passenger to Aspire Rural Health in Marlette. The other driver, a 75-year-old woman also from Brown City, was taken to McLaren Lapeer for treatment. Her passenger was not hurt.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Commissioners made major changes to the county’s Health Advisory Board last Thursday night after months of public debate over health department decisions. Four seats were up for grabs, and longtime member Marie Muller lost her spot to local business owner Paul Urben. Dr. Stephen Smith and Dawn Fulk were reappointed, while Joseph Hayes took the final at-large seat after seven rounds of voting. The shakeup comes after controversy over clinic closures in Yale and Algonac that sparked protests and packed meetings across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A tense scene outside a butcher shop has led to criminal charges. St. Clair County prosecutors say the person who filmed outside Zimmerman’s Meat Market in Marine City and pepper-sprayed one of the owners now faces a misdemeanor for illegal use of a chemical. Investigators are still reviewing medical reports to see if stronger charges apply. Police say the clash began when a group of content creators started filming the shop’s windows, making the owners feel threatened. The case is now in prosecutors’ hands.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron turns into a cornhole hotspot this weekend as Yeo’s Big Freeze Under the Bridge takes over the Blue Water Convention Center. For a $120 entry, players get into five tournaments, earning points all weekend toward a $2,500 grand prize. Action starts Friday night with a switch tournament, rolls into Saturday doubles and a blind draw, and wraps Sunday with crew cup and singles. With food trucks and discounted rooms at the connected DoubleTree hotel, many visitors can eat, sleep, and toss bags without leaving the riverfront.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 73-year-old Macomb County resident won a record-breaking $32.9 million Lotto 47 prize after playing the same numbers for 20 years. When he realized he matched all six, he thought it was a mistake. His kids didn’t believe him either—until they saw the ticket. He claimed a lump sum of nearly $23 million and says the first thing he’s buying is a new pair of shoes, plus a car and some gifts for family. Michigan Lottery officials say it’s the largest Lotto 47 jackpot in state history.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet