George James

Port Huron is set to get greener thanks to new grant funding from the Michigan DNR, DTE Energy Foundation, and ReLeaf Michigan. The city, along with the Port Huron Housing Commission and St. Clair County, will share part of $100,000 to plant trees in public spaces next year. The effort aims to boost the local tree canopy, improve air quality, and strengthen neighborhoods through sustainable landscaping. Statewide, about 750 trees will be planted across 25 Michigan communities as part of the ongoing Urban and Community Forestry program.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s IMPACT police team is keeping busy, but fewer people are taking up help this year. The team has made 124 referrals to community services, down from 214 last year, with only 57 accepted and 25 shelter placements taken. Street-level contacts remain steady, with over 1,600 encounters with people experiencing homelessness and 1,400 involving addiction. Police say homelessness hasn’t dropped but has spread across about 10 smaller, scattered encampments around the city, compared to one large site last year. The three-officer unit continues patrols even as successful outcomes dip.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

State regulators have shut down a prominent St. Clair County car dealership after finding repeated violations involving the sale of vehicles. The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair on King Road in China Township, citing what it calls imminent harm to the public.

According to the state, investigators discovered more than two dozen cases in which the dealership sold used vehicles as new. Some vehicles reportedly had thousands of miles on them including one with around six thousand miles. The department says this happened even after the dealership had already been warned, fined, placed on probation, and given training on the rules.

As a result, the dealership is barred from doing business while the suspension is in place. State officials say the action protects consumers who believed they were buying new vehicles.

Consumers with concerns are encouraged to contact the state complaint line at 844-372-8356.

We have contacted LaFontaine for comment. So far, they have not responded.

A fatal crash occurred Thursday night in Sanilac Township, claiming the life of a 71-year-old Deckerville man. Deputies say his Dodge Dakota pickup veered off North Lakeshore Road near Weber Drive around 9:20 p.m., rolled several times, and came to rest in a yard. Emergency crews from Port Sanilac Fire and Sanilac EMS responded, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the accident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s McMorran Place is bringing back glamour with a black-tie gala to restore the city’s iconic Night & Day Fountain. The Night & Day Ball is set for March 19th at the McMorran Theater, aiming to raise funds for professional restoration of the landmark sculpture by Marshall M. Fredericks. The fountain has long been a local gathering spot and a symbol of Port Huron’s cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy an elegant evening of food, drinks, and entertainment, with all proceeds supporting the restoration. Tickets and sponsorships will be available early next year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet