George James

Earth Fair Returns

You can celebrate Earth Day in a big way at the 24th Annual St. Clair County Earth Fair. It runs Friday, April 24th thhrough Saturday, April 25th at Goodells County Park. Admission, parking, and activities are all free. As Michigan’s largest Earth Day celebration, the event features everything from a live Birds of Prey show and butterfly house to a hands‑on “Bugs on Wheels” exhibit. Tree and shrub sales will also be available both days. Organizers say it’s all about inspiring families to live greener.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Cart Crackdown Cleans Up Streets

In Sarnia, police say their grocery cart crackdown is paying off. The initiative, launched in late ’24 to stop shopping cart theft and urban clutter, has led to two criminal charges so far. Local stores had reported losing up to $50,000 a year in missing carts. With the program, officers first educate and warn people before laying charges. More than 80 carts have now been recovered and returned to stores. Police say it’s helped clean up city streets and cut down on smaller crimes around Sarnia.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan Shelters Receive $150K

Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is giving out $150,000 in new grants to help 24 animal shelters statewide. The money comes from the Animal Welfare Fund—supported by tax return donations. Local recipients include Macomb County Animal Shelter with $10,000, Gratiot County with $8,600, and Sanilac County Humane Society with $6,500. Most projects this year will boost spay and neuter services, expand vaccinations in underserved areas, and provide pet microchips. Since 2010, Michigan has awarded over $2 million to shelters improving animal care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fundraiser Sets Sail for Kids’ Safety

In Port Huron, the St. Clair County Child Abuse and Neglect Council is gearing up for its annual Dinner for Kids’ Sake, coming up Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Water Convention Center. This year’s nautical‑themed evening helps fund programs that protect local children from abuse and neglect. Guests can enjoy dinner, a cash bar, mobile auctions, and raffles. Tickets are $60 each, and one lucky guest could win a private Huron Lady II cruise or take home $1,000 in cash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Trade Talks in Washington

The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce says local CEO Carrie McEachran is in D.C. this week taking part in a cross-border business mission led by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The two-day trip comes ahead of a major review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade deal. McEachran joins business leaders from across Ontario in meetings with American lawmakers to push for smoother trade and stronger supply chains. As a border community, Sarnia-Lambton’s energy and manufacturing sectors play a big part in North American trade.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Device to Reduce Stroke Risk for AFib Patients

McLaren Port Huron has become the first hospital in St. Clair County to offer a new stroke-prevention option for patients with atrial fibrillation. Doctors there can now implant the Watchman device — a small plug that seals off a part of the heart where dangerous blood clots often form. The minimally invasive procedure can reduce the need for long-term blood thinners. Hospital leaders say bringing this advanced cardiac treatment to the Blue Water region shows their commitment to improving local heart care.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet