George James

April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and police across St. Clair County are stepping up reminders to keep your eyes on the road. Sheriff Matt King says Michigan’s hands‑free law carries steep fines, but the real danger is the weight of the vehicle you’re controlling. He urges drivers to stash their phones and set music or GPS before pulling out. With construction season kicking in, deputies will also watch work zones closely. National Work Zone Awareness Week runs April 20–24, stressing slower speeds and extra caution, especially since injuring a road worker can bring serious penalties.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Voters in Columbus Township will decide the future of their treasurer this May. Supervisor Brad Smith launched a recall against Kimberly Hetzel, accusing her of delaying bill payments and causing problems with township vendors. Hetzel calls the claims false, saying she simply needed time to learn the financial software when she took office. If voters remove her, former deputy Valerie Kesler will finish the term through 2028. The recall election is May 5th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Local hunters and community members turned out in force last weekend for Aspire Rural Health System’s annual Hunting for Health event at Rooster Ranch. More than 95 people gathered for the two-day pheasant hunt to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer early detection. The event brought in over twenty-five thousand dollars. Those funds will help pay for free PSA screenings for uninsured men and provide five-hundred-dollar grants every six months to local patients in treatment. Organizers thanked title sponsor Ball Insurance Agency and congratulated raffle winners Cassandra Carr, Kathleen Moran, and Dr. Jessica Bennett.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The trail clean-up is in Sarnia on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, and nuSarnia is asking volunteers to help clear litter from the Midtown Trail before the busy spring and summer season. You’ll clearing winter debris and refreshing one of the city’s key walking and biking routes. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, closed‑toe shoes, and bring gloves and water. All supplies will be provided. The event also counts toward community service hours for local high school students. Registration details are available on the nuSarnia website.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lake Huron Medical Center in Port Huron is once again spotlighting its standout nurses with the return of the DAISY Award. The national honor celebrates nurses who go above and beyond with skill and compassion. Patients, families, and hospital staff can nominate caregivers who make a difference every day. Honorees will be recognized throughout the year in front of peers and patients, receiving a pin, certificate, and a special sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.” Nominations are now open at mylakehuron.com.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

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