George James

Older adults in St. Clair County are getting new help to fight loneliness. The Council on Aging recently received funding from Molina Healthcare of Michigan to boost its “Reinvent Yourself Seminar,” which helps seniors adjust to life changes like retirement, caregiving, and loss. The grant is part of a statewide $135,000 effort supporting senior centers with wellness, arts, and tech programs. Local leaders say the money will help keep seniors connected and healthy—one conversation at a time.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Port Huron, city leaders are taking action to bring back the trees. The City Council approved a $113,000 plan to map every tree on public land and create a long-term forestry plan to rebuild the city’s shrinking tree canopy — now at just 25%, well below the regional goal of 40%. The work will be handled by EnviroTrac and paid for over two years. City leaders say this investment can help Port Huron qualify for future grants and restore shade across neighborhoods where big, old trees have disappeared over the decades.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A pipeline leak that created an oil sheen on the St. Clair River has now been traced to a site in Sarnia’s petrochemical district. Sun-Canadian Pipe Line confirmed the source over the weekend, more than a week after the first sheen was spotted near the Suncor refinery. Cleanup crews have deployed booms and absorbent pads along the river by St. Clair Parkway. Officials say no new leaks have been seen, but the line stays shut while investigations continue. Local First Nations are monitoring impacts closely as trucks reroute fuel shipments through their towns.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Firefighters in Kimball Township were called to a home on the 5600 block of Flinchbaugh Road late Saturday night after an alarm company reported flames. When crews arrived around 9:40 p.m., the house was already engulfed and one man was trapped inside. Despite efforts from several local fire departments and TriHospital EMS, the 65-year-old resident did not survive. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s detectives are now investigating what caused the deadly blaze. The man’s identity has not been released yet.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Road crews are gearing up for a busy spring in Fort Gratiot. One of the biggest jobs will be rebuilding Krafft Road between State and Parker, including a new mini-roundabout at Krafft and State. The intersection will fully close for about 30 days, with no traffic allowed through, not even emergency vehicles. Township planners are already working on alternate routes to keep response times steady. Other summer projects include repaving in the Old Farms neighborhood and fixing up parts of Shorewood Boulevard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Art on the River has named Michigan artist and designer Jody Parmann as its annual Featured Artist. Parmann, known for blending art, design, and community connection, is creating an exclusive piece celebrating Port Huron and the Blue Water Area. Her work, supported by a grant from the Blue Water Arts Council, will appear at the Port Huron Museum and later rotate through local venues like Andy’s Wine Bar on Water Street. Parmann also leads The Forge at Foundry makerspace in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet