George James

St. Clair County families started the holidays early with festive events across the area. On Friday, Santa arrived at Birchwood Mall in Fort Gratiot with photos and live music. That same evening in downtown St. Clair, the Lighted Santa Parade began at Vine Street, ending with a tree lighting, Santa receiving the city key, and live reindeer at the Candy Cane Corral. On Saturday the Marine City Old Newsboys Craft & Vendor Show ran at Perch Point Conservation Club, offering local crafts, raffles, and food, all supporting the local charity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s population is expected to grow slowly over the next few years, reaching nearly 79,700 by ’26, according to new Lambton County projections. While the county as a whole is forecast to rise to about 140,500 residents, Sarnia’s growth remains modest compared to nearby communities like Lambton Shores and St. Clair Township. The report highlights that past growth has been limited, and the city’s population increase is not expected to surge. City planners are advised to base future development on these steady, gradual trends.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron and St. Clair County residents can start dropping off shoebox gifts through Monday for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Local drop off locations include Colonial Woods Missionary Church in Port Huron, North Lakeport Wesleyan in Fort Gratiot, and Harvest Church in Marine City, to name a few. Families can fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and personal care items, or build one online with a photo and personal note.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two women went before a Port Huron judge Tuesday after an October incident where police shot a dog.

23-year-old Paige Armstrong pled guilty to resisting an officer, reducing her charge from a felony to a misdemeanor with up to a year in jail. She says the dog later died.

21-year-old Julia Piper waived a preliminary hearing. She faces charges including assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly releasing aggressive dogs during the arrest.

Armstrong will be sentenced Dec. 19th, and Piper’s next court date hasn’t been set

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marysville’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested eight people in Fort Gratiot on November 12th for being in the U.S. illegally. The group included individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Four of those arrested had prior criminal records, including one wanted for domestic violence and another for drug possession. All eight are now facing deportation, according to the CBP Detroit Sector office. Local authorities have not released additional details about the arrests.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet