George James

Port Huron’s plans to fix the Black River Canal and Tainter gate are on hold until nearly $5 million in funding is secured. City Manager James Freed says initial estimates were around $1 million, but costs have skyrocketed due to bureaucratic delays. Attempts to get funding from Port Huron and Fort Gratiot townships fell through, so Freed is now looking to the state legislature for help. The Tainter gate, damaged in last winter’s ice jam, remains closed, blocking boat traffic to Lake Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After 41 years, Mark Dixon is retiring and selling Picker’s Alley, Sarnia’s go-to music shop, to national chain Long & McQuade. At 65, Dixon says it’s time for a new chapter, and he’s glad the store will live on instead of shutting down. Long & McQuade takes over Monday, making it their 107th location. Dixon recalls Sarnia’s once-thriving music store scene. Longtime employee Tony Zangolli will stay on, and Dixon thanks the community for decades of support.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bird lovers have a chance to help science this Valentine’s Day weekend by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count. Open to everyone, the event only requires 15 minutes of bird-watching in any location, from a backyard to a city park. The global count helps researchers track bird populations and migration patterns. Last year, over 642,000 participants from 210 regions contributed data to Cornell’s eBird database. Free tools like the Merlin Bird ID app make it easy for beginners to identify birds and join in on this citizen science effort.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A 58-year-old man from Marlette was involved in an ATV crash Monday morning on Marlette Road in Marlette Township. The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office reported that the man was traveling west when he lost control, causing his ATV to leave the roadway and slide into a ditch. He was ejected from the vehicle, and he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Emergency responders were called and rushed him to Aspire Rural Health System in Marlette. Authorities confirmed that speed did not contribute to the crash.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

McKenzie Health System is hosting a free session for new and expecting parents on February 19th in Sandusky. The event, titled “Get the Basics: Newborn Care, Breastfeeding, Postpartum Care,” will be held at 120 Delaware Street, with a virtual option via Zoom. Megan Mason from the Sanilac County Health Department will cover essential topics like newborn care, breastfeeding tips, and postpartum strategies. The event is part of McKenzie’s Healthy Living Together series, aimed at supporting local families’ health. To register, call 810-648-6127 or visit McKenzieHealth.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On February 19th, the Lambton County Library will show Hidden Figures at the Sarnia Library Theatre, offering a free screening of the inspiring film. The movie tells the true story of three African-American women—Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson—who broke barriers to help NASA send astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film highlights their crucial roles in space history. The screening is open to all, with no registration needed, and is PG-rated, lasting 127 minutes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet