George James

Marine City is bringing back its community Christmas tree this year, thanks to a $7,500 fundraising effort led by the Marine City Chamber of Commerce. The money will cover the construction of a new base for the tree at 300 Broadway Street. After the old tree was removed due to disease, the city had been without one for years. Local businesses, including Eastern Michigan Bank and Real Estate One Westrick, donated funds, while a GoFundMe campaign helped surpass the goal by $100.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced nine grants for local road projects across Michigan, including St. Clair County, which will save taxpayers $2.9 million. The funding will go toward resurfacing Clinton Avenue in St. Clair, from Fred W. Moore Highway to Carney Drive, improving road conditions crucial for truck traffic carrying materials like automotive parts and steel. The project is largely funded by a $375,000 state grant. Whitmer highlighted the importance of repairing local roads to boost business efficiency and support emergency routes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents are being warned to stay vigilant as holiday online shopping scams surge. A new report from Social Catfish ranks Michigan 15th in the U.S. for scam losses, totaling $203 million last year, and 23rd for victims per capita. With Americans expected to spend a record $240 billion on gifts this season, fraudsters are targeting shoppers with AI-driven scams like fake websites, deepfake ads, and phishing alerts. Experts urge careful checks of URLs, verifying sellers, and using official contact numbers to avoid falling victim.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Use the SocialCatfish.com Image Search if want to:

• Verify someone you’ve met online is actually real
• Find out if someone is using your pictures without attribution or paying you. Perfect if you’re a photographer or model
• Discover whether your original artwork is being shared online
• Track down an old friend or an old flame

Residents in the Blue Water Area can spotlight their favorite local businesses and organizations by nominating them for the Best of the Blue Water Area Community’s Choice Awards. By nominating in 25 or more categories, participants are entered to win a $250 gift card. The nomination period closes December 23rd, with the top five in each category advancing to February’s voting round. Winners and finalists will be announced after voting. Learn more and submit nominations at YourChoiceAwards.com/bluewaterarea.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s snow parking ordinance is now active through April to ensure efficient snow removal. Through March 31st, vehicles must not be parked on city streets between 2:30 and 6 a.m. This allows plows to clear snow without obstructions. The city will issue warnings for violations through today, giving residents time to adjust. Starting Friday, fines of $23 will be enforced for anyone parking during restricted hours.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A stabbing at a Queen Street rooming house in Sarnia left one man dead and another charged with second-degree murder. Rob Hall, who manages the property, was shocked by the violence, noting the two tenants involved had seemed quiet and non-violent. Crossley Hunter, 36, has been charged after allegedly stabbing a man—believed to be a young Lambton College student—in a kitchen altercation early Sunday. Hunter, who lived at the house for several months, was set to appear in court Tuesday. This is Sarnia’s second homicide of the year, both on Queen Street.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet