George James

Sarnia’s IMPACT police team is keeping busy, but fewer people are taking up help this year. The team has made 124 referrals to community services, down from 214 last year, with only 57 accepted and 25 shelter placements taken. Street-level contacts remain steady, with over 1,600 encounters with people experiencing homelessness and 1,400 involving addiction. Police say homelessness hasn’t dropped but has spread across about 10 smaller, scattered encampments around the city, compared to one large site last year. The three-officer unit continues patrols even as successful outcomes dip.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Volunteers in Michigan are gearing up for Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week from November 17th to the 24th. Local drop-off sites will welcome shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children facing poverty, war, and disease. Since ’93, the program has delivered over 232 million boxes worldwide. Families and groups can pack a box, donate $10 online to track its journey, and help share hope and the message of Jesus with kids around the globe. Drop-off locations and hours are searchable online by city or ZIP code.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

State regulators have shut down a prominent St. Clair County car dealership after finding repeated violations involving the sale of vehicles. The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair on King Road in China Township, citing what it calls imminent harm to the public.

According to the state, investigators discovered more than two dozen cases in which the dealership sold used vehicles as new. Some vehicles reportedly had thousands of miles on them including one with around six thousand miles. The department says this happened even after the dealership had already been warned, fined, placed on probation, and given training on the rules.

As a result, the dealership is barred from doing business while the suspension is in place. State officials say the action protects consumers who believed they were buying new vehicles.

Consumers with concerns are encouraged to contact the state complaint line at 844-372-8356.

We have contacted LaFontaine for comment. So far, they have not responded.

This month, 13 local police departments are going all in for a good cause with the 13th Annual Pigs 4 Wigs campaign. Officers from Hazel Park, Fraser, Macomb County, Sterling Heights, and many more, are raising money by skipping shaves, sporting earrings, and painting nails. All funds go to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, a local nonprofit providing free wigs and support for kids ages 3 to 18 facing cancer, alopecia, and other medical conditions. Over 22 years, Maggie’s Wigs has helped more than 5,600 children statewide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron’s McMorran Place is bringing back glamour with a black-tie gala to restore the city’s iconic Night & Day Fountain. The Night & Day Ball is set for March 19th at the McMorran Theater, aiming to raise funds for professional restoration of the landmark sculpture by Marshall M. Fredericks. The fountain has long been a local gathering spot and a symbol of Port Huron’s cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy an elegant evening of food, drinks, and entertainment, with all proceeds supporting the restoration. Tickets and sponsorships will be available early next year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet