George James

April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and police across St. Clair County are stepping up reminders to keep your eyes on the road. Sheriff Matt King says Michigan’s hands‑free law carries steep fines, but the real danger is the weight of the vehicle you’re controlling. He urges drivers to stash their phones and set music or GPS before pulling out. With construction season kicking in, deputies will also watch work zones closely. National Work Zone Awareness Week runs April 20–24, stressing slower speeds and extra caution, especially since injuring a road worker can bring serious penalties.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Voters in Columbus Township will decide the future of their treasurer this May. Supervisor Brad Smith launched a recall against Kimberly Hetzel, accusing her of delaying bill payments and causing problems with township vendors. Hetzel calls the claims false, saying she simply needed time to learn the financial software when she took office. If voters remove her, former deputy Valerie Kesler will finish the term through 2028. The recall election is May 5th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

You can celebrate Earth Day in a big way at the 24th Annual St. Clair County Earth Fair. It runs Friday, April 24th thhrough Saturday, April 25th at Goodells County Park. Admission, parking, and activities are all free. As Michigan’s largest Earth Day celebration, the event features everything from a live Birds of Prey show and butterfly house to a hands‑on “Bugs on Wheels” exhibit. Tree and shrub sales will also be available both days. Organizers say it’s all about inspiring families to live greener.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

After a devastating fire destroyed the St. Clair County Drug Task Force headquarters in February, the sheriff’s office is getting a boost from two companies stepping up to help. United Shield International of Traverse City and Pro-Tech Sales of Berea, Ohio, donated new safety gear — including body armor, helmets, and gas masks — to help deputies rebuild their supply. Sheriff Mat King says the support has been incredible and will help keep officers ready to protect the community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lake Huron Medical Center in Port Huron is once again spotlighting its standout nurses with the return of the DAISY Award. The national honor celebrates nurses who go above and beyond with skill and compassion. Patients, families, and hospital staff can nominate caregivers who make a difference every day. Honorees will be recognized throughout the year in front of peers and patients, receiving a pin, certificate, and a special sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.” Nominations are now open at mylakehuron.com.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sarnia, police say their grocery cart crackdown is paying off. The initiative, launched in late ’24 to stop shopping cart theft and urban clutter, has led to two criminal charges so far. Local stores had reported losing up to $50,000 a year in missing carts. With the program, officers first educate and warn people before laying charges. More than 80 carts have now been recovered and returned to stores. Police say it’s helped clean up city streets and cut down on smaller crimes around Sarnia.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet