George James

Casa Tequilas Mexican Grill burst onto the Fort Gratiot dining scene with a packed grand opening near Birchwood Mall last week. The new family-run restaurant, located in the former Red Lobster building, drew such a crowd that staff had to turn customers away. Owners Monse and Nicolas Leon moved from Tennessee to bring their Chicago-based brand of authentic Mexican cuisine to the Blue Water area. Everything from salsa to guacamole is made fresh in-house, and experienced chefs were brought in to train new staff.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Algonac Jr./Sr. High School health clinic is set to reopen under new management. The St. Clair County Health Department ran the clinic until September but closed it to follow state guidelines. Now, Community First Health Centers will take over, ensuring students and families regain access to essential care. State approval has secured funding for the transfer, and both organizations are working to meet all requirements, hire staff, and complete contracts. The exact reopening date depends on completing these steps, aiming to restore consistent healthcare services for the Algonac community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The woman accused in Monday’s deadly shooting at a Port Huron Marathon gas station was arraigned Wednesday. Police say the 36-year-old suspect was arrested without incident after a 30-year-old Detroit man was found shot multiple times at the station on Military Street around 4:30 p.m. He later died at Lake Huron Medical Center. Prosecutor Mike Wendling says investigators were working through details before formal charges were filed. Police continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County murder suspect Maurice Houle appeared in court Monday, for motions including a request to move his trial out of the county. Judge Cynthia Lane said she won’t decide on a change of venue until jurors are questioned about whether they can be fair, citing the case’s public attention. Houle and co-defendant Amanda Maison face felony homicide charges in the death of Maison’s son, Matthew. A new hearing is set for Nov. 7th, while Maison’s motions are scheduled for Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron City Council approved buying 200 trees Monday as part of a citywide reforestation plan, spending $80,000 for plantings through next spring. The city also launched a new program letting residents request trees for their own property, boosting community involvement. The move aims to raise canopy coverage from the current 25% toward a regional goal of 40%. A proposal to create a resident-led task force to guide canopy planning failed without discussion, highlighting ongoing council tensions over process and communication.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Algonac Lions Club is stepping up children’s eye care with its own Plusoptix vision camera, ending years of borrowing equipment from other districts. The camera provides free, fast screenings for kids from 6 months to 18 years old, spotting vision issues early when they’re easiest to correct. Club member Suezette Stone led fundraising efforts, raising $5,500 to buy the device, and volunteers are trained to operate it. The Lions plan to expand the program with a mobile trailer, bringing eye screenings to schools, events, and neighborhoods across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet