New Online ER Scheduling
Folks in St. Clair County can now dodge long ER waits at McLaren Port Huron hospital. The hospital’s new online scheduling lets patients with minor issues like bad coughs or twisted ankles pick a treatment time that suits them at mclaren.org/porthuron. Dr. John Brooks, the top doc there, says it’s perfect for planning care without replacing 911 for big emergencies. Staff still check online sign-ups for serious symptoms like chest pain, reaching out if someone needs to hightail it to the ER or call for help.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Big Changes to Commute
This weekend, folks in Kimball Township will see a big change on their commute. The Michigan Department of Transportation is shutting down part of Interstate 69 to tear down the old Allen Road bridge. Starting tonight at 7, both sides of I-69 will close until Monday morning at 6 a.m. It’s all part of a $2.1 million fix-up, with detours set via Wadhams, Griswold, Range, and I-94. Allen Road will also close at I-69, rerouting drivers through Lapeer and Range. The full project wraps up in July.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Sanilac County Historical Society Dinner Fundraiser
The Sanilac County Historical Society is hosting a Spring Rebirth Dinner Fundraiser on April 26 from 5 to 7 PM at Libby’s Cove in Port Sanilac. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal from Huron Street Cafe, including Chicken and Shrimp Scampi and cheesecake with fresh fruit. The event features spring-themed activities, flower displays, and golf cart transportation from Port Sanilac Lutheran Church. Proceeds support the Historical Society’s projects. Tickets are $55 for members, $65 for non-members. Purchase online or at the Historical Society’s office.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Man Jailed for Dog’s Death
In Richmond, William Kucharski Jr., landed in hot water after his dad’s Labrador retriever was found dead in his arms. The 49-year-old faced 63 days behind bars after pleading no contest to animal cruelty, a lesser charge than the original killing accusation. A vet couldn’t pinpoint the dog’s death cause, only noting age-related health woes. Macomb County’s prosecutor pushed for a fair outcome, while Kucharski now faces a mental health check and separate charges in St. Clair County for arson and assault from last October.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet
Grants for Scrap Tire Recycling
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grants to support scrap tire cleanup and recycling. Scrap tires, which can create health risks and fires, can be repurposed for road paving, manufactured products, and energy production. Grants will cover up to 50% of project costs that use scrap tires in new or expanded ways. EGLE is prioritizing projects that create viable markets and innovative uses for these materials. Applications are due by April 18th.
Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet