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Local News

Northern Collegiate Tops Lambton Schools

A new Fraser Institute report ranks Ontario’s high schools based on literacy and math scores. Northern Collegiate in Sarnia led Lambton County, placing 158th out of 747 schools with a 7.3 rating. Lambton Central in Petrolia came next at 178th. Great Lakes, St. Patrick’s, and St. François-Xavier followed in the middle of the pack, while North Lambton earned a 5.6 rating. Most Lambton schools showed gains since last year, though St. Patrick’s fell in the rankings. The report helps families compare performance across the province.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Small Businesses Win Growth Grants

In St. Clair County, nine local small businesses are getting a boost thanks to more than sixty-four thousand dollars in new grant funding from the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network. The awards range from about five to eleven thousand dollars each, supporting familiar spots like Port Huron’s Raven Café, Murphy Inn in St. Clair, and Viking Fitness in Marysville. The program, part of a six-county effort led by the Economic Development Alliance, aims to fuel local business growth and keep jobs right here in our communities.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Po Ho Hot Cocoa Event Returns

Runners can warm up their winter with a sweet challenge as the 15th annual Po Ho Hot Cocoa Event returns to Port Huron on January 24th. The family-friendly day features races, live music from Bandwagon, and plenty of chocolate. Runners can choose from four distances, including a kids’ mile at 8:30 a.m. and longer routes starting soon after. The event helps fund local cross-country programs, with racers picking up medals, jackets, and cocoa at the finish line. Packet pickup starts January 23rd at the Wrigley Center downtown.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Icy Roads Blamed in Deadly Rollover Crash

A deadly crash in snowy conditions claimed the life of a Kenockee Township man Saturday night. Around 7:30, St. Clair County deputies, firefighters, and Tri-Hospital EMS rushed to Kilgore Road near Imlay City Road after a Chevy Silverado rolled over. Investigators say the truck lost control on icy pavement and flipped into a ditch, ejecting the driver. CPR was performed, but the 37-year-old man later died at McLaren Port Huron. Officials say alcohol or drugs are not suspected, and the crash remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Domtar Paper

Port Huron Moves to Rezone Industrial Sites

Port Huron officials are moving to open up redevelopment options for several older industrial sites, including the former Domtar paper mill on Washington Ave. Last week, the Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend rezoning these properties from industrial use to a Planned Unit Development, which allows more flexible future uses while keeping current operations. The proposal, affecting sites along Washington, 12th, Kearney, and Thomas streets, now heads to City Council for a final vote today.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Road Rage Ends in Tragic Death

A road rage incident in Croswell last Wednesday afternoon ended tragically when a man was found dead at his home. Police say the dispute began around 1:40 p.m. near North Howard and Wells Streets, escalating when one man brandished a firearm and fled. Officers searched the area using drones, tips, and family contacts but lost him. The investigation involved multiple local agencies, including Croswell and Lexington police, Sanilac County deputies, and emergency responders.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet