Local News

Horse owners in St. Clair County should stay alert after a 13-year-old gelding tested positive for strangles just before Christmas. The horse showed signs like fever, runny nose, and fast breathing starting mid-December. He is now quarantined at home to stop the spread. Strangles is a very contagious bacterial infection that passes easily between horses through contact or shared items. Local barns are reminded to quarantine new arrivals, clean equipment thoroughly, and watch for early symptoms to protect their herds during the holiday season. Most horses recover fully.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Winter fun is easy to find across the Blue Water Area as local parks open their hills, trails, and ice rinks for the season. Families are heading to sledding spots like Columbus, Goodells, East China, Marysville City, and Lincoln parks. Port Huron also offers outdoor skating at McMorran Place Plaza and Palmer Park. Many locations provide lighted areas and free equipment. Park conditions depend on weather, always check conditions first — and remember snowboarding is not allowed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia residents will see their city property taxes rise by about 3.95 percent this new year, adding roughly $42 more per $100,000 of home value. City council approved a $196 million budget to cover rising costs for basics like water, roads, and sewers while fixing old infrastructure. They’re spending $65 million on repairs, including flood-preventing sewer work and road fixes, but delayed a new police station to keep the tax hike lower. Final tax bills depend on county and school board decisions later this year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On December 22nd in Fremont Township near Marlette, a 59-year-old local woman crashed her Jeep Cherokee while trying to avoid a slow-moving tractor on Todd Road. As dusk fell, she couldn’t gauge the distance to the tractor’s flashing lights and swerved off the road to miss it. Her vehicle crossed a ditch, jumped a driveway, and landed in a nearby yard. She suffered possible injuries and was taken to McLaren Port Huron hospital. Alcohol wasn’t involved, and the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in Port Huron and the Blue Water Area can shake off the cold this winter with a lineup of free and family-friendly events starting in January. The International Silver Stick youth hockey tournament brings teams from the U.S. and Canada over three exciting weekends. St. Clair hosts its Icy Bazaar with massive ice carvings, fireworks, live music, and a brand-new drone show. Downtown Port Huron’s Chilly Fest features ice sculptures, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a fun chili cook-off. The fun wraps up in March with SC4’s free STEM Fest.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in northern Michigan were urged to slow down while crossing the Mackinac Bridge on Monday as dangerous winter weather moved through the Straits. Strong winds and blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero, making the five-mile bridge invisible on all live traffic cameras. The conditions were tied to a powerful winter storm that dropped heavy snow across the Upper Peninsula. Officials warned roads were slick and advised drivers to keep speeds at or below 20 miles per hour as crews closely monitored conditions.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet