Local News

Starting Wednesday, Michigan State Police will ramp up patrols on I-94, from New Buffalo to Port Huron, targeting distracted drivers. Officers will focus on drivers texting, eating, or otherwise distracted behind the wheel. The initiative, in partnership with the Kiefer Foundation, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The Kiefer Foundation, founded in honor of Mitchel Kiefer, who died in a crash with a distracted driver, will help educate drivers during stops and through media outreach.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

24-year-old Wyatt Stimac was arraigned March 18th on charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm. The incident occurred the night before in St. Clair Township on Gratiot Road. Deputies arrived to find Stimac, who was arrested without resistance, and a 56-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Port Huron Major Crimes Unit and MSP Crime Lab, are investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marysville is set to receive $250,000 for road repairs, as part of a grant announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The funding will help fix Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street. The state’s Community Service Infrastructure Fund supports small cities, like Marysville, with populations under 10,000, to improve local roads. Whitmer emphasized the importance of these repairs for saving drivers time and money, while keeping roads safer across Michigan. Marysville is one of 16 small cities benefiting from this initiative.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Saturday evening, a crash occurred at Berville and Masters Roads in Berlin Township. A 16-year-old girl driving a UTV with a 15-year-old passenger collided with a Chevy Equinox driven by an 80-year-old man and his 81-year-old passenger, both from nearby Armada. The UTV occupants were thrown from their vehicle, sustaining serious injuries. Emergency services, including local deputies and fire crews, responded. Excessive speed, alcohol, and drugs were ruled out as factors. The incident remains under investigation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A recent survey shows that Michiganders spent just 19 hours outdoors this past winter, far below the national average of 24 hours. Experts warn that too much time inside could affect health, as studies show that exposure to natural light can reduce the risk of early death by up to 34%. Many Michiganders stayed indoors due to cold weather and early darkness, while 85% said they’d go outside more knowing they could lengthen their lives. Despite the cold, 64% of residents feel the state offers enough public spaces to encourage outdoor activity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Canadian authorities seized over 900 pounds of cocaine in two separate busts at the Blue Water Bridge. In late February, officers found 86 kg of cocaine worth $2.3 million in a truck entering Canada. Driver Pawandeep Dhillon, 34, of Innisfil, was arrested. On March 6, another truck carried 333 kg of cocaine worth $9 million was seized. Driver Ravinderbir Singh, 23, of Brampton, was also arrested. The CBSA says over $68 million in drugs have been seized in Southern Ontario this year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet