Local News

A deadly shooting at an Almont business last Wednesday morning left one person dead and a Columbus Township man in custody. Police say the suspect fled before being tracked down by Lapeer County deputies along I-69 near Imlay City. During the chase, deputies shot and injured the 32-year-old man, who’s now stable at a hospital. Five patrol cars were damaged and three officers suffered minor injuries. Michigan State Police are now handling both the Almont shooting and the officer-involved shooting investigations.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County agencies are stepping in as federal food aid faces delays. The county’s Emergency Operations Center and Community Services Coordinating Body are connecting residents to local food pantries and meal programs. Over 22,000 people, including 8,000 children, rely on SNAP benefits, which are only partially restored this month after a federal court order. Officials urge those who can donate or volunteer to help. A full list of resources and ways to assist is online at CSCBinfo.org.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Small businesses and nonprofit groups in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties have until Nov. 28 to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans following the June through November drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program helps businesses cover bills, payroll, and other expenses even if no physical damage occurred. Loans can reach $2 million with rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits, with payments delayed for a year. A 60-day grace period applies after the deadline.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Croswell man, 41, died Tuesday evening after being struck by a payloader while working at Michigan Sugar Company. Croswell police say the accident happened just after 6 in the company’s Agriculture Department. Emergency crews tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Michigan Sugar says grief counselors were on site for employees, calling the loss “tragic” and offering support to friends, family, and co-workers. Police and the company’s safety team are investigating the accident.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two St. Clair County Community College soccer players are earning statewide recognition. Sophomore Tara Malone and freshman Amalia Moelgaard were both named to the All-MCCAA Second Team. Malone, a steady force in midfield, guided the young Skippers with leadership and grit. Moelgaard made an instant impact in her first season, showing speed and skill on both offense and defense. Their achievements highlight the growing strength of SC4’s women’s soccer program, which continues to make its mark in only its early years.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Over 900 St. Clair County high school students got a firsthand look at local manufacturing during the 10th annual Manufacturing Day tours last month. Over eight days, students from 10 schools visited 14 county companies, exploring high-tech careers in robotics, engineering, production, and more. Coordinated by St. Clair County RESA’s Blue Water College Access Network, the tours aimed to boost college and career readiness while showing students the diverse paths into manufacturing. Local businesses showcased hands-on demonstrations and modern processes, inspiring the next generation of workers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet