Local News

Washington Township officials in Sanilac County are preparing to take the Hi-Way Drive-In to court after a music festival went on at the property this summer without the township’s approval. The township board voted 4 to 0 on September 8th, to let its attorney pursue whatever legal action is needed to enforce local zoning rules. The drive-in had asked for a special land use permit, but the township planning committee turned it down in July, and the festival was held anyway.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Nearly 200 Sarnia apartments have a new landlord. Skyline Apartment REIT sold three buildings on September 10TH, covering 187 rental units. Those include Patricia Apartments and Regal Tower on Colborne Road, and Bryn Mawr Apartments on Berkshire Road. That equals about 3 per cent of the private apartments counted in Sarnia in ’21. Skyline did not name the buyer or the price. The company bought the buildings in 2014. It has now sold 265 Sarnia apartments since June of ’25.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

If you missed the back to school rush, Port Huron families still have a shot at free backpacks. Blue Water Community Action is giving away backpacks stocked with supplies, from preschool through high school, to kids who still need one. Just stop by the office on Lapeer Road, Monday through Thursday, seven-thirty to five. Bring proof of St. Clair County residency, and your child must be with you to receive a backpack. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait!

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron Township officials have hit pause on data center construction, giving themselves time to write new rules for the massive facilities. The township board unanimously passed a temporary moratorium this week, blocking any new applications for data centers and other high-demand power users. Officials say no applications are currently on file, but they want regulations in place covering noise, lighting and safety concerns before any company comes knocking. The pause could last up to a year, or until permanent zoning rules take effect.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is set to gain more than a hundred new jobs, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces a major expansion for automotive supplier U.S. Farathane. The Auburn Hills-based company is planning a new high-bay manufacturing facility in St. Clair County, backed by a state performance grant and local tax incentives, with a total investment nearing twenty-two million dollars. Officials say the project beat out competing offers from Mexico and several other states, keeping the jobs right here in Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Students at Woodland Developmental Center hit the runway today for the school’s second annual “Fash Bash,” a fashion show built entirely on thrifted and upcycled clothing. Two dozen student models picked their own looks during a thrift store shopping trip, while volunteers adapted pieces for students needing accessible clothing. St. Clair County TEC cosmetology students are providing hair and makeup, and Marysville schools donated the runway risers. Shows run at one and six, with the evening event open to the public.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet