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Local News

Students Bring Holiday Cheer

Marlette High School’s National Honor Society stepped up to help families in need just weeks before Christmas. Originally fundraising for a different project, students quickly redirected their efforts to provide gifts for 25 children across 17 families who weren’t covered by Toys for Tots. They also teamed with Marlette First Church to deliver holiday meal boxes. NHS members shopped for personalized gifts, packed food boxes, and helped with distribution. Superintendent James Marshall praised the students, saying their quick action shows strong character.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Canada’s First Eco-Friendly Aquamation Service

Sarnia residents now have a greener option for end-of-life services as McCormack Funeral Home rebrands to McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services. The George Street funeral home is the first in Canada to offer alkaline hydrolysis, a water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation. This eco-friendly process uses mostly water and a small amount of alkaline solution to gently break down the body, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy. Funeral Director Cameron McCormack says the service provides a dignified choice for families.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Woman Killed in Deerfield Township Crash

A tragic crash in Deerfield Township near North Branch killed 94-year-old Dorothy Lambert Wednesday afternoon. An 82-year-old man turned his pickup left into Deerfield Pines on Lapeer Road, directly into the path of an oncoming SUV with Dorothy and a local couple inside. Firefighters freed the three pinned occupants from the Durango. Dorothy died at the scene. Her 73-year-old son and 72-year-old daughter-in-law were seriously injured and hospitalized, along with the pickup driver and his wife. No speed or alcohol involved.

Reporting for WGRT – JP BZet

Port Huron Welcomes New Museums Director

Port Huron’s Carnegie Museum hosted a warm welcome party last Tuesday for the community’s new museums leader, Regina Schreck, who’s been on the job since October. Staff and supporters praised her experience and energy, saying she’s already making a positive impact after replacing the previous director who left in July. Mayor Anita Ashford called it a fresh start full of promise. Schreck thanked everyone for the support and promised to grow exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate Port Huron’s rich history.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Man Charged with Open Murder

In St. Clair County, a peaceful evening ride on the popular Wadhams to Avoca Trail turned deadly back in October. Two men, 68-year-old Alvis Miranda from Port Huron and 60-year-old Robert Barr from Kimball Township, got into a fight that ended with Miranda being stabbed. Miranda drove himself to the hospital without calling 911 right away, while Barr reported the incident to police after getting home. Miranda died from his injuries two weeks later. Last week, authorities arrested Barr on an open murder charge.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Head-on Crash in Watertown Township

A scary head-on crash in Watertown Township near Sandusky sent five locals to the hospital Tuesday morning. A 16-year-old girl from Clifford crossed the centerline on South Sandusky Road and collided with an oncoming SUV driven by a 22-year-old Sandusky woman carrying three young children. All five were taken to McKenzie Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries. Authorities say speed and alcohol were not factors. The incident serves as a reminder for drivers in Sanilac County to stay alert on rural roads.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet