Send new stories and press releases to JP at news@wgrt.com.

Local News

Tuscola Woman Wins Big

A Tuscola County woman hit it big with a $1 million dollar Mega Millions prize after keeping an eye on the jackpot. Shannon Dominowski, 37, usually only plays when the stakes are high and bought her lucky ticket online at MichiganLottery.com for the Nov. 8th drawing. She matched all five white balls, securing the hefty prize. Dominowski recently claimed her winnings at Lottery headquarters and plans to invest the money for retirement.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Michigan Affordability in Starting a Business

A new study ranks Michigan as the 13th least expensive state to start a business this year. With low LLC filing fees and reasonable commercial rent, the state offers an affordable environment for new businesses. However, rising costs like wages and corporate taxes can add up, with labor costs increasing by 3.8% and rent rising 3.2% over the past year. Despite these challenges, Michigan’s strong SBA lending and low regulation rates make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Battle of the Badges

The Port Huron Fire Department is gearing up for its annual Battle of the Badges hockey game, this time pitting fire against police to raise funds for The Arc of St. Clair County. The nonprofit supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering advocacy for both children and adults to help with education, employment, and housing. Proceeds from the event will help The Arc continue its vital services. Tickets for the March 14th game are now available on the McMorran website for $12.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Ethan Morgan Sentenced to Prison

Ethan Morgan, of Port Huron Township, was sentenced to a prison term ranging from 18 months to 5 years for his involvement in distributing child pornography. Despite his lawyer’s arguments for a lighter sentence, citing Morgan’s remorse and the claim that he had made a regrettable mistake, Circuit Court Judge Daniel Damman emphasized the severe nature of Morgan’s crimes. Morgan was arrested in September after he shared explicit videos depicting adults abusing children in a social media group chat. A member of that chat reported the content.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sandusky Man Charged

A 41-year-old man from Sandusky, Justin Emil King, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to child pornography. The charges include aggravated possession, distribution, and use of a computer to commit crimes. The investigation started after a tip from the Michigan State Police and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, leading to a search of his home where evidence was found. King was arraigned with a bond set at $100,000, and a conference is scheduled for March 4th. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Employer-Assisted Housing Fund

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, along with the Small Business Association of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Chamber, held a press conference on Monday to announce the launch of the Employer-Assisted Housing Fund. This new initiative aims to help Michigan businesses invest in local housing for their employees. The event highlighted how businesses can apply for funding, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The initiative aims to address Michigan’s housing shortage, supporting both workers and the community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet