Local News

In Sarnia last year, police solved more crimes than ever, with a record 39.25% clearance rate, meaning more cases were closed with charges or other resolutions. However, violent crime hit an all-time high, with four homicides pushing the Violent Crime Severity Index up 11.5%, despite a national drop in violent crime. A surge in non-consensual image distribution cases, which are easier to solve due to digital evidence, partly boosted the clearance rate. As Sarnia plans a new $91-million police headquarters, residents are questioning how these stats reflect community safety.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On Saturday, Royal Oak’s Memorial Park came alive with the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance’s Clean Cruise. Families marveled at electric vehicles, from sleek cars to e-bikes and even an electric school bus. Kids enjoyed fun activities, food trucks dished out delicious eats, and live music set the vibe. Experts shared insights on electric mobility, and at 4 p.m., a police-escorted EV parade cruised down Woodward Avenue, highlighting Michigan’s leadership in green innovation.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Community Foundation and its Community Capital Club (C3) group are hosting the 2025 “100 Men” event on September 4th. The event goal is to have at least 100 men attend at a cost of $100 each and then give away $10,000 that evening to a local nonprofit program, project or organization. The 2025 event will be hosted on the south side of Port Huron at the site of one of the largest mixed-used waterfront developments on this side of Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – Jared Cerullo

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board has approved two projects investing nearly $60 million combined between Imlay City (Lapeer County) and Holland (Allegan County) and creating over 460 jobs. Quentin Messner Junior, the CEO of the MDEC and chair of the MSF Board, says the Make It In Michigan economic development strategy is working, providing funds to people to thrive in Michigan. Defense company Veptos has announced it will invest 19 million dollars in Lapeer County by acquiring a former bus manufacturing facility.

Reporting for WGRT – Jared Cerullo

Port Huron Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a juvenile on an electric bicycle. It happened Monday in the 2800 block of Electric Avenue when a car struck the 15 year old girl who was riding the e-bike. The preliminary investigation shows the girl was riding in the wrong lane of traffic when she was struck. Police say the driver of the car remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The girl’s name is not being released.

Reporting for WGRT – Jared Cerullo

An overdue boater in the Michigan waters off Lake St Clair has been found safe having run adrift after fuel ran out on the personal watercraft. The Ira Township Fire Department, along with South Water Rescue were requested to help after emergency dispatchers got a report that the boater was an hour overdue for arrival back at the boat launch.

Reporting for WGRT – Jared Cerullo