Local News

Drivers crossing the Blue Water Bridge into Canada are now facing higher tolls, with rates rising by a dollar across the board. Standard vehicles such as cars, pickups, and SUVs now pay $4, while larger personal vehicles like RVs or campers are charged $4 for each axle beyond two. Commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, see their rates jump to $4.25 per axle. This marks the first phase of a two-step toll increase by MDOT, with a second hike of another dollar planned for December 1st next year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lucas Ebmeyer, a local Boy Scout, has completed his Eagle Project by installing a “Telephone of the Wind” at Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville. This unique phone, unconnected to any network, offers grieving individuals a chance to express unspoken words to loved ones they’ve lost. Located near the Tom Lock Observatory for easy access, it’s the first of its kind in the area, providing a heartfelt space for reflection, especially during the family-focused holiday season. Blue Water Hospice Home hopes to add this new addition to the national directory soon.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum in Port Sanilac is lighting up the season with its free Christmas Lighted Trail, open every weekend through January 3rd. The trail will also shine nightly from December 24th to January 3rd, offering a magical holiday experience for families. As a nonprofit, the museum relies on donations to keep the lights glowing. Visitors can support the event by contributing at donation stations or online.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Marine City is bringing back its community Christmas tree this year, thanks to a $7,500 fundraising effort led by the Marine City Chamber of Commerce. The money will cover the construction of a new base for the tree at 300 Broadway Street. After the old tree was removed due to disease, the city had been without one for years. Local businesses, including Eastern Michigan Bank and Real Estate One Westrick, donated funds, while a GoFundMe campaign helped surpass the goal by $100.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced nine grants for local road projects across Michigan, including St. Clair County, which will save taxpayers $2.9 million. The funding will go toward resurfacing Clinton Avenue in St. Clair, from Fred W. Moore Highway to Carney Drive, improving road conditions crucial for truck traffic carrying materials like automotive parts and steel. The project is largely funded by a $375,000 state grant. Whitmer highlighted the importance of repairing local roads to boost business efficiency and support emergency routes.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Due to hazardous road conditions, the following will be closed on December 5th, 2024

St. Clair County:

• Blue Water Choices
• **Life Skills Center
• Capac Community Schools
• Cardinal Mooney Catholic High
• **Archdiocese of Detroit
• East China School District
• East Shore-Leadership Acdmy  
• Holy Cross Catholic
• **Archdiocese of Detroit
• Landmark Acdmy
• **St. Clair County RESA
• Lapeer Life Skills
• Marysville Public Schools
• Memphis Community Schools
• Port Huron Area Schools
• St. Clair County RESA Admin
• **St. Clair County RESA
• St. Clair TEC
• **St. Clair County RESA
• St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Acdmy
• **Archdiocese of Detroit
• Woodland Develop Center
• **St. Clair County RESA
• Yale School District

Sanilac & Macomb County

• Brown City School District
• Carsonville-Port Sanilac Schools
• Croswell-Lexington Comm Schools
• Deckerville School District
• Lapeer Life Skills
• Marlette School District
• Peck Community Schools
• Sanilac Career Center
• Sandusky School District
• Sanilac Special Ed.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health is open and all staff are to report to work. However, due to weather and road conditions, the CIS program is closed today and there will be no CMH transportation to programs like Community Enterprises, Goodwill, or Lifeskills.