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Local News

Instagram Implements Teen Safety Measures

Instagram is introducing new safety measures for teens, automatically placing current and future teen users into a Teen Account. This feature limits who can contact them, filters offensive content, and encourages app breaks after an hour of use. Sleep Mode is also enabled by default to mute notifications at night. Parents now have more control with options to monitor activity, set time limits, and block the app. These changes aim to improve teen safety following concerns from lawmakers about social media’s impact on young users.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Rivard Pleads Guilty for Fentanyl

Donald Rivard, a 44-year-old from Sarnia, is set to begin a four-year prison sentence for fentanyl trafficking. He was one of nine arrested last fall during police raids in Lambton and Middlesex counties. Rivard expressed frustration in court, stating his co-accused had their charges dropped after he pleaded guilty. Rivard was arrested with fentanyl, meth, and $400 in cash. He claims the drugs were for personal use, not for sale. His girlfriend, Carly Timms, had her charges dismissed. Despite his plea deal, Rivard faces additional charges in Newmarket.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two Windsor Seniors Killed In Crash

In rural Lambton County, two Windsor seniors who had recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary were killed in a tragic crash. Omer and Marilyn Hageniers were involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer at Inwood Road and Courtright Line last week. Omer, 79, and Marilyn, 77, had dedicated their lives to their family and community—Omer as a successful engineer and Marilyn as a compassionate nurse. A memorial service was held in Windsor Wednesday, followed by a funeral today.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sanilac Vandalism Incident

The Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help following a vandalism incident at Ben’s Great Outdoors in Marlette Township on Saturday, around 10:20 PM. The office is looking for information on a blue pickup truck that was seen at the scene. If anyone has details about the truck or its owner, they are urged to contact Sanilac County Central Dispatch at 810-648-2000 Ext. 2 or get in touch with Deputy Matt Washe. Your tips could help solve this case.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Couple Charged Twice for Drug Trafficking

In the Sarnia area, a couple has been charged twice in just two months following drug busts near Arkona. On September 6, police seized about $8,500 worth of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine from a vehicle on Arkona Road, arresting Jacob Kaczanowski, 36, and Jamie Millier, 34, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Both face trafficking charges. Kaczanowski is in custody awaiting a bail hearing, while Millier is out on bail with a court date set for October 2nd.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Local Woman Sentenced In Embezzlement Case

In Burtchville Township, Lisa Tramski, 57, was sentenced to one year of probation for embezzling money from a woman she once cared for. St. Clair County Judge Daniel Damman gave Tramski a lighter sentence because she repaid the stolen funds and had no prior criminal record. Tramski had been a guardian for Pauline Runyon, who left her money in a new will made shortly before her death. The state argued Tramski influenced Runyon to change her will, but Tramski repaid $51,600.75 and admitted to embezzlement in a plea deal.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet