Local News

St. Clair County Community College is celebrating a big win after its associate degree nursing program scored a 98.6% first-time pass rate on the national nurse licensing exam, a strong sign that students are well prepared for real hospital work. College leaders say the result reflects tough classroom training, hands-on clinical practice, simulation labs, and close support from faculty and healthcare partners, while graduates are already being recruited by employers across the Blue Water Area and other parts of Michigan.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

As Port Huron marks the 50th annual Float Down this August 16th, local authorities are warning that the seven-mile drift down the fast-moving St. Clair River from Lighthouse Beach to Marysville is a high-stakes safety operation rather than a simple party. Following past tragedies—including a ’14 drowning and a ’16 storm that stranded fifteen hundred participants on the Canadian shore—officials urge everyone to wear life jackets, stay sober, and carry emergency gear, because strong currents can instantly turn a summer celebration into an international rescue.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Marine City YouTuber was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail and 18 months of probation after a judge said he wrongly used pepper spray outside Zimmerman’s Meat Market. Ian Pfister was convicted of improper use of a self-defense spray and aggravated assault after jurors watched his own video, which showed him warning store owner Richard Hobig before spraying him in the face; the judge said Hobig still has lasting eye problems, and the case is now a warning that self-defense claims must be used carefully and correctly.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s latest crime severity index dropped by nearly twenty-nine percent, but local police caution that this number reflects sentence severity rather than total crimes committed. While four homicides in ’24 artificially spiked the baseline to make this drop look dramatic, local call logs tell a mixed story: break-ins fell thirty-one percent to 253 incidents and weapons calls dropped to 108, yet shoplifting calls doubled to 822 and intimate partner violence reports remained high at nearly fifteen hundred. Overall, police solved over ninety percent of serious violent cases last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The annual Yale Bologna Festival took place in downtown Yale over the weekend, filling the streets with the savory aroma of grilled bologna, bustling craft vendors, and vibrant family entertainment. Folks gathered to celebrate small-town traditions by crowning the Bologna Royalty, posing with the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and joining games like the famous bologna toss. Beyond the fun and food, the three-day event served as a crucial fundraiser for local community groups, including the Yale High School robotics team.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lake St. Clair is getting ready for a crowded “Raft Off” this Saturday, as thousands are expected for a full weekend of boats, music, and on-the-water camping. Local authorities are urging boater safety and warning against unlicensed charter rides. The multi-day weekend bash requires vessel operators to carry unexpired flares, working fire extinguishers, properly fitted life jackets, and carbon monoxide ventilation. Boaters should also watch for underwater hazards, stay hydrated, and verify any paid captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed before stepping aboard.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet