Local News

Sarnia city leaders are weighing a new revenue boost tied to sports betting at Gateway Casinos on London Line. At a meeting today, council will vote on a proposal to secure a direct four percent share of all sports betting profits generated at the site, including sportsbook operations and betting kiosks. The change builds on an existing agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and could bring in new funds for local projects. If approved, city officials will finalize and sign the updated deal.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

More than 80 years after his death in World War II, a Croswell soldier has finally been laid to rest at home. Corporal George Sepsey, a Croswell High School graduate, was killed in Papua New Guinea in 1942 at age 24, but his remains were never identified. His mother spent years searching for answers and even reserved a gravesite for him before her death. In ’25, his family learned his remains had been identified. Last Saturday Sepsey was buried in Croswell, fulfilling his mother’s long-held wish.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents can celebrate America’s 250th birthday at a free block party July 12th at the Carnegie Museum on Sixth Street. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and includes free museum admission, live Americana music from the Male Schubert Choir, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Families can see a live bald eagle, blacksmith demos, and hands-on crafts for a small fee. Local groups, yard games, and food vendors will also be part of the afternoon celebration.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Fort Gratiot man is headed to trial after prosecutors say he carried out a violent crime spree across Macomb County. Fifty-three-year-old Thomas Tackett faces 13 charges, including carjacking and multiple home invasions, after incidents in Harrison Township and St. Clair Shores last October. Authorities say he broke into several occupied homes, stabbed a man with a fork, damaged a golf course, and led deputies on a high-speed chase on I-94 before being arrested. Tackett remains jailed without bond and is set for arraignment June 29th.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In St. Clair County, the Health Advisory Board refused to cut local family planning services after a heated meeting on Wednesday. Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin had urged the county to drop federal Title X funding, citing staffing shortages and other priorities. But dozens of residents pushed back, warning that hundreds of patients could lose access to birth control, STI testing, and preventive care. Board members agreed more time is needed for a solid transition plan to protect patients. The program served 871 people last year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County students brought home national recognition from the annual SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Three talented teens from the Technical Education Center competed against the country’s top young tradespeople. Rori Cowhy of Yale High School competed in welding sculpture, while Marysville’s Michael Carrier and Yale’s Blake Duvall took on advanced CNC machining events. Former TEC student Lucas Bauman placed ninth in the nation in the college division. TEC leaders say their strong showing highlights the quality of local career and technical training.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet