Local News

Winter fun is easy to find across the Blue Water Area as local parks open their hills, trails, and ice rinks for the season. Families are heading to sledding spots like Columbus, Goodells, East China, Marysville City, and Lincoln parks. Port Huron also offers outdoor skating at McMorran Place Plaza and Palmer Park. Many locations provide lighted areas and free equipment. Park conditions depend on weather, always check conditions first — and remember snowboarding is not allowed.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

On December 22nd in Fremont Township near Marlette, a 59-year-old local woman crashed her Jeep Cherokee while trying to avoid a slow-moving tractor on Todd Road. As dusk fell, she couldn’t gauge the distance to the tractor’s flashing lights and swerved off the road to miss it. Her vehicle crossed a ditch, jumped a driveway, and landed in a nearby yard. She suffered possible injuries and was taken to McLaren Port Huron hospital. Alcohol wasn’t involved, and the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in Port Huron and the Blue Water Area can shake off the cold this winter with a lineup of free and family-friendly events starting in January. The International Silver Stick youth hockey tournament brings teams from the U.S. and Canada over three exciting weekends. St. Clair hosts its Icy Bazaar with massive ice carvings, fireworks, live music, and a brand-new drone show. Downtown Port Huron’s Chilly Fest features ice sculptures, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a fun chili cook-off. The fun wraps up in March with SC4’s free STEM Fest.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in northern Michigan were urged to slow down while crossing the Mackinac Bridge on Monday as dangerous winter weather moved through the Straits. Strong winds and blowing snow reduced visibility to near zero, making the five-mile bridge invisible on all live traffic cameras. The conditions were tied to a powerful winter storm that dropped heavy snow across the Upper Peninsula. Officials warned roads were slick and advised drivers to keep speeds at or below 20 miles per hour as crews closely monitored conditions.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron hockey fans are in for a treat at McMorran Arena this season. New owner Ken Andrews has transformed Port Huron Prowlers games into an NHL-like spectacle. Players burst onto the ice through roaring flamethrowers with epic videos projected right onto the surface. Giant screens deliver live action, instant replays, stats, and crowd shots just like on TV. A bigger team store too. Plus, a real thunderous goal horn shakes the building. The Prowlers take on the Indiana Sentinels Friday evening.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Authorities in St. Clair County need your help finding a local man who’s gone missing under worrying circumstances. Forty-eight-year-old Donald Haynes from Fort Gratiot walked away from his home on December 5th without his car, wallet, or phone—and no one’s heard from him since. He’s a white man with dark brown or black hair, brown eyes, and a dark beard that’s starting to gray. If you’ve seen Donald around the Port Huron area or have any tips, call St. Clair County Central Dispatch right away at 810-985-8115.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet