Local News

A kitchen fire has turned off the grills at Riverside Family Dining on North Howard Avenue in Croswell, but it has also fired up the community. Owner Tom Pastoria has run the family-owned diner for 32 years, and neighbors are now eager to support his family and the longtime employees who depend on the restaurant. Pastoria says he is determined to get Riverside Family Dining reopened by Christmas. Until the grills are hot again, folks across Croswell and Sanilac County are rallying behind one of their hometown gathering spots.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County residents can celebrate a riverfront landmark’s 100th anniversary with a free open house. The St. Clair Inn, at 500 North Riverside Avenue in St. Clair, will welcome visitors November 10th from 4 to 6 p.m. A separate history tour November 21st will explore the hotel’s beginnings and stories of secret parties when alcohol was banned. Tickets cost $15 to $20 through Port Huron Museums. The hotel opened in 1926 and reopened in 2019 after extensive restoration.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron-area small businesses looking to grow can apply for a new program offering business advice and professional services. The Port Huron SmartZone and its Propeller business incubator are leading the effort for Michigan’s Region 6. Applicants must already operate businesses earning revenue. Applications close November 23rd. Selected businesses will be announced in mid-December, with the program starting January 5th of ’27. Business owners can begin by completing the client intake form on the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network website.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

An Almont senior’s position change is helping keep the Raiders unbeaten. Miguel Luciano moved from backup running back to starting guard, opening holes for teammates instead of carrying the ball. Almont is 8-0, ranked number 2 in Division 6, and has repeated as Blue Water Athletic Conference champion. With school touchdown leader Brody Corneau powering the running game, the Raiders are chasing a perfect regular season and another playoff run after last year’s heartbreaking 3-overtime semifinal loss to Jackson Lumen Christi.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron residents should plan “laundry” around hydrant flushing to avoid discolored water. Starting yesterday, city crews will flush water mains and prepare fire hydrants for winter during a 4-week project. Work runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning near the Black River and moving south toward city limits. Customers may experience temporary service disruptions and should avoid laundry during flushing hours. If water turns cloudy or discolored, residents should run a faucet wide open for 10 to 15 minutes until it clears.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Macomb County and West Michigan voters could help shape the governor’s race over whether Michigan should pause new data centers. A Marketing Resource Group poll finds 52% of voters in each region would be more likely to back a candidate supporting a statewide pause. Statewide, 53% support a moratorium, while 22% oppose it. Support for a pause crosses party lines, including 62% of Democrats, 49% of Republicans and 44% of independents, putting the issue before candidates heading into November’s election.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet