Local News

A mid-day fire broke out in an Oregon Township basement last Wednesday, destroying lower-level rooms and pushing thick smoke throughout the entire single-family home on Cinnamon Court. Although all residents escaped the blaze unharmed before first responders arrived, firefighters tragically discovered two family cats who died inside the residence. Regional emergency crews aggressively attacked the interior flames and brought them under control within twenty minutes, remaining on the scene for several hours to clear hidden hot spots while investigators worked to determine what triggered the outbreak.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Students in Port Huron are gearing up for the upcoming school year thanks to a back-to-school initiative organized by Forge & Build. Community members can support our youth by dropping off new backpacks and essential classroom items at the 2307 Lapeer Avenue store between 8 and 4 through Friday. The main distribution event takes place August 21st, from noon until 3 providing free supplies and backpacks to elementary and middle school students on a first-come, first-served basis. Families who attend can also enjoy a free hot dogs and chips.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Deputies investigated a three-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon at Bray and Willard Roads in Arbela Township after a 17-year-old Gladwin girl stopped at the sign but failed to yield. Her SUV was struck by a 49-year-old Vassar man’s car, which then forced it into a vehicle driven by a 49-year-old Clio man. All three drivers were injured and a juvenile passenger in the SUV suffered serious injuries requiring medical transport. Officials arrested the teen on suspicion of operating while intoxicated and causing serious injury.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Anglers targeting ancient lake sturgeon will gather for the twelfth annual North Channel Sturgeon Classic on October tenth along the St. Clair River in Clay Township. Teams fish an eight-hour catch-and-release contest in the North Channel and upper Middle Channel waters, electronically logging the three longest fish for cash prizes. Last year twenty-four teams registered sixty-four sturgeon during the event, which raises funds for the St. Clair-Detroit River Sturgeon for Tomorrow nonprofit. Proceeds support science, education, ethical fishing practices and habitat work.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron officially broke ground on the seventeen-and-a-half million dollar Lincoln Avenue Lofts project, a brand-new affordable housing development set to bring forty modern homes to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Erie Street. Led by Community Housing Network and the Algonac Housing Commission, the project features thirty-eight apartments in a four-story building alongside two duplex units, with half of all residences dedicated to helping people rebuild after experiencing housing loss. After several years of planning and securing federal tax credits, construction is now officially moving forward to welcome first residents late next year.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Acclaimed musician Dave Bennett wraps up the Music in the Park series with a free concert on August 14th at Patrick Tierney Memorial Park. The outdoor show will feature Bennett’s signature fusion of Swing Era classics, rockabilly hits, and lively piano routines. Rain or shine, attendees should bring lawn chairs and umbrellas, while food vendors and restaurants provide refreshments. Shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the evening, offering transportation from St. Denis Catholic Church, Lexington United Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, and North Shore Trailer Park.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet