Local News

Canadian border officers stopped more than $13.8 million in illegal tobacco and nicotine products in August, and three big busts happened at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan. On August 11, officers seized 2,796 kilograms of nicotine pouches worth $2.9 million. Two loose-leaf tobacco loads followed, one on August 14 and another on August 20, each worth about $2.7 million or more. Officials say the money from illegal tobacco often funds organized crime, so each seizure cuts off its money.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A two-vehicle crash in Argyle Township sent five people to the hospital Friday morning. Sanilac County deputies say a 52-year-old Sandusky woman failed to yield at a stop sign at Deckerville and Ubly Roads around 5:30 a.m., colliding with a southbound Dodge Ram. The Sandusky woman and her four passengers, including a 31-year-old Deckerville woman and 3 children, were taken to Deckerville Hospital for treatment. The other driver, a 43-year-old Gagetown man, was not hurt. Investigators say alcohol was not a factor.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Motorists across St. Clair County face a busy week of road work, with more than 30 sites affected by lane and full closures. Crews continue bridge replacement on Palms Road through December 4th, while Jeddo Road stays closed near Cribbins Road through October 15th for bridge maintenance. Chip seal, cape seal and paving projects will bring intermittent lane closures to townships including Casco, Clyde, Kimball and Port Huron. Officials say all work is weather dependent and urge drivers to allow extra travel time and watch for posted detours.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron officials are moving to reshape downtown with a pair of major real estate deals. City Council voted recently on a one million dollar purchase of the Woman’s Life Building on Military Street, aiming to relocate city hall and the police department there. At the same time, the city is negotiating a two million dollar sale of its current Municipal Office Center to a private developer, who plans to transform the waterfront building into housing and possibly a hotel. Voters already authorized the sale back in ’23.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia’s police headquarters plan is dead. The $91 million project has been scrapped, leaving the current station at 555 Christina Street North in need of major repairs. Police say front stairs have been closed after water damage and mould were found beneath them, a problem first flagged three years ago. The department is now seeking $3.5 million for urgent fixes next year, part of an $11.6 million repair plan through 2036. Critics say the city let maintenance slide instead of addressing warnings sooner.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Health officials in Tuscola County have confirmed a new measles case, tied to a known exposure, and are now working to notify anyone who may have come into contact with the virus. Measles spreads easily through the air and can linger for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room, with symptoms like fever, cough, and a red rash typically appearing 7 to 21 days after exposure. Officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet