Local News

The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County has released this year’s Wage and Benefit Survey, giving local employers a snapshot of what workers earn and the benefits they receive. The report shows the county’s biggest job groups are in food service, retail, healthcare, and production. High-paying roles include airline pilots and medical specialists. Officials say the survey helps businesses stay competitive and plan for growth. Fewer companies expect layoffs this year, and many report lower staff turnover across St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County Community College’s women’s basketball team is gearing up for postseason play tomorrow night. The Skippers, ranked No. 2 in the East, will host Wayne County Community College District at the SC4 Fieldhouse in Port Huron. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. The winner moves on to Thursday’s semifinal at Mott Community College in Flint, with the championship set for Sunday afternoon. SC4 enters the playoffs at 21-8 overall after finishing 12-2 in conference. Fans are urged to fill the Fieldhouse and cheer the Skippers.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A truck driver caught with nearly a million dollars’ worth of meth along the U.S.–Canada border near Port Huron is heading to federal prison. Syed Shah, from Ontario, pleaded guilty after agents found more than 400 kilos of meth hidden in his trailer at the Blue Water Bridge. Investigators say Shah thought he was hauling tobacco and got no payment for the job. A judge sentenced him Tuesday to two years in prison. His co-defendant, Navjot Singh, still faces charges. The bust happened after officers spotted suspicious activity behind a Memphis gas station last fall.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Sanilac is gearing up for the 4th Annual Sanilac Easter Egg Hunt, happening Saturday, April 4th at the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum. Gates open at 11, and the egg hunt starts right at noon. The free event, hosted by the Sanilac County Historical Society and Port Sanilac Parks and Recreation, offers fun for kids up to age 12. Families can enjoy a petting zoo, crafts, sack races, music, and food from The Hotdog Hut — plus photos with the Easter Bunny.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Fire crews from across St. Clair County rushed to a major fire early Wednesday at the Drug Task Force building on Ash Road in Kimball Township. Deputies say flames broke out around 3:20 a.m., destroying offices, vehicles, and ammunition stored inside. No one was in the building when it burned. The Michigan State Police and federal ATF agents are investigating how it started. So far, investigators haven’t released any details or confirmed the cause.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Michigan man convicted of murder more than 50 years ago in St. Clair County is asking for a new sentence. Willie Bankston, now 73, has been serving life for the 1973 shooting death of 20-year-old Tyrone Manns near Kimball Township. His attorney argues a new Michigan Supreme Court ruling gives 19- and 20-year-olds a chance at parole, saying it should apply to Bankston, who was 20 at the time. A resentencing hearing is set for April 2nd before Judge Cynthia Lane in Port Huron.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet