Local News

Motorists near Marysville should plan ahead this Sunday as DTE Energy crews will close I-94 south of the Gratiot Road Exit 266 for 12 hours of overhead utility work. The closure starts at 6 a.m. and is expected to reopen by 6 p.m. Traffic will be detoured via Wadhams Road Exit 262 and Gratiot Road Exit 266, using Wadhams Road and Gratiot Avenue. Officials say the shutdown is essential to keep both drivers and workers safe during the repairs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Law enforcement agencies across the Thumb are hosting the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day on October 25th. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription pills, capsules, and patches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sheriff offices and Michigan State Police sites in Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties. Local police departments will also join in collecting medications. Syringes, sharps, and liquids are not accepted unless sealed tightly in their original container. The event helps prevent drug misuse and keeps citizens safe.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Casa Tequilas Mexican Grill burst onto the Fort Gratiot dining scene with a packed grand opening near Birchwood Mall last week. The new family-run restaurant, located in the former Red Lobster building, drew such a crowd that staff had to turn customers away. Owners Monse and Nicolas Leon moved from Tennessee to bring their Chicago-based brand of authentic Mexican cuisine to the Blue Water area. Everything from salsa to guacamole is made fresh in-house, and experienced chefs were brought in to train new staff.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The Algonac Jr./Sr. High School health clinic is set to reopen under new management. The St. Clair County Health Department ran the clinic until September but closed it to follow state guidelines. Now, Community First Health Centers will take over, ensuring students and families regain access to essential care. State approval has secured funding for the transfer, and both organizations are working to meet all requirements, hire staff, and complete contracts. The exact reopening date depends on completing these steps, aiming to restore consistent healthcare services for the Algonac community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County murder suspect Maurice Houle appeared in court Monday, for motions including a request to move his trial out of the county. Judge Cynthia Lane said she won’t decide on a change of venue until jurors are questioned about whether they can be fair, citing the case’s public attention. Houle and co-defendant Amanda Maison face felony homicide charges in the death of Maison’s son, Matthew. A new hearing is set for Nov. 7th, while Maison’s motions are scheduled for Friday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron City Council approved buying 200 trees Monday as part of a citywide reforestation plan, spending $80,000 for plantings through next spring. The city also launched a new program letting residents request trees for their own property, boosting community involvement. The move aims to raise canopy coverage from the current 25% toward a regional goal of 40%. A proposal to create a resident-led task force to guide canopy planning failed without discussion, highlighting ongoing council tensions over process and communication.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet