Local News

WGRT Wins Big Again – Thanks to You!

WGRT 102.3 FM is celebrating another exciting honor – thanks to you, our amazing listeners, advertisers, and community partners! For the third year in a row, our very own Account Manager, Vickie Lemonis, has been named Alignable’s Local Business Person of the Year, a national recognition voted on by listeners, advertisers and businesses partners.

This follows her second consecutive win in the Advertising/Marketing category at the 2024 Best of the Blue Water Area Community’s Choice Awards, held at City Flats Hotel in Port Huron.

WGRT is honored and humbled by your continued support. Your loyalty helps us uplift local voices and build a stronger Blue Water Area.

From all of us at WGRT, thank you!

Port Huron will hold a public meeting on May 13th at 6 p.m. to review its proposed ’25-’26 budget. City Manager James Freed outlined a $143.8 million plan, trimming $2.4 million in new requests to keep it balanced. Cuts won’t impact last year’s department budgets. Big costs include wastewater and general fund operations. Rising healthcare, equipment, and fuel prices continue to strain city finances. Freed says residents shouldn’t feel the cuts, which focus on admin changes. Union salary talks could still affect the general fund.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Port Huron man accused in a deadly shooting on Vanness Street is heading to circuit court. A judge ruled there’s enough evidence to charge 23-year-old Dazman Drake with murder, firearm use, evidence tampering, and concealing a stolen vehicle. Drake allegedly shot Vincent Buckles inside his home on January 28th. Investigators say Buckles’ ex, Sayon Florence, helped plan the killing. Police linked Drake to the scene through phone data, gloves, and security video showing him with an illegal gun. Drake remains in custody.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

The SC4 Tower in downtown Port Huron will glow red and blue May 6 thru the12th to honor Nurses Week. As part of the nationwide “Nurses Light Up the Sky” campaign, SC4 becomes the first Michigan site to join over 100 landmarks nationwide. Partnering with Lake Huron Medical Center, SC4 highlights the vital work of nurses and its top-ranked nursing program. Standing 150 feet tall, the tower will shine brightly in tribute to those who bring light and care to the Blue Water community every day.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Michigan’s Thumb region, early voting for the May 6 special election is underway. Folks in Tuscola County are deciding on school millages for Vassar and Reese districts to fund operations and building upgrades. Huron County’s Laker Schools seek $12.7 million for new facilities, while Fairhaven Township aims to tackle mosquito issues with a new assessment. Sanilac and St. Clair counties are voting on Yale and Algonac school funds, plus road improvements in Kenockee. Lapeer’s townships are also considering a Davison schools fund.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

In Sanilac County, the Community Mental Health team donated $1,304 dollars to the “Shop with a Hero” program, helping local kids shop with first responders for the holidays. On April 8th, Deb Messing handed the check to Sheriff Paul Rich. The funds came from the staff’s “Casual for a Cause” fundraiser, where employees pay $3 dollars to dress casually every other Friday. This year’s donation continues a proud tradition, with past contributions supporting local groups like Thumbs Up for Kids, the Humane Society, and Veterans’ Affairs.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet