Seniors Awarded Diane Wendt Scholarships

Five Croswell-Lexington High School seniors have earned the annual Diane Wendt Scholarship from the Sanilac County Community Foundation. Honorees include Morgan Stillson, Mary Carver, Madison Greenaway, Brynn Hurley, and Brooklyn Murray. Their accomplishments span theatre, band, cheer, athletics, and academics. The scholarship will help them pursue college studies at Eastern Michigan, Saginaw Valley State, Michigan State, and St. Clair County Community College, supporting degrees in musical theatre, business, kinesiology, human biology, and science. The award recognizes exceptional students.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Garden vs. Housing in Port Huron

Port Huron is facing a clash between housing development and green space. The city ended Polly’s Place garden’s lease on 27th Street to make room for nine new homes, sparking pushback from founder Julian Ruck and local residents. Ruck says the garden is an educational hub for students and families, while city leaders cite water costs and previous property issues. Councilmember Barbara Payton and supporters argue the garden is vital for the community. Negotiations and public debate over the site continue.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lawmakers Push to Keep SNAP Benefits

Michigan lawmakers are moving to protect food aid as the federal government shutdown threatens benefits. Federal SNAP payments, which feed nearly 1.4 million residents and total about $260 million monthly, are set to pause starting in November. House Democrats propose using $900 million in state funds to keep SNAP running and an extra $12.5 million for local food banks and pantries. The plan faces political hurdles: Republicans control the House and blame Democrats in Washington for the shutdown, while state Democrats point to federal inaction.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Crash Kills Washington Man

Last Friday’s crash on M-53 in Imlay Township claimed the life of 69-year-old Washington man Stephen Sobanski. According to the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Sobanski’s Jeep crossed the centerline around 3:40 p.m. and collided head-on with a southbound semi. Sobanski died at the scene, while a 15-year-old passenger and the truck driver were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. M-53 remained closed over five hours for cleanup.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Preliminary Hearing Set in Gas Station Killing

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4th for 36-year-old Oile accused of killing 30-year-old Reginald Franklin at a Port Huron Marathon gas station. Court documents say Franklin was shot multiple times at the Military Street location on Oct. 13th after a confrontation with Oile. Franklin was rushed to Lake Huron Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The hearing will determine if enough evidence exists to move the case to a jury trial. Oile faces an open murder charge, carrying up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Officer Shoots Dog

A Port Huron police officer injured a dog Tuesday morning after it charged at him while responding to a neighbor dispute on Williamsburg Drive. The call came around 10:17, when the officer encountered two aggressive dogs at one home. He fired his weapon, striking one dog, which was taken to St. Clair County Animal Control. The officer sustained minor injuries but did not seek medical care. Authorities are investigating whether the dogs were deliberately provoked.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet