St. Clair County leaders have rolled out a new plan to protect residents during dangerous heat waves and freezing temperatures, creating a coordinated system to open emergency shelters when conditions turn life-threatening. Blue Water Community Action will lead efforts, managing shelter space, transportation, and support once alerts are triggered, such as wind chills below zero or heat indexes over 105 degrees. A new $20,000 crisis fund will help cover overflow needs, while local shelters and partners step in to expand capacity.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Drivers in St. Clair Township should prepare for a major traffic shift starting today, as Gratiot Road between Wadhams Road and Bartlett Road will fully close for about four weeks for reconstruction. Crews will tear out the old asphalt, break up the concrete underneath, and lay down a new asphalt surface. During the closure, traffic will be rerouted along Wadhams Road, Smiths Creek Road, and Range Road. While through traffic is blocked, residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles will still have access within the work zone.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A teenage girl was injured Monday evening after crashing an ATV along Urban Road near Townline Road in Moore Township. Deputies say the 17-year-old lost control of a 2007 Polaris Hawkeye while heading east, causing the vehicle to veer into a ditch and throw her off. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. and rushed her to McKenzie Health System with injuries. Investigators say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved, and the crash is still under review.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet