Fire Destroys Cottrellville Barn

Firefighters from several St. Clair County departments battled a large barn fire Monday night in Cottrellville Township. Crews were called just after 8 to the 6400 block of Indian Trail, where flames destroyed the barn and several vehicles inside. No injuries were reported, but the structure was a total loss. Marine City Fire Authority says the cause is still under investigation. Township Supervisor Greg Abbey thanked responding crews and reminded residents to be cautious with heaters and open flames after several similar fires in the area last week.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Walk for Warmth Returns to Downtown

Port Huron’s Blue Water Community Action Walk for Warmth returns downtown this Saturday. Walkers will step off from the Wrigley Center on Grand River Avenue to raise money for local families struggling to heat their homes. Participants can collect pledges online at bwcaa.org. The fundraiser also includes raffle baskets with themes like Pure Michigan Pride and Happy Hour Liquor—tickets are $2 each or six for $10. The route loops twice through downtown, with maps and parking available. Sponsors include Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and others.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Blue Water SandFest 2019 Photo: Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Sandfest Takes a Break

Blue Water Sandfest won’t return this summer at Fort Gratiot County Park. Organizers say they’re taking a one-year break to rethink and reimagine Michigan’s biggest sand-sculpting event for next year. The Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light say the pause will help strengthen their mission and support restoration work at the historic lighthouse. Sandfest Chair LeeAnn Baker thanked sponsors and visitors for years of support and promised bigger, better plans when the event returns next year to Fort Gratiot.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Regional Teacher of the Year

In Marysville, Woodland Developmental Center teacher Angela Jackson got a surprise call — she’d been named Michigan’s 2026–27 Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 5, representing St. Clair County. Jackson teaches students ages 3 to 9 with severe multiple impairments, focusing on communication, independence and life skills. A Memphis High graduate, she began her career in Port Huron schools before returning to Woodland in ’18. Colleagues say she brings compassion and high expectations to every child. Jackson calls the honor a win for her entire school community.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia Eyes Air Canada Coach Link

Sarnia City Council is weighing a plan that could reconnect local travellers to Air Canada’s network—without planes taking off from Sarnia. At its March 9th meeting, council will review a proposed deal with The Landline Company and Air Canada to launch an Air Canada–branded coach link from Chris Hadfield Airport to Toronto Pearson. Passengers would check in right in Sarnia, load their bags once, and board a luxury motorcoach featuring Wi-Fi and roomy seats. It’s a one-year pilot worth up to $375,000, partly shared with Tourism Sarnia-Lambton. If approved, service could roll out by May.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Cyplik Celebrates a Century of Life

Fort Gratiot resident Edith Cyplik will reach a rare milestone today, turning 100 at Medilodge nursing center on Lakeshore Road. Family from as far away as Oregon, Arizona and South Korea already gathered Sunday for an early celebration. Born in Detroit in 1926, Cyplik spent her life in Michigan and was married to her late husband Donald for 61 years. She raised four children and today has more than 40 descendants across five generations. Though her eyesight and hearing have faded, family say she’s still sharp, and loves bingo and reading.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet